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.
Take A Look Around
The Temptations Lyrics
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Dirt in your face if your scheme falls through
Pay close attention to my story
You'll find every word is true
Selling death, no conscience has he
In the name of god, wont somebody stop him
Stop him, think about the children
It's a matter of life and death, you see
Ain't no time to stand back and point your finger
We've got to face reality, no, no, no, no, no
Don't turn your back on this problem, people
Too much depends on you and me
Desperate with no sense of values
Just an Evil mind lurking through the night
Because of you, the streets ain't safe no more for walking
'Cause you're feeling so up-tight
Take a look around, are you afraid?
Take a look around, don't be afraid
Take a look around, are you afraid?
Take a look around, don't be afraid
Take a look around, are you afraid?
Take a look around, don't be afraid
The lyrics to The Temptations' song "Take A Look Around" focus on societal issues, particularly crime in urban areas. The opening lines, "Feather in your cap if you catch a robber, Dirt in your face if your scheme falls through," suggest that the song is addressing those who engage in criminal activities and the consequences that come with it. The song then goes on to discuss the danger posed by drug dealers, particularly those who sell drugs to children, which is conveyed through the line "In the name of god, wont somebody stop him, Stop him, think about the children, It's a matter of life and death, you see." The urgency of the issue is further emphasized in the chorus, which encourages listeners to take a look around and confront the problem: "Take a look around, are you afraid? Don't be afraid."
Overall, the lyrics of "Take A Look Around" are a call to action, urging listeners to not turn a blind eye to the issues affecting their communities. The song highlights the danger posed by criminals and drug dealers and encourages people to take a stand to make their streets safer.
Line by Line Meaning
Feather in your cap if you catch a robber
You will be praised for catching a criminal
Dirt in your face if your scheme falls through
You will be embarrassed if your plan fails
Pay close attention to my story
Listen carefully to what I have to say
You'll find every word is true
Everything I say is factual
Junk man standing on the corner
A person selling dangerous items is present on the street corner
Selling death, no conscience has he
He is selling items that will harm people and has no regard for life
In the name of god, won't somebody stop him
I implore someone to intervene in the name of God
Stop him, think about the children
Prevent him from doing harm, consider the wellbeing of the children
It's a matter of life and death, you see
This is a serious issue that concerns life and death
Ain't no time to stand back and point your finger
There's no time to just watch and blame others
We've got to face reality, no, no, no, no, no
We must confront the true situation, it cannot be ignored
Don't turn your back on this problem, people
People must not disregard this problem
Too much depends on you and me
There is a lot at stake, we need to take responsibility
Desperate with no sense of values
It is a state of despair and a lack of moral principles
Just an Evil mind lurking through the night
It is an evil thought that creeps in at night
Because of you, the streets ain't safe no more for walking
Due to your actions, it is no longer safe to walk on the streets
'Cause you're feeling so up-tight
Because of your anxiety or nervousness
Take a look around, are you afraid?
Observe your surroundings, are you scared?
Take a look around, don't be afraid
Be vigilant, but do not let fear control you
Take a look around, are you afraid?
Look around again, are you frightened?
Take a look around, don't be afraid
Remain cautious, but do not let anxiety consume you
Take a look around, are you afraid?
Inspect your surroundings, are you intimidated?
Take a look around, don't be afraid
Remain alert, but do not let panic overtake you
Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS
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