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.
never can say goodbye
The Temptations Lyrics
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Never can say goodbye
Even though the pain and heartache
Seem to follow me wherever I go
Though I try and try to hide my feelings
They always seem to show,
And I always have to say no
Tell me why is it so
That I never can say goodbye, no, no, no, no, now
Never can say goodbye
Every time I think I've had enough
And start heading for the door
There's a very strange vibration
Piercing me right through the core
It says, turn around, you fool
You know you love him more and more
Tell me why is it so
Don't wanna let you go
I never can say goodbye girl
Ooh ooh baby (don't wanna let you go girl)
I never can say goodbye, no no no, no no no
Ooh, oh I never can say goodbye girl
Ooh ooh ooh (don't wanna let you go girl)
I never can say goodbye, no no no, no no no, ooh
Never can say goodbye, no, no, no, no, now
Never can say goodbye
I keep thinking that our problems
Soon are all gonna work out
But there's that same unhappy feeling
There's that anguish, there's that doubt
It's the same old dizzy hangup
Can't do with you or without
Tell me why is it so
Don't wanna let you go
I never can say goodbye girl
Ooh ooh baby (hey baby)
I never can say goodbye, no no no, no no no
Ooh, oh I never can say goodbye girl
Ooh oh (hey baby)
I never can say goodbye, no no no, no no no, ooh
I never can say goodbye girl
Ooh ooh baby (hey baby)
I never can say goodbye, no no no, no no no
Ooh, oh I never can say goodbye girl
Ooh oh (hey baby)
The Temptations' song "Never Can Say Goodbye" is a classic soul track that speaks about the difficulties of letting go of a loved one. The lyrics talk about the pain, heartache, and doubts that come with trying to move on from a relationship. The singer expresses his struggle to hide his emotions even when he tries to, they always show. Every time he tries to leave, there's a strange vibration that reminds him of his love for her, and he "can't do with [her] or without".
The chorus, "never can say goodbye, no, no, no, no now," is a repeated phrase that emphasizes the singer's difficulty in letting go. He doesn't want to say goodbye, and even if he does, he always seems to change his mind. The song's bridge speaks about hoping that their problems will work themselves out, but despite his positive outlook, he can't shake off the unhappy feeling that's still there.
Overall, "Never Can Say Goodbye" is a poignant and powerful song that speaks to the universal struggle of moving on from someone you love. It's a classic soul track that has stood the test of time and is still beloved today.
Line by Line Meaning
I never can say goodbye, no, no, no, no, now
The singer is unable to say goodbye to their lover despite everything that has happened.
Never can say goodbye
The inability to let go of their lover is persistent and ongoing.
Even though the pain and heartache
The singer acknowledges the hurt and sadness they experience.
Seem to follow me wherever I go
The pain and heartache is ever-present.
Though I try and try to hide my feelings
The singer tries to conceal their emotions.
They always seem to show
Despite their efforts, their true feelings are always revealed.
Then you try to say you're leaving me
The singer's lover attempts to end the relationship.
And I always have to say no
The singer can never bring themselves to agree to the breakup.
Tell me why is it so
The singer questions why they can never let go.
Every time I think I've had enough
The singer reaches a breaking point.
And start heading for the door
They begin to leave.
There's a very strange vibration
The singer experiences an unusual sensation.
Piercing me right through the core
This sensation is deep and intense.
It says, turn around, you fool
The sensation convinces the singer to go back to their lover.
You know you love him more and more
The singer is aware of their deepening love.
Don't wanna let you go
The singer does not want to end the relationship.
I never can say goodbye girl
The singer is unable to say goodbye to their lover.
Ooh ooh baby (don't wanna let you go girl)
The singer repeats their desire to hold onto their lover.
I never can say goodbye, no no no, no no no
The singer reiterates their inability to let go.
I keep thinking that our problems
The singer remains hopeful.
Soon are all gonna work out
They believe their issues will be resolved.
But there's that same unhappy feeling
Despite their optimism, a familiar sadness persists.
There's that anguish, there's that doubt
The singer experiences emotional pain and uncertainty.
It's the same old dizzy hangup
They feel stuck in a cycle of repeating the same patterns.
Can't do with you or without
The singer is unsure if they can continue the relationship, but also cannot imagine life without their lover.
Ooh ooh baby (hey baby)
The singer repeats their affection for their lover.
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: Clifton Davis
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind