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.
Try To Remember
The Temptations Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
When life was slow and oh so mellow
Try to remember the kind of September
When grass was green and grain so yellow
Try to remember the kind of September
When you were a young and a callow fellow
Try to remember and if you remember
Try to remember when life was so tender
That no one wept except the willow
Try to remember when life was so tender
That dreams were kept beside your pillow
Try to remember when life was so tender
That love was an ember about to billow
Try to remember and if you remember
Then follow-follow, oh-oh
Deep in December it's nice to remember
Although you know the snow will follow
Deep in December it's nice to remember
Without a hurt, the heart is hollow
Deep in December it's nice to remember
The fire of September that made you mellow
Deep in December our hearts should remember
Then follow-follow, oh-oh Follow, oh-oh
The Temptations’s “Try to Remember” is a song that nostalgically looks back on the faded memories of youth, celebrating times of innocence and carefree living. The first verse talks of a time when life was unhurried and things were simple, using vivid imagery to paint a picture of September, a month associated with the arrival of autumn and the beginning of a new school year. The description of the green grass and shining ripe grain creates a sense of fecundity and abundance, and the emphasis on the singer being a callow fellow implies he was inexperienced and naive.
The chorus encourages us to remember these bygone days and to follow the example of that period of our lives, implying that it may serve as a guide to the future, a thematic continuation of the opening lines. The second verse takes on a more dreamlike and romantic quality, conjuring up images of tender times when love was beginning to blossom. “Love was an ember about to billow” portrays love as small and quietly contained yet ready to burst out like a wildfire.
The final stanza, beginning with “Deep in December,” signals a shift towards winter, a time for hibernation and introspection. The line, “Without a hurt, the heart is hollow,” is perhaps the most poetic of the entire song, perfectly balancing the emotions being conveyed. The song ends with the hope that the warmth and spirit of September can be summoned up despite the colder weather.
Line by Line Meaning
Try to remember the kind of September
Recall the particular September that was unique and special
When life was slow and oh so mellow
When life was peaceful and relaxing
When grass was green and grain so yellow
When nature was vibrant and full of life
When you were a young and a callow fellow
When you were inexperienced and naive
Try to remember and if you remember
Reflect on those happy days and if you succeed
Then follow-follow, oh-oh
Take that memory and use it as inspiration to move forward
Try to remember when life was so tender
Reminisce about a time when life was gentle and compassionate
That no one wept except the willow
A time when sadness was rare and only felt by trees
That dreams were kept beside your pillow
When hopes and aspirations were held dear and near
That love was an ember about to billow
When love was intense and about to grow stronger
Deep in December it's nice to remember
During a dark and cold time, it can be pleasant to look back
Although you know the snow will follow
Despite knowing more harsh times awaits
Without a hurt, the heart is hollow
When there is no pain, there is an emptiness within
The fire of September that made you mellow
The warmth of that memory that kept you calm
Deep in December our hearts should remember
People should hold onto those positive memories
Then follow-follow, oh-oh Follow, oh-oh
Take those positive memories and let them guide you forward
Lyrics © Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: HARVEY SCHMIDT, TOM JONES
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
lincolnadmirer
State of the art vocals by Kendricks, and flawless harmony by the group.
web45
Back in the day they had a few critics, something about they were just another soul group. This LP shut them up for good. A Motown Masterpiece.
Brenda Randolph-Dixon
Amen to that
Gary Mayfield
Even whit out. this album, their not just another group,they still would've been the best group in the world
Jerry Carr
The greatest vocal group ever.
motownfan3
I bought this album as a kid back in 1967.... THIS ALBUM IS A CLASSIC.....WHEW
Sonja Smalley
so did I...:)
motownfan3
@Sonja Smalley . I STILL HAVE THE ALBUM....IT IS IN A FRAME ON MY WALL :)
PS.SORRY ABOUT THE CAPS...THESE ARE 71 YEAR OLD EYES.....CAN'T SEE THE SMALL PRINT.
Animated Dreamz
My Mom love The Temptations.. She passed away one day before Mother's day 2021 🥺 This song is so beautiful
Tom Thomas
In Phu Loi Viet Nam I remember playing this album over and over until I fell off to sleep. It helped me get through that awful war.