The Temptations may refer to at least two groups

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.

The Way You Do The Things You Do
The Temptations Lyrics

Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴

You got a smile so bright
You know you could have been a candle
I'm holding you so tight
You know you could have been a handle
The way you swept me off my feet
You know you could've been a broom
The way you smell so sweet
You know you could've been some perfume

Well you could've been anything that you wanted to
And I can tell
The way you do the things you do
The way you do the thing you do, ah baby
The way you do the things you do

As pretty as you are
You know you could've been a flower
If good looks were minutes
You know that you could be an hour
The way you stole my heart
You know you could have been a crook
And baby your so smart
You know you could have been a school book

Well you could've been anything that you wanted to
And I can tell
The way you do the things you do
The way you do the thing you do, ah baby
The way you do the things you do)

You make my life so rich
You know you could've been some money
And baby you're so sweet
You know you could have been some honey

Well you could've been anything that you
Wanted to and I can tell
The way you do the things you do
The way you do the things you do
You really swept me off my feet
The way you do the things you do
You made my life complete
The way you do the things you do
You made my life so bright
The way you do the things you do
You make me feel alright
The way you do the things you do

You make me feel alright
The way you do the things you do

Overall Meaning

The Temptations classic hit "The Way You Do The Things You Do" emphasizes how the love of the lead vocalist's life is unique and greatly different from any other person. The lyrical content uses metaphors to describe the adoration, admiration, and love held for the individual. The first stanza conveys that the person's smile is so bright it could be a candle while the singer holds them tight like a handle. In the second stanza, the lyrics touch on the person's beauty and intelligence but still emphasizes their unique qualities with phrases like "if good looks were minutes, you could be an hour." The final stanza focuses on their impact on the singer's life as they make it rich and sweet like money or honey. The song emphasizes how the person's personality and way of doing things are so different that they could only be themselves.

Line by Line Meaning

You got a smile so bright
Your smile is radiant

You know you could have been a candle
Your brightness is comparable to that of a candle

I'm holding you so tight
I am holding you closely

You know you could have been a handle
Your shape and size could have been ideal for holding onto

The way you swept me off my feet
You completely enamored me

You know you could've been a broom
You have qualities that are comparable to a broom - they both have the ability to sweep things off their feet, in different ways

The Way You Do The Things You DoThe Temptations Lyrics

The Way You Do The Things You Do
The Temptations Lyrics