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' To Town
The Temptations Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
So, you better watch out
You better not cry
You better not pout
I'm tellin' you why
Santa Clause is comin' to town
And checkin' it twice
Gonna find out who's naughty and nice
Santa Clause 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 Clause is comin' to town
Now, listen, he sees when you're sleeping,
And he knows when you're awake.
He knows if you've beed 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 Clause is comin' to town
Little tin horns
And little toy drums
A rooty-toot-toot
And a rumpa-bum-bum
Santa Clause is comin' to town
So, you better watch out
You better not cry
You better not pout I'm telling you why
Santa Clause is comin' to town
Ooh
The Temptations’ rendition of the classic Christmas song “Santa Claus Is Comin’ to Town” warns children that Santa Claus is coming to town, and he is checking his list twice to see who’s been naughty or nice. The song emphasizes that one must be good, not only for their own sake but for the sake of receiving gifts from Santa. Children are advised to watch out, not cry or pout, as this may affect their chances of receiving presents from Santa Claus. They are reminded that they are being monitored, and Santa is aware of their behavior—their good deeds as well as their naughty shenanigans.
The lyrics go on to describe the nature of Santa Claus, who is observant of children’s behavior even when they are sleeping. The mention of toys such as little tin horns, little toy drums, a rooty-toot-toot, and a rumpa-bum-bum, "Santa Claus Is Comin' to Town" conjures images of children eagerly anticipating their presents on Christmas morning. The song is a reminder that Santa is benevolent and judges children on their behavior, not their wealth or social status. In essence, the song embodies the joy of Christmas and encourages people to be better versions of themselves, even if it is just for a short while.
Line by Line Meaning
Well, boy and girls, it's Christmas time again.
As the holiday season approaches, it's time to spread good cheer and celebrate with family and friends.
You better watch out
Be vigilant and on your best behavior, as the big man himself is on his way.
You better not cry
Don't let your emotions get the best of you, as it could land you on the naughty list.
You better not pout
Don't sulk or complain, as it's important to maintain a positive attitude and holiday spirit.
I'm tellin' you why
Listen up and pay attention, as there is a very important reason for these warnings.
Santa Clause is comin' to town
Yes, the jolly red man himself is making his annual pilgrimage to deliver gifts and spread joy.
He's makin' a list
Santa keeps meticulous records of who has been naughty and nice throughout the year.
And checkin' it twice
He goes over the list again and again to ensure he gets it right.
Gonna find out who's naughty and nice
There's no hiding from Santa's watchful eye, as he knows everything that goes on throughout the year.
He sees you when you're sleepin'
Even when you're resting comfortably in your bed, Santa is still keeping an eye on you.
He knows when you're awake
Whether you're up and about or snoozing away, Santa is always aware of your whereabouts and behavior.
He knows if you've been bad or good
There's no fooling Santa - he knows if you've been naughty or nice, so it's best to be on your best behavior.
So, be good for goodness sake
Do the right thing not just to avoid getting on Santa's naughty list, but because it's the right thing to do.
Little tin horns
The joyful sounds of holiday music fill the air, as people celebrate the season with festive decorations and music.
And little toy drums
Children are filled with excitement and anticipation, as they eagerly await the arrival of Santa and the presents he brings.
A rooty-toot-toot
The sound of trumpets fills the air, signaling the arrival of Santa and the spirit of the holiday season.
And a rumpa-bum-bum
The joyful sounds of drums and other percussion instruments add to the festive atmosphere, as people come together to celebrate.
Ooh
Just a joyful exclamation of the excitement and anticipation that surrounds the holiday season.
Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Mable Riley
Temptations forever ❤
SJD_
You gentlemen are very much missed here in south eastern michigan!
Paul Williams Fans
"Christmas Card" is the best Christmas album!
Chris Pitel
Love your sound
agumm8912
A bit early don't you think? But I never ever ever get tired of hearing my boyz the Temps !!!!
Brandon Foley
November 1st isn’t that far away so ig they thought it was appropriate. Dennis killed this!
João Alberto Dos Anjos Gomes
🌎👍❤
Jose Avila
Number ones history músic🇪🇸✌️✌️✌️✌️✌️✌️
Jaylen E. Turner
🕺🏾🕺🏾🕺🏾🕺🏾🕺🏾
Christa Hamata
Ohhhh men I miss you guy's. Misst you in germany 😔🥺