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.
Who You Gonna Run To
The Temptations Lyrics
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But when you're hurt, you always come a-runnin';
But one of these days I know, I gonna have to let you go
Then, tell me, who you gonna to run to (baby) where you gonna hide
I wanna know-who you gonna tell that you're hurting-ing inside
When you're going strong,(when you're going strong)I don't see
You at all (I don't see you at all); But when something goes wrong,
But if you keep doing me like you do, then I'm gonna turn my back on you
Then tell me, who you gonna run to (repeat chorus)Hmmm mm
When you climbed love's tree, you thought that love was a game;
But now you're out on a limb, oh yes, and you're calling my name.
But one of these days I'm bound, to let you come tumbe-ling down
Then tell me who you gonna run to (Repeat chorus to a harmonic fade out)
The Temptations' song "Who You Gonna Run To" is a heartfelt ballad that tells the story of a relationship that is one-sided in terms of support and effort. The singer is frustrated by the fact that their significant other only comes to them when they are hurt or in need of comfort. The lyrics suggest that the singer is tired of being the only one putting effort into the relationship and is considering ending it. They acknowledge that their partner will inevitably come running back to them for solace, but the singer wonders who their partner will turn to when they are no longer around.
The lyrics paint a picture of a relationship where one person is doing all the heavy lifting, and the other is only present when things are going wrong. The chorus asks the question, "who you gonna run to (baby), where you gonna hide?" which suggests that the singer's partner has few other options for emotional support outside of their relationship. The second verse highlights how the singer only hears from their partner when something is wrong, which adds to their frustration. The final verse warns their partner that their behavior will ultimately lead to the end of the relationship and challenging them to find someone else to turn to when that happens.
Line by Line Meaning
When you're feeling alright, I never see you coming.
You tend to keep to yourself and not share your happiness with me.
But when you're hurt, you always come a-runnin';
When you're in need, you immediately turn to me for help and support.
But one of these days I know, I gonna have to let you go
I understand that our relationship may not last forever and I may have to end it someday.
Then, tell me, who you gonna to run to (baby) where you gonna hide
If I'm no longer in your life, who will you turn to for comfort and safety?
I wanna know-who you gonna tell that you're hurting-ing inside
If you can't come to me with your pain, who will you confide in?
When you're going strong,(when you're going strong)I don't see
When you're doing well, you don't seem to need me or notice my presence.
You at all (I don't see you at all); But when something goes wrong,
But as soon as you face a problem, you call out to me for help.
(that's when you call) But if you keep doing me like you do, then I'm gonna turn my back on you
However, if you continue to take me for granted, I may have to end our relationship and leave you on your own.
When you climbed love's tree, you thought that love was a game;
At the beginning of our relationship, you may have treated love as a game and not taken it seriously.
But now you're out on a limb, oh yes, and you're calling my name.
But now that you're vulnerable and in a difficult situation, you're turning to me for help.
But one of these days I'm bound, to let you come tumbe-ling down
However, I know that at some point, I may have to let you face the consequences of your actions on your own.
Then tell me who you gonna run to (Repeat chorus to a harmonic fade out)
If I'm not there to help you, who will you turn to for support and comfort?
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: SMOKEY ROBINSON, WILLIAM ROBINSON JR.
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind