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.
Somewhere
The Temptations Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Somewhere a place for us
Peace and quiet and open air
Wait for us somewhere
There's a time for us
Someday there's a time for us
Time together with time to spare
Someday (someday)
Somewhere (somewhere)
We'll find a new way of living
We'll find a way of forgiving
Somewhere
There's a place for us
There's a time and a place for us
Hold my hand and we're half way there
Hold my hand and I'll take you there
Somehow (somehow)
Someday (someday)
Somewhere
We'll find a new way of living
We'll find a way of forgiving
Somewhere, somewhere, somewhere, somewhere
There's a place for us
I tell you there's a time and a place for us
Hold my hand and we're half way there
Hold my hand and I'll take, and I'll take you there
Somehow (somehow)
Someday (someday)
Somewhere (somewhere)
The Temptations’ song “Somewhere” speaks to universal human longing for a better future, a place and time where peace, quiet, and open air are available for anyone. The lyrics are simple yet powerful. The repetition of the words “Somewhere” and “Someday” emphasize the uncertainty of the future, yet they also signify hope, opportunity, and a possibility of a brighter tomorrow. The song expresses a desire for time together with time to spare, time to learn and care for each other. The singer speaks of finding a new way of living and forgiving, which can be interpreted as a desire for a more harmonious and tolerant society.
The song was released in 1965 as an original in The Temptations' fifth studio album “The Temptin’ Temptations.” The song became popular not only because of its promising and universal message, but also because of the performance of The Temptations. Their five-part harmony, the high tenor voice of Eddie Kendricks, the deep baritone voice of Melvin Franklin, and the spoken-word section by Paul Williams, made the song a memorable and inspiring musical piece.
Line by Line Meaning
There's a place for us
Belief in a future where they belong and can find peace.
Somewhere a place for us
There is a specific, yet unknown, location where they will feel at home.
Peace and quiet and open air
The desired environment they hope to find in this place of belonging.
Wait for us somewhere
They believe this place is out there, waiting for them to arrive.
There's a time for us
Optimism that their desired future is not too far away, just waiting for the right moment to come.
Someday there's a time for us
Hope that one day they will experience a world where they can thrive.
Time together with time to spare
This future includes quality time to cherish together without the pressure of time constraints.
Time to learn, time to care
With this future comes the opportunity to grow and care for each other on a deeper level.
We'll find a new way of living
They will adapt to this new environment and lifestyle, leaving behind the past they knew.
We'll find a way of forgiving
Forgiveness is key to moving forward and healing from past wrongs.
Somewhere
The hope of this place stays with them, pushing them forward towards this better future.
Hold my hand and we're half way there
The comfort and support of each other is crucial in achieving this better future.
Hold my hand and I'll take you there
Together, they will work towards and achieve their dreams of a better life.
Somehow (somehow)
Despite the uncertainties of how this future will come to be, they remain hopeful and determined.
Somewhere (somewhere)
The dream of this place lives on, even when it feels far away.
Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS
Written by: Leonard Bernstein, Stephen Sondheim
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Debra Doll
In my opinion, this is the best rendition of "Somewhere" ever recorded! David Ruffin put his heart and soul in this song! I play it at least three times...tears and goosebumps, every time I hear it!!
Russ Bates
Fully agree, Debra. My favourite ever song from a musical sung by the greatest voice of all time, in my opinion. It just doesn't get any better! Brings a lump to my throat and tears to my eyes every time.
creoleladee
I agree I first heard and fell in love with this version as a teen. Had it performed decades later during my wedding ceremony!
creoleladee
Yes, Debra I agree. David hits it out of the park!
Janel C
This is such a beautiful rendition. It brings tears to my eyes.
Robert Velez
David Ruffin's most passionate singing performance ever! Definitely better than the Supremes version with Diana Ross!
Cora Hudson
A smooth, endearing, alluring classical love song presented by THE TEMPTATION'S MR.DAVID RUFFIN. ONE OF THE MOST BLESSED UNIQUE VOICES OF ALL TIME , MR. DAVID RUFFIN. THE BACKGROUND WAS GREAT ALSO. HOWEVER, David Ruffin made this song come to life. Singing classical music just proves the guality, versatility, and significance of David Ruffin and his voice. Love you. Cora Hudson-Guice
joycelyn alsup
A classic... Somewhere... the temptations tore these Broadway classics up! 💙
Stephen Smith
Classical none have ever did it better than the Temps. They were Great.
Harold Yarborough
Classic, just classic! Truly the Tempts at their best! Awesome arrangements!