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.
Say You
The Temptations Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Who do you belong to?
Say, you
I've been hoping to meet you
Baby (Baby)
You've caught my eye
I can't deny
I like what I see
You're perfect for me
Fast and fancy
Say, you
Who do you love? (Say, you)
I don't want to be friends if my heart kept seein'
Watching you play around (You play around)
This would make me sad
Hurt so bad
Drag my spirit down
Girl, say, you
Who do you love? (Say, you)
(Baby) Give me the key to your heart.
Baby, say you
Who do you belong to?
(Give me the key to your heart)
Baby, baby, you, Lil' Girl
(Give me the key to your heart)
Baby, you.
The Temptations' song "Say You" is a classic example of a male trying to woo a woman he is attracted to. The song begins with the male asking the woman who she belongs to, indicating his interest in pursuing a relationship with her. He acknowledges that she has caught his eye and he cannot deny his attraction to her. He finds her to be "perfect" for him, "fast and fancy."
However, the male emphasizes that he does not want to be just friends with her; He cannot stand to see her play around with other men. If she were to reject him, it would hurt him so desperately that it would drag his spirit down. He asks her to give him the key to her heart and reveal who she loves.
The underlying message of the song is the vulnerability that comes with the pursuit of love. The male is exposing himself and his true feelings to the woman in hopes that she will do the same. The lyrics indicate that he wants more than just a casual fling, he wants a real relationship with the woman he is pursuing. The song ultimately leaves the fate of the relationship uncertain and it's up to interpretation if it is successful or not.
Line by Line Meaning
Say, you
Asking someone for their attention
Who do you belong to?
Curious about the person's relationship status
Say, you
Reiterating the request for the person's attention
I've been hoping to meet you
Expressing an interest in getting to know the person
Baby, (Baby)
Term of endearment used to address the person
You've caught my eye
Noting that the person has grabbed one's attention
I can't deny
Admitting to being drawn to the person
I realize it's you
Coming to the realization that the person is the one they want
I like what I see
Being attracted to the person's physical appearance
You're perfect for me
Thinking that the person is the ideal match
Fast and fancy
Describing the person as exciting or thrilling
Who do you love? (Say, you)
Inquiring about the person's romantic interests
I don't want to be friends if my heart kept seein'
Not wanting to continue a platonic relationship while harboring feelings
Watching you play around (You play around)
Observing the person flirt or date other people
This would make me sad
Feeling heartbroken at the thought of the person being with someone else
Hurt so bad
Experiencing intense emotional pain
Drag my spirit down
Feeling emotionally drained or defeated
Girl, say, you
Addressing the person once again while emphasizing gender
Who do you love? (Say, you)
Repeating the question about the person's romantic interests
(Baby) Give me the key to your heart.
Asking for the person's affection and commitment
Baby, say you
Requesting a response to the earlier inquiries
Who do you belong to?
Asking about the person's relationship status once more
(Give me the key to your heart)
Reiterating the desire for the person's love
Baby, baby, you, Lil' Girl
Mixing terms of endearment while continuing to express affection
(Give me the key to your heart)
Requesting the person's commitment and love once more
Baby, you.
Stating that the person is the one they desire and love
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: CHARLES EDWARD JONES, ROBERT DOBYNE, ROBERT STAUNTON, STAUNTON ROBERT
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
don1985don
Love it when they hit " Baby" at the end in unison still gives me the friggin chills after all these years David was born for this lead
Linda hines
me too I still get the chills all over!
Gene Ayala
don1985don ...Me Too .... When You Sing It...Pick Out A Fine Lady
Don Clark
Probably, one of the greatest singing groups in all of western civilization. Definitely, unchallengeable in all the halls
of greatness! If there's any who can surpass this icon group, please enlighten me. Thank You
Deacon Don Clark
Wymell
The Dramatics we're not a joke
Wymell
Maybe The Drifters but I'm not sure
Sylvia Hardy
are the greatest in their time
gam90000
One of the Tempt's best songs ever and some of Benny Benjamin's best drum work ever. Thanks for posting.
Darryl McLendon
I was born in 1953 "Temptations " is the greatest singing,performing uniformed dance stepping rounded off group in my era. Give a couple of years I'm an old teen age guy.
Wymell Williams
I meant to say I have yet to see another group that can hang with them did you manage that very close