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 Stroll Thru Your Mind
The Temptations Lyrics
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One drag, that's all it took....
Take a stroll through your mind, you'll be surprised at what you might find.
Take a stroll through your mind, you'll be surprised at what you might find. Yea.
People I got sunshine on a cloudy day. Ya.
I got sunshine, sunshine, on a cloudy day. Have mercy.
People im grooving, groovin...me and myself, dig?
Im just groovin, groovin...me and myself...oh lord have mercy
Take a stroll through your mind, you'll be surprised at what you might find. Yea. Just me...
Callin on the group to give me a little whoop-whoop
Callin on the group to give me a little whoop-whoop
Whoop-whoop. Yeaaa whoop
Whoop-whoop. Yeaaa whoop
Whoop-whoop. Yeaaa whoop
Hmmm mhm
Whoop-whoop. Yeaaa whoop
Take out your crayon and coloring book, and color me out...
My mind sleeping but im wide awake
My mind sleeping but im wide awake
One drag, that's all it took....
Welcome to the circle, ya, we'll decide. You dig? Cause you people look at us like we're freaks. Dingdongdang. Aint no thang baby...
There is no young, there is no old, reach and touch your soul.
Tell me, have you ever been off the ground for a long, nice and slow, here we go...
Seems like every monday morning ive got the blues.
And every tuesday I get some bad news
Wednesday worse cause I aint got a dime to my name
I done worked so hard all week, thursday, my body iust racked with pain
Here come the good part...
Friday the eagle flies and so do I
I wonder if you hear me when i say
The eagle flies on friday and so do I
Yea, just listen...
Take a stroll through your mind, you'll be surprised at what you might find
Take a stroll through your mind, you'll be surprised at what you might find.
Yea...
The Temptations’ song “Take A Stroll Thru Your Mind” encourages listeners to explore their inner thoughts, emotions, and feelings. The opening line, “One drag, that’s all it took…” suggests that smoking marijuana is a key that unlocks the mind. The song advocates for self-exploration and introspection, encouraging listeners to see what they can discover within themselves.
The lyrics mention having “sunshine on a cloudy day,” which refers to finding happiness and joy amidst difficult or dark times. The singer then goes on to say that they are grooving with themselves, expressing a sense of self-love and appreciation. The lyrics “Take out your crayon and coloring book, and color me out” suggest that the self-exploration process may be a creative and playful one.
The song ends with the line, “Take a stroll through your mind, you’ll be surprised at what you might find,” echoing the beginning of the chorus. The message is to keep exploring and finding new things within yourself. The song encourages listeners to break free from societal norms and expectations, and to embrace and accept their own uniqueness.
Line by Line Meaning
One drag, that's all it took....
One drag of a substance was enough to affect the singer's mindset.
Take a stroll through your mind, you'll be surprised at what you might find.
The song encourages listeners to explore their thoughts and introspect to uncover new insights.
People I got sunshine on a cloudy day. Ya.
The singer expresses a positive attitude despite difficult circumstances.
People im grooving, groovin...me and myself, dig?
The artist is enjoying their own company and rhythm.
Take out your crayon and coloring book, and color me out...
The artist suggests that listeners use creativity to solve their problems or express themselves.
My mind sleeping but im wide awake
The singer's body is tired but their thoughts are active, possibly due to external influences.
Callin on the group to give me a little whoop-whoop
The singer wants to engage the audience and get them to express joy or agreement.
There is no young, there is no old, reach and touch your soul.
The song suggests that age does not matter, and that introspection can be a way to connect with one's inner self.
Seems like every monday morning ive got the blues.
The artist experiences sadness or depression at the start of each week.
Here come the good part...
The artist anticipates a positive change in their situation.
Take a stroll through your mind, you'll be surprised at what you might find
The song repeats its message of introspection as a way to gain new insights.
Contributed by Chloe H. Suggest a correction in the comments below.