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.
Silent Night
The Temptations Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
All is calm and all is bright
Round yon virgin, mother and child
Holy infant, so tender and mild
Sleep in heavenly peace, ooh
Sleep, sleep in heaven, heavenly peace
Silent night, holy night
Glories streams from heaven afar
Heavenly hosts sing, alleluia
Christ the savior is born, he's born
Christ the savior is born
Round yon virgin, mother and child
Holy infant, so tender and mild
Sleep in heavenly peace, oh
Sleep in heavenly peace
The lyrics to The Temptations' "Silent Night" describe a peaceful and holy night where a virgin mother watches over her child, who is the holy infant, and they sleep in heavenly peace. The imagery used in the song is simple yet powerful: "all is calm and all is bright," "glories streams from heaven afar," and "heavenly hosts sing, alleluia." The song also captures the awe and reverence of the shepherds who witness this miraculous event, as they quake in the presence of such divine beauty. The closing lines of the song repeat the idea of "sleeping in heavenly peace," reinforcing the sense of comfort and security that comes with the arrival of the savior.
The lyrics of "Silent Night" were originally written in German by Joseph Mohr in 1816. The song was later translated into English by John Freeman Young in 1859. The Temptations' version of the classic Christmas carol was released in 1970 and quickly became a classic in its own right. The song is often played during the holiday season as a reminder of the true meaning of Christmas.
Line by Line Meaning
Silent night, holy night
The stillness of the night is made holy by the birth of Jesus.
All is calm and all is bright
The scene is peaceful and serene, illuminated by a bright, starry sky.
Round yon virgin, mother and child
Mary and her son, Jesus, are depicted together.
Holy infant, so tender and mild
The baby Jesus is pure and innocent, with a gentle and loving nature.
Sleep in heavenly peace, ooh
May the baby Jesus rest in peace and tranquility.
Sleep, sleep in heaven, heavenly peace
May the peaceful atmosphere of heaven embrace the sleeping infant Jesus.
Shepherds quake at the sight
The shepherds who witnessed this scene are filled with awe and wonder.
Glories streams from heaven afar
A magnificent light shines upon the earth from heaven, signaling the birth of Jesus.
Heavenly hosts sing, alleluia
The angels in heaven rejoice and sing in praise of Jesus's birth.
Christ the savior is born, he's born
Jesus, who will redeem mankind, is born.
Round yon virgin, mother and child
Mary and Jesus are still present, evoking a sense of humble admiration.
Holy infant, so tender and mild
Jesus remains sweet and innocent, exuding a sense of calmness and purity.
Sleep in heavenly peace, oh
May Jesus sleep soundly and peacefully, held in divine protection.
Sleep in heavenly peace
May Jesus rest in eternal peace and happiness, protected by divine love.
Lyrics ยฉ Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: Franz Xaver Gruber, Joseph Mohr
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind