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.
Superstar
The Temptations Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Fire
Don't change your style now that you've reached the top
Don't choose your friends by what they've got
Remember beneath the glitter and gleam
Like everyday people you're just a human being
Enjoy your champagne and caviar
And your chauffeur drivin' fancy car
But remember how you got where you are
Oh ho ho, 'cause the same folks that made you
Um hum, you better believe they can break you
No you didn't make it all by yourself
You had help from somebody else
The truth is the light, don't let it depress you
You just be thankful that the good Lord made you
Superstar, ah do you know who your real friends are
Ah, talkin' to you
Superstar, remember how you got where you are
Ah ah down, down, down, down
Drummer keep it going, going
Horns star blowin', right on time, blow my mind
Higher higher, higher higher
It's easy for you to look down
Turn up your nose and frown
Now that you're on top
Top
Bright lights
Don't let the bright lights blind you
Bridges
Don't burn 'em behind you
Superstar, superstar do you know who your real friends are
Ah, talkin' to you
Superstar, remember how you got where you are
Um hum, um hum
Don't change your style now that you've reached the top
Don't choose your friends by what they've got
Like everyday people you're just a human being
Superstar, hey hey, do you know who your real friends are
Ah, talkin' to you
Superstar remember how you got where you are
The Temptations' song "Superstar" is a cautionary tale to those who have achieved great success and fame. The lyrics advise those at the top to remember their humble beginnings and not let their newfound wealth and status change who they are. The opening lyrics, "Higher, higher, fire" can be interpreted as a warning to those who have achieved great heights to not become too confident and complacent, otherwise they may experience a fall from grace.
The verses speak directly to the superstar, reminding them that they didn't achieve their success alone and that they should be thankful to God for creating them. The lyrics warn against losing touch with reality and forgetting where they came from. They urge the superstar not to let the bright lights of fame blind them and to hold onto their true friends and not be swayed by people who are seeking to ride their coattails.
The repetition of the chorus, "Superstar, do you know who your real friends are? Remember how you got where you are," emphasizes the need for the superstar to keep their feet on the ground and not forget the values and principles that brought them success in the first place.
Overall, "Superstar" is a message to those who have achieved great success to stay grounded, be humble, and remember their roots in order to avoid becoming overwhelmed by the trappings of fame and fortune.
Line by Line Meaning
Higher, higher
Fire
A call to aim for greater heights and put in more effort towards achieving success.
Don't change your style now that you've reached the top
Maintain the same personality and values that made you successful in the first place, instead of trying to fit in at the top.
Don't choose your friends by what they've got
Don't let wealth or status influence your choice of friends, choose genuine friendships based on character and shared values.
Remember beneath the glitter and gleam
Like everyday people you're just a human being
Don't let fame and material possessions blind you to the fact that you are still just a regular human being like everyone else.
Superstar, good God
Enjoy your champagne and caviar
And your chauffeur drivin' fancy car
But remember how you got where you are
The chorus emphasizes enjoying the rewards of success but also acknowledging the hard work and help that got you there.
Oh ho ho, 'cause the same folks that made you
Um hum, you better believe they can break you
Reminding the listener that the people who supported them and contributed to their success have the power to undo it if they feel betrayed or mistreated.
No you didn't make it all by yourself
You had help from somebody else
The truth is the light, don't let it depress you
You just be thankful that the good Lord made you
Acknowledging that no one achieves success alone, and that even hardships and mistakes are opportunities to learn and grow. Gratitude and humility are essential.
Drummer keep it going, going
Horns star blowin', right on time, blow my mind
Higher higher, higher higher
A musical interlude that continues the theme of striving for greater heights and the power of music to inspire and motivate.
It's easy for you to look down
Turn up your nose and frown
Now that you're on top
Top
A warning not to become arrogant or dismissive of others, especially because of success or status.
Bright lights
Don't let the bright lights blind you
Bridges
Don't burn 'em behind you
Another reminder to stay grounded and maintain relationships with those who helped you along the way, even as opportunities and temptations abound.
Superstar, superstar do you know who your real friends are
Ah, talkin' to you
Superstar remember how you got where you are
A repetition of the chorus that emphasizes the importance of knowing who your true friends and supporters are, and remembering the hard work and help that led to success.
Um hum, um hum
A simple, repeating phrase that reinforces the message of remembering the journey to success and the help received along the way.
Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS
Written by: NORMAN WHITFIELD, BARRET STRONG
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@christopherwilmot8767
No music this good anymore. I miss the 1960's and early 1970's. Love Motown.
@hypernovagamingstation
This is hands down the most underappreciated song of the Temptations. Most everyone knows the meaning behind this, but listening to this and letting it sink in is just magical.
@isaiahtellez9640
You wanna talk about GOATs? Can’t NOBODY say nuthin bout the temps. That “down,down,down” part send chills down my spine every time I hear it. Rest in peace Melvin Franklin.
@lindasmusicjohnson9877
Sing it Dennis and Eddie. This is a fantastic song it speaks the truth. Sometimes the truth is hard but we can always find a way thru it. God bless everyone.
@gregfoles5480
Linda's music johnson Eddie was no longer with the group. That's Damon Harris.
@annjenkins9226
Linda's music johnson Eddie not singing, that’s Damon
@b.r.fowler785
This song was not only aimed at David Ruffin, it was also aimed at Eddie Kendricks. How the other four members of the group convinced Damon Harris to take aim at Eddie is beyond me.
@julianbrownlee898
@@b.r.fowler785 IKR.
@NichOlsonSmooth
@@b.r.fowler785 That is a good question. That is a shock knowing how Damon admired Eddie
@saj8
The Original Diss Record.