1. The Temptations … Read Full Bio ↴The Temptations may refer to at least two groups
1. The Temptations are an American Motown singing group whose repertoire has included doo-wop, soul, psychedelia, funk, disco, rnb, and adult contemporary. Formed in Detroit, Michigan in 1960 as The Elgins. The group, known for its finely tuned choreography, distinct harmonies, and stylish suits, has been said to be as influential to soul as The Beatles are to rock. Having sold an estimated 22 million albums by 1982, The Temptations are one of the most successful groups in black music history and were the definitive male vocal group of the 1960s. In addition, they have the second-longest tenure on Motown (behind Stevie Wonder), as they were with the label for a total of 40 years: 16 years from 1961 to 1977, and 24 more from 1980 to 2004 (from 1977 to 1980, they were signed to Atlantic Records). As of 2005, The Temptations continue to perform for Universal Records with only one original member, founder Otis Williams, in its lineup.
Like its sister group The Supremes, The Temptations' lineup has changed frequently over the years. The original group included members of two local Detroit vocal groups: second tenor/baritone Otis Williams, first tenor Elbridge Bryant and bass Melvin Franklin from The Distants; and first tenor/falsetto Eddie Kendricks and second tenor/baritone Paul Williams (no relation to Otis) from The Primes. Among the most notable future Temptations were lead singers David Ruffin and Dennis Edwards (both of whom became successful Motown solo artists after leaving the group, as did Kendricks), Richard Street (another former Distant), Damon Harris, Ron Tyson, Ali-Ollie Woodson, Theo Peoples, and G.C. Cameron.
Over the course of their career, The Temptations have released four number-one pop hit singles and 14 number-one R&B hit singles, and their material has earned them three Grammy Awards. Most of the early Temptations hits, including "The Way You Do the Things You Do", "My Girl", and "Get Ready" were written and produced by Smokey Robinson and other members of The Miracles, while composer/producer Norman Whitfield and lyricists Eddie Holland and Barrett Strong crafted most of the group's later hits, including "Ain't Too Proud to Beg", "I Wish It Would Rain", "Cloud Nine", "I Can't Get Next to You", "Just My Imagination (Running Away with Me)", and "Papa Was a Rollin' Stone".
2. There was also a 50s doo-wop group from New York named the Temptations. They are best remembered for their 1960 top 40 hit "Barbara. After this hit, lead singer Neil Stevens went solo.
Santa Claus Is Comin
The Temptations Lyrics
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So, you better watch out.
You better not cry.
You better not pout;
I'm tellin' you why.
Santa Claus is comin' to town.
He's makin' a list
Gonna find out who's naughty and nice.
Santa Claus is comin' to town.
He sees you when you're sleepin'.
He knows when you're awake.
He knows if you've been bad or good,
So, be good for goodness sake.
Oh, you better watch out.
You better not cry.
You better not pout;
I'm tellin' you why.
Santa Claus is comin' to town.
Now, listen, he sees when you're sleeping,
And he knows when you're awake.
He knows if you've been bad or good,
So, be good for goodness sake
Oh, you better watch out.
You better not cry.
You better not pout;
I'm tellin' you why.
Santa Claus is comin' to town.
Little tin horns
And little toy drums.
A rooty-toot-toot
And a rumpa-tum-tum.
Santa Claus is comin' to town.
Oh so, you better watch out.
You better not cry.
You better not pout;
I'm telling you why.
Santa Claus is comin' to town.
The Temptations classic Christmas song, "Santa Claus Is Comin' To Town," is a festive reminder to listeners that Santa Claus is in fact on his way. The lyrics address children, warning them that they better behave since Santa will be coming soon. The song's message is clear – Santa is watching everyone’s behavior, good and bad, so they better be on their best behavior. The song emphasizes that Santa Claus is the focal point of Christmas, as he is the one who brings joy and happiness to children all over the world. The lyrics are simple yet catchy, with several repetitive lines that make the song easy to sing along to.
The first stanza of the song begins with addressing "boy and girls," marking it as a children's song. Then it warns them about the bad consequences that could result from being "naughty" or “pouty.” The listener is reminded of Santa Claus's ability to judge and determine whether they have been good or bad. It is evident that Santa Claus is the central figure of the song, and everything revolves around his arrival.
The second stanza is all about Santa Claus checking his list and looking for who is on the "nice" or "naughty" list. The verses place a high emphasis on the message of being good, implying that those who are "good for goodness' sake" will receive their Christmas gifts. The song then reminds children that Santa knows when they are sleeping or awake, so it is important to maintain good behavior at all times.
The third and final stanza of the song transitions from devoted warnings to a more exciting and celebratory tone, introducing themes of music and toy gifts. It closes with the repetition of the song's refrain encouraging the children to stay on good behavior leading up to the arrival of Santa Claus.
Line by Line Meaning
Well, boy and girls, it's Christmas time again.
It's that time of the year again, kids, and Santa is coming!
So, you better watch out.
Be alert and cautious, children.
You better not cry.
Do not weep, for it will not help your cause.
You better not pout;
Don't sulk and complain, for it won't do you any good.
I'm tellin' you why.
I'll explain to you the reason for this admonition.
Santa Claus is comin' to town.
The legendary gift-giver, Santa Claus, is on his way!
He's makin' a list
Santa is creating a roster,
And checkin' it twice;
He's verifying it thoroughly, twice over.
Gonna find out who's naughty and nice.
He'll discern who's been good and who's been bad.
He sees you when you're sleepin'.
Even when you're snoozing, Santa still observes you.
He knows when you're awake.
He's aware of when you're alert.
He knows if you've been bad or good,
His knowledge extends to whether you've done anything wrong.
So, be good for goodness sake.
Thus, for your own good, strive to behave virtuously.
Little tin horns
Small brass instruments,
And little toy drums.
As well as miniature percussion instruments.
A rooty-toot-toot
Creating an onomatopoeic sound that suggests blaring,
And a rumpa-tum-tum.
Producing a thumping, drum-like sound.
Santa Claus is comin' to town.
Our main man Santa Claus is about to arrive, so don't forget to be good!
Oh so, you better watch out.
Pay attention and be careful, or you'll regret it.
You better not cry.
Halt your tears completely.
You better not pout;
Avoid whining and sulking at all costs.
I'm telling you why.
And I'll explain why shortly.
Santa Claus is comin' to town.
Santa is coming, Santa is coming, Santa is coming!
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: John Coots, Haven Gillespie
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind