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.
This Used To Be The Home Of Johnnie Mae
The Temptations Lyrics
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This used to be the home of Johnnie Mae this used to be the yard where Johnnie used the bed where Johnnie used to lay in but she don't live here no more no more
Let me talk to you for a minute
I can't explain just how I feel I can't believe that is for real she won't be home no more no more this used to be her easy chair but the chair looks uneasy without her sitting here she never left before before now and then her friends drop in it takes my breath away but I have to say she don't live here no more no more
(Music break)
Now and then her friends drop in it takes my breath away but I have to say she don't live here no more no more
This used to be the home of Johnnie Mae this used to be the bed where Johnnie used to lay in but she don't live here no more no more (repeat two times)
This used to be the home of Johnnie Mae this used to be the bed where Johnnie used to lay in but she don't live her no more no more
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The Temptations' song "This Used to Be the Home of Johnnie Mae" is a heart-wrenching ballad about a man who has lost his wife and is struggling to come to terms with the fact that she will never return home again. The lyrics paint a vivid picture of the man's sorrow and loneliness as he goes about his daily routine, unable to escape the memories of his lost love.
The first verse sets the scene, with the man describing the absence of his wife's familiar presence in the home they once shared. He talks about going to work in "rough dried shirts" and the pain he feels from not being able to call his wife. Even his dog seems to sense that something is wrong, and misses her just as much as he does.
The chorus of the song repeats the refrain "This used to be the home of Johnnie Mae," emphasizing the man's sense of loss and the fact that his life will never be the same without her.
The second verse emphasizes the man's confusion and disbelief that his wife is gone. He cannot explain how he feels, and the sight of her empty chair only adds to his sense of unease. Even when her friends come to visit, he is reminded that she is not there and the reality of his loss hits him once again.
Overall, "This Used to Be the Home of Johnnie Mae" is a powerful and poignant tribute to the pain of losing a loved one. The lyrics capture the depth of emotion that comes with such a loss, and the music adds an extra layer of melancholy to the already moving words.
Line by Line Meaning
There's no smell of bacon frying and it's hard realizing she won't be home no more no more
The absence of the smell of bacon frying is a stark reminder that Johnnie Mae will not be returning home; the reality is a painful one.
I go to work in rough dried shirts I can't call oh how it hurts to know she won't be home no more no more
The singer goes to work with wrinkled shirts, unable to contact Johnnie Mae; knowing she won't be home is a crippling emotional pain.
This dog of mine seems half alive he misses her too I can see it in his eyes she never left before before
The singer's dog is lethargic and the pain in its eyes is evidence that it, too, misses Johnnie Mae; she has never been away for this long before.
This used to be the home of Johnnie Mae this used to be the yard where Johnnie used the bed where Johnnie used to lay in but she don't live here no more no more
Johnnie Mae used to call this place home and use the yard and bed, but she is now gone and will not return.
Let me talk to you for a minute
The artist pauses the song to address the listener directly.
I can't explain just how I feel I can't believe that is for real she won't be home no more no more
The singer is overwhelmed and unable to put into words how they feel; the reality that Johnnie Mae is gone is still hard to believe.
This used to be her easy chair but the chair looks uneasy without her sitting here she never left before before
The singer remembers Johnnie Mae's favorite chair, which now seems uncomfortable without her in it; she has never been away for this long before.
Now and then her friends drop in it takes my breath away but I have to say she don't live here no more no more
Occasionally, friends of Johnnie Mae stop by, which is both surprising and painful; the reality is that she will not return.
This used to be the yard Johnnie used to play in but she don't live here no more no more
The yard used to be where Johnnie Mae spent time, but she is no longer there.
This used to be the bed where Johnnie used to lay in but she don't live her no more no more
The artist remembers the bed where Johnnie Mae used to sleep; she is no longer there and will not return.
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Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: LEONARD CASTON, SAMUEL SMALL, SMALL SAMUEL
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind