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.
Song for You
The Temptations Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
I've sung a lot of songs, I've made some bad rhymes
I've acted out my life on stages with ten thousand people watching
But we are alone yeah, and I'm singing this song for you
I know your image of me is what I hope to be
I've treated you unkindly many times, but baby can't you see
There's no one more important to me
We are alone, and I'm singing this song for you
You taught me precious secrets
Of the truth withholding nothing
You came out in front when I was hiding (but you have nothing to hide)
And now I'm so much better, and if my words, they don't come together
Listen to the melodies (listen to the melodies)
'Cause my love, ooh baby, 'cause my love, 'cause my love, ooh
Is in there, ooh, is in there hiding
Baby I loved you in a place (in a place, in a place, in a place)
Where there's no space or time
(Baby I loved you) I loved you all my life
You became a friend of mine
And when my life is all over
Remember when we were together, when we were alone
And I was singing this song for you
For only you, only you, oh
I was singing my song for nobody but you
In "A Song For You," The Temptations express their feelings of love and gratitude towards someone special in their life. The song begins by highlighting the singer's experiences and accomplishments, including traveling to many places, singing songs, making bad rhymes, and acting on stage. Despite the achievements, the singer acknowledges the fact that they are alone and dedicates the song to the person they cherish.
The second verse suggests that the person they are singing to may have had an idealized image of the singer, possibly someone who treated them unkindly in the past. However, the singer wants them to see through the image and understand that they are the most important person to them. The bridge reveals the reason for the singer's appreciation for the person – they had taught them some valuable secrets and helped them become a better person. The lyrics claim that the singer's love for this person is still alive and will be treasured even after their life is over.
Overall, "A Song For You" is a powerful love song that uses vivid lyricism to portray the deep feelings of the singers. It is a testament to the power of love and the importance of cherishing those who make our lives better.
Line by Line Meaning
I've been so many places in my life and time
I have explored many places and experienced different stages of life
I've sung a lot of songs, I've made some bad rhymes
I have tried to express myself through music, but sometimes failed to do so
I've acted out my life on stages with ten thousand people watching
I have revealed my life's story in front of massive audience
But we are alone yeah, and I'm singing this song for you
Despite being surrounded by people, I feel solitary and I'm dedicating this song to you
I know your image of me is what I hope to be
I understand the ideal version of me you have in your mind
I've treated you unkindly many times, but baby can't you see
I've mistreated you in past, but I want you to know that I love you
There's no one more important to me
You are the most significant person in my life
Baby, baby can't you see through me
I want you to understand me completely
We are alone, and I'm singing this song for you
We are the only two people here and I'm expressing my emotions through this song for you
You taught me precious secrets
You have given me valuable insights
Of the truth withholding nothing
You have been transparent and honest with me
You came out in front when I was hiding (but you have nothing to hide)
You supported me when I was struggling and hiding
And now I'm so much better, and if my words, they don't come together
Due to you, I'm a better person now and my words may not make sense
Listen to the melodies (listen to the melodies)
Pay attention to the music
'Cause my love, ooh baby, 'cause my love, 'cause my love, ooh
My love for you is the reason behind all my actions and emotions
Is in there, ooh, is in there hiding
My love for you is concealed in my heart
Baby I loved you in a place (in a place, in a place, in a place)
My love for you is not bound by physical limitations
Where there's no space or time
My love for you transcends time and space boundaries
(Baby I loved you) I loved you all my life
I have loved you for my entire life
You became a friend of mine
You have become my closest friend
And when my life is all over
When my life ends
Remember when we were together, when we were alone
Recall the time we spent together when we were the only ones around
And I was singing this song for you
And I was dedicatedly performing this song for you
For only you, only you, oh
Exclusively for you
I was singing my song for nobody but you
This song was solely composed for you
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: Leon Russell
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Adrienne Watson
ONLY the Temptations could sing this like none other, that surpasses Donny Hathaway. It's the fullness of the harmonies and orchestra; omg those violins...and then there's Dennis Edward. Masterfully arraigned!
Gary Mayfield
@LJ3Music Julien TEMPTATIONS ALL DAY LONG,NOT EVEN CLOSE
LJ3Music Julien
Temps did not surpass Donny Hathaway. It's just another very nice rendition of the song. Dennis Edwards alone with the Temps harmony makes it their own version of a great song.
Mark Higgins
@Gary Mayfield This is music and it is not a competitive sport.
I prefer Mr Hathaway's rendition and that's the truth for me. What speaks to you is your truth.
Both versions are beautiful and stand on their own as exceptional versions of a great song.
Gary Mayfield
@Mark Higgins YOU have to be a relative of his to say something like that,it's not even close........DENNIS ALL DAY
Mimi
You should hear Karen Carpenter...that girl and blow. I'm Black but I love great vocals
conrad ford
It's 2020 and this album is like a fine bottle of wine. So good.
ALICE SMITH
Dennis Edwards voice is so pure, beautiful and heartfelt on this song. I love it.
Rene Edwards
This is the version...the harmony, the emotion. No one else has captured it like this.
Joshua Mohammed
instablaster...