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.
Statue of a Fool
The Temptations Lyrics
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A statue of a fool made of stone
An image of a man who let love slip through his hand
And then let him stand there all alone
So, build a statue and, oh, build it high
So the world can see
And inscribe, 'The World's Greatest Fool'
Mmm, and there on his face, a gold tear should be placed
To honor every tear he shed
And I think it would show and everyone would know
Concealed inside is a broken heart
So, build a statue and, oh, build it high
So the world can see
And inscribe, 'The World's Greatest Fool'
And name it after me
So, build a statue and, oh, build it high
So that all can see
And inscribe, 'The World's Greatest Fool'
And name it after me, yeah, yeah
And name it after me
Think it would show and everyone would know,
Concealed inside is a broken heart
In The Temptations’ song “Statue of a Fool,” the singer reflects on a past love and their own foolishness in letting that person slip away. The lyrics call for a statue to be built in their honor – a statue of a fool made of stone, to serve as a reminder of the mistakes made and lessons learned. The statue should bear a gold tear to honor every tear shed and to symbolize the concealed broken heart within. The singer suggests that the statue be inscribed with the words “The World’s Greatest Fool,” and that it be named after them.
The song’s lyrics highlight the pain of lost love and the regret that often comes with it. The idea of a statue serves as a metaphor for the lasting impression that a failed relationship can leave on a person’s heart and soul. The singer acknowledges their own foolishness and hopes that others may learn from their mistakes by viewing the statue of themselves as a fool.
The song was written in the 1970s by Jan Crutchfield and was originally performed by Jack Greene. The Temptations recorded their rendition of the song in 1972, and it became an instant hit. “Statue of a Fool” is a country song with gospel and soul influences, and it is often cited as one of The Temptations’ most underrated songs. The song’s popularity has endured over the years, and it has been covered by several artists, including Ricky Van Shelton, Brian Collins, and David Ruffin.
Line by Line Meaning
Somewhere there should be, for all the world to see
There should be a visual representation that is accessible to all
A statue of a fool made of stone
A man who made mistakes and was foolish in his actions
An image of a man who let love slip through his hand
A man who didn't hold onto love when he had the chance
And then let him stand there all alone
Made him suffer the loneliness of his actions.
So, build a statue and, oh, build it high
Create an important monument that is above people and can be recognized by all
So the world can see
To make the monument visible to everyone
And inscribe, 'The World's Greatest Fool'
Write on the monument that he was the biggest fool in the world
And name it after me
Name the monument after the man himself
Mmm, and there on his face, a gold tear should be placed
To commemorate his pain, a gold tear should be placed on the statue's face
To honor every tear he shed
To pay tribute to the sorrow he experienced
And I think it would show and everyone would know
If the statue was built, it would be obvious to everyone
Concealed inside is a broken heart
He hides the pain of a heart that has been shattered.
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management
Written by: JAN CRUTCHFIELD
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@constancearmstrong8864
So many can relate to this song. It's only after you've let love get away that you realize what a fool you were. They don't write songs like this anymore. Music that spoke volume. Imma stay Old School listening to music that make since. Ijs
@denisefleming1389
Not putting the Temps down, David had his own unique voice. I.loved All of the Temps,But David I believe was singing about his life.I went to one of the shows in Missouri,OMG the Temps turned it OUT!! Miss All SO Much.
@carolynkirksey2685
You ain't never lied! 😢
@dwaynejones9639
I am definitely going to stay old school, and I stand my ground as an old-school music lover.
@dwaynejones9639
If they were here now music would still be good old school music. The same as yester year music. Never change same the same. Duplicated but never will this generation ever come close to the Tyrone Davis B.B. King Marvin Gaye and Linda Jones AL Green and the rest of the old school class.
@willdenham
I'm making it my theme song.
@postmastersgt1670
David Ruffin was an incredible singer. He doesnt get near as much credit as he deserves.
@CharlieXFBA
And an underrated writer. As he wrote this and never got credit for it.
@garfieldgibson6016
Absolutely true
@lindahines9380
@@CharlieXFBA I know he sure didn't lots of jeoulosy in Motown back in the day 🙄 and favoritism