The Temptations may refer to at least two groups

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.

Since I Don't Have You
The Temptations Lyrics

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Since I don′t have you
Baby, baby

Everywhere, people stare
Each and every day
Since my love is gone away
And I know, the pain will grow
What else can I do

To keep myself from loving you?
But walk away
And hang my head
And wipe away, baby
The tears I shed until the end

Come back, baby
Come back to me
Come back, baby
Can't you see that I′m...

Going through a change or two
Since I don't have you
Baby, I've been so confused
Since I don′t have you
(Since I don′t have you)
Since I don't have you, honey
(Baby, baby)

I got to find a place
To hide my face (since I don′t have you)
When I want to sleep
So my fears can let me be
I was proud
I called the crowd (since I don't have you)
Your love for me was strong
Now the taste of love is gone
Here I am
I′m on my knees asking, "Why?"
Baby, please

Come back, baby
Come back to me
Come back, baby
Can't you see that I′m...

Going through a change or two
Oh baby
Since I don't have you
Baby, I've been so confused
Since I don′t have you
Come back, baby

(Going through a change or two)
Going through a change or two
(Since I don′t have you)

Baby, I've been so confused
Since I don′t have you

Overall Meaning

In The Temptations's song "Since I Don't Have You," the singer laments over the loss of his love. Everywhere he goes, he is reminded of the love he once had, and he's struggling to move on. The pain of the loss is evident in his voice and in the lyrics of the song. He asks his former lover to come back to him, but he knows it's unlikely. He's going through a change, but it's not the kind of change he wanted.

The singer describes the stares he gets from people every day, as well as the pain of the loss. He tries to keep himself from loving his former lover, but it's impossible. He hangs his head in sorrow and wipes away the tears he sheds until the end. He's confused, and he doesn't know what to do. He needs his lover to come back, but he knows it's unlikely.

Since I Don't Have YouThe Temptations Lyrics

Since I Don't Have You
The Temptations Lyrics