The guys playing the instruments (sessions players) were known as The Funk Brothers. World class musicians from the Detroit area who played on all the Motown hits from 1959 till 1972. Motown moved to LA and that was pretty much the end of Motown records.
Having lived as a young man when this song came out, I can tell you that it was played in ALL the clubs ( gay, straight, black, white, mixed ), and people danced their butts off to it! I'm almost 79 now, and it still makes me want to groove when I hear the opening bars. BJ was feelin' it, and I do believe he has the right take on it: It's a 'reality' song, but still sends out a vibe that gets people up on their feet. The Temptations are hands down the best of the genre, and will never be equalled.
Not every song is meant to be danced to. This is one of the best "soul songs" ever written and produced. The genius behind is is writer/producer Norman Whitfield.
I was gonna school them on the producer, but you took care of that 1 of the best producers who really hit his stride in the late sixty's early seventies with psychedelic soul Also did some rolls- Royce.The car wash movie soundtrack & another song , I love that was similar to Papa /rolling was masterpiece an epic 13 minute song
This was a smash.. Grammy award winning.. it was the truth. It hit home for a lot of people. I was ten..I knew a lot of Rolling Stones in my life.. a Fathers Day classic 😂
This was another time, when music spoke to real feelings and the words meant something. The difference between the sadness of the words and the groove of the music symbolizes how people find a way to survive adversity through the strength, faith and the resilience of their soul. You could dance to it and you could cry to it, it meant everything on all levels fearlessly. Most of the greatest songs and stories of all time speak about being beaten down, struggling, rising up, overcoming and surviving. It was deep, it was personal and it was real.
A masterpiece. 🎉 This was from a brief period where the traditional "soul groups" had to change gears a little to keep up with the psychedelic trend, including longer songs. It couldn't have been done better.
Talk about a great, nostalgic, gone-bye era. The Four Tops, The Temptations, Smokey, Marvin, Diana and all of the rest of the greats. Glad I was there in real time. You made an old man happy. Thanks you guys
This has been my jam for 60 years, never met my "sperm donor" but heard lots of things about his drinking, bar hoppin, womanizing ways, married 6 times & had 6 other kids besides me & when he died {alcoholism at 57} all he left us was alone ✌💖☮
Guy told me a story recently. He was young, working as a cashier in a Tractor Supply or something similar. A customer handed him his credit card. He looked at the name. It was his father he had never met. (Though he always paid his child support.) He said “You don’t even know who I am, do you?” Well they wound up talking for like thirty minutes. Became good friends. I thought was cool story.
Damn… At first I thought we were related 🤣 I too had a sperm donor that I never met! He was a PLAYA rollin from one lady to the next. SMDH! As far as I know he only had one other kid that I know of and we only met a year ago! She’s in her 60’s and I’m in my 50’s. Back then the men could just disappear… 🫥 Well, cheers to us 🥂
Asia, you cracked me up when you thought this was an instrumental😂 This song is a Masterpiece. The whole arrangement was excellent! And BJ, you're absolutely right about how people could relate to it. I was 24 when this was released in 72. A lot of families had relatives who were Rolling Stones. I sure did growing up in the inner city.😅 Enjoyed your reaction guys!
@@mattjohn4731 Totally agree! Curtis Mayfield's lyrics were heavy and spoke truth. The songs Pusher Man and Freddie's Dead are from the album Super Fly. A studio album for the film Super Fly back in 73. I've always enjoyed Curtis' music.
This track isn’t supposed to be about dancing , it’s about making a musical social comment. The Temps started making these types of psychedelic or progressive soul tracks ,around 1968 when Dennis Edwards replaced David Ruffin, & released “cloud nine ‘ Album & single . By 1972 when Norman Whitfield suggested the Temps record “Poppa was a rolling stone “ Dennis & the rest of the Temps didn’t want to record any more psychedelic soul tracks , but Norman convinced them it would be a hit , so they begrudgingly went ahead & recorded it . The rest is History it won a Grammy .
The Temptations, Four Tops , The Drifters, Little Anthony and the Imperials, Frankie Limon and the Teenagers, and The Platers. Are all groups I grew up with and gained my love for their music.
I think when Marvin Gaye did his What's Goin' On album and Stevie Wonder blew up, The Temptations realized they had to move into the 70's and they really did up their game.
The Temptations started upping their game several years before , when they jibbed David Ruffin ,& replaced him with Denis Edwards & released “ cloud nine “ .
FWIW, I'm an old white guy. I bought this '45 (I hope y'all know what that is) back in 1972 as soon as it came out when I was in high school and it's been in my playlist ever since. This is just pure genius in terms of music, lyrics, and performance.
The Motown sound came from the fantastic musicians who backed the Motown artists, the Funk Brothers. There is a great documentary on YT that tells the story of the Funk Brothers. It’s called Standing In The Shadows of Motown. It’s well worth the watch.
Even the Wah pedal said "pops was a rolling stone! lol...Instrumental??.lol...yall gonna learn today Miss Asia! haha...This song 100% represents my relationship with my so called pops.
you're right asia, the arrangement is superb with the driving bass and percussion, trumpet and strings crying in back ground sounding soft as a whimper. and we danced to it like there was no tomorrow.... Hell Yeah Y'all
The song predated disco music, it was a masterwork by the Temptations. I remember hearing the extended version for the first time, it blew my eleven year old self away in 1972….
Raised on Motown so I know this one well and remember the first time I heard it. It quickly went to #1 on the charts. So much great Motown music and we can never forget the fabulous Motown house band, the Funk Brothers. The Temptations had so many great hits. The 60s and 70s had the best music. Thank you for your great reaction. 👏👏🥰
Coming from 1972, the mixing, horns, string section, the bass lines, the wah effect guitar, even the basic but damn effective bass drum-hi hat pattern, all spells Motown, The Temptation`s for me, may be their best song ever, what a jam, of course, don`t forget the claps in the song`s developing, the story from the song. Stunning and killer as well.
Papa didn't leave you alone.... He left you with a big busload of step brothers & sisters ! 🤔 This is a true classic, and the best part is that everyone gets their turn on the mic. 🎙 ❤
While Deployed Overseas during the 70's, me and the fella's had the Temps & Motown in full effect in our barracks.brought calmness to us during hectic times, sippin🍾 & groovin 🎼!! Ahhh the memories!! Shoutout to the 86th Tactical Fighter Wing🇺🇲💪hoooah🗣️ #MilitaryLife💥
Whoever those moms of the world, who had to live the hard life for the kids. You deserve it all the good things that come your way. Hard life. That mom lying to those kids, to protect them, what a great song.
This is, likely, the best soul song ever written. So good. The extensive instrumentals were insisted on by the record company so this song would get played in discos
My mother's brothers were 12, 10, and 7 years older than me. It was through them that I was introduced to this music. This song was a major JAM!!! The lyrical content was relavernt for a lot of urban--and not so urban--kids. But keep in mind that the black community as a whole was trying to emerge from the Jim Crow era and was embracing the ' say it loud, "I'm black and I'm proud" mentality.' Songs like this by black artist were a source of pride, no matter what the subject matter of the lyrics. I thoroughly, enjoy your reactions!
I'm so glad this generation is waking up to real music. NO AUTOTUNE. Just real talent and real voices. Temptations had it going on. This was my era. I'm 74 and still love them
Actually, most of the intro was trimmed down for the 45 RPM single in order to get that needed airplay. That was 60's/70's radio. Unless you had the album back then, you probably were unaware that the album version was so different.
The Temptations are one of my favorite groups in that era of music. The Four Tops’ “Reach Out I’ll Be There” is THE song that always gets to me though lol😊
So many great songs by this group. I remember watching them on the Ed Sullivan show when I was about 12 years old. Check out "My Girl", "Just my Imagination", "Can't get next to You", "Ball of Confusion" and "Get Ready." Get Ready" was also done by the group Rare Earth. Both are great versions.
Long before this song, long before the magazine, long before the band, there was an old expression that explains it all, "A rolling stone gathers no moss".
Love the song, love your reaction. 😂 The part I was always amazed about was that every one else in town was talkin' bad about Papa, but Mama managed to keep her cool & summarize the man who did her & her kids wrong with a one-liner. Like he wasn't even worth her time tellin' tales about, but she's gonna tell you one thing about him & that's that. 😂
This is a golden "oldie"...I heared this a Long, Long Time ago in another age! Long,Long before you born!...Nice to see you chillun enjoyin yerself wid dis one!Papa was a part to no time father!Thank you 🤣🤣
I was young at the time but i remember this song being a big hit. It was on heavy rotation on the radio. Most people just jammed to the music. But a few people had a problem with the lyrics.
Song Released in September 1972 on Motown's Gordy Records Label as Gordy 7121 written by Norman Whitfield & Barrett Strong and is from the 1972 Gordy Records LP "All Directions" and also featured in the "Motown Original Artist Karaoke" karaoke CD made by the Singing Machine and Motown Records
JAH CLIFF@LONDON UK IN THE BUILDING. THANKS FOR FINDING THIS ONE, THE INTRODUCTION ALONE IS FIRE. P.S I JUST DISCOVERED YOU GUYS BECAUSE OF THIS TUNE. IF YOU DON'T ALREADY, (EVERYTHING) FROM *THE TEMPTATIONS* IS FIRE, AND YOU GOT A NEW SUBSCRIBER🔥🔥🔥🔥
THIS SONG WAS CONSIDERED A NORMAN WHITFIELD " MASTERPIECE", ALONG WITH "BALL OF CONFUSION", AND "WAR", THE REAL WORLD IN REAL TIME AND MOTOWN WENT THERE! MARVIN GAYE'S " WHAT'S GOING ON" , " INNER CITY BLUES/ MAKE ME WANNA HOLLER, CURTIS MAYFIELD'S "PUSHERMAN", AND MANY OTHERS., WERE ALL SONGS ABOUT ENLIGHTENING PEOPLE TO WHAT WAS ACTUALLY GOING ON IN THE INNER CITIES AND HOW PEOPLE ACTUALLY FELT ABOUT IT! PROTEST MUSIC WAS ON HIGH AFTER THE VIETNAM WAR, ETC.
I had this song on a single in 1972,side one was the original version with vocals,and the flip side was instrumental,even saw the temptations perform it on the grammys then.
Was at weekly sunday afternoon public ice skating when this song came on which was really cool at the time because it broke thd mold of songs no longed than 3 minutes, they killed it with this song.Lovs u guys.
Hi Ms. Asia and Mr. BJ, The Temptations was My Mom's Favorite R&B Motown Groups My Mom got Me into their Music when I'm was younger until now By Watching The Temptations Movie. Thank You for Listening and Enjoying Good Oldies Music Of Motown.
Back in the day...Yes we were dancing to this vibe.. Especially when it came to the part " Poppa was a rolling stone.". We knew the words but to young to understand completely... Especially if you didn't come from that....Great reaction...
I was an adult when this song was first released. It was a hit and I don't recall anyone having issues with the story line. Folks were so busy dancing to the music. Parts of this song remind me of my late maternal grandfather who had eleven children at home.. and who knows how many "outside" children. Country folks had their rolling stones, too. Imagine running into one of your outside siblings whom you did know and felt a strong attraction to..
When the line comes "All he left us was alone.." I replace it with " All he left us was a loan." This song is deep because, how many of us REALLY know our parents? Not that they are low down, but, they did what that had to do to survive.
There’s a video of them performing this live on a dance/countdown show. I can’t remember which one. But it’s an amazing video to watch to see the style of that era and the way the audience danced to the song. Plus you get to see the Temptations perform it!
One of my favorites. The beginning / intro of the song is quite long, so I didn’t even notice it was the extended instrumental either at first… but the was hilarious 😂😂
Asia it's like you said , when you first heard the song , you just listen to the guitar , violin, and Bass , didn't take time to listen to the words , It's a story about life in the early days when Papa was around , Mama was thinking , I guess Now is a good time to tell you what really happened to Papa . Take time to listen to the words and you'll understand ,
One killer mother of a groove is what it is. How do you get 'depressed' when a song is this much of a rhythmic beat masterpiece? Always gonna be some slackers and Jodies out there.
The Funk Brothers & The Temptations 🔥 🔥🔥🔥🔥 as another song says It takes every type of people 😂 life is hard , nothing wrong with kids of rs having something to represent them
The guys playing the instruments (sessions players) were known as The Funk Brothers. World class musicians from the Detroit area who played on all the Motown hits from 1959 till 1972. Motown moved to LA and that was pretty much the end of Motown records.
Is there a documentary?
I think they moved to Nashville first. Then to LA.
The 60's and 70's had some of the greatest soul and funk ever recorded. Detroit was the king of Motown.
Detroit literally was Motown, so that statement doesn't really make sense.
@jawbone78 , It meant that it was their kingdom. Berry Gordy was the king. No need to trivialize on the wording.
When this first came out, people were impressed with the reality of the lyrics with the great music included.
Ball of Confusion was another psychedelic 'REAL' song.
One of the best intros you will ever hear, just sit back , listen and enjoy the song.
Agreed! ❤
This song, 52 years old and the lyrics, is still relevant today. As are so many other songs from that era. That intro, a masterpiece.
Having lived as a young man when this song came out, I can tell you that it was played in ALL the clubs ( gay, straight, black, white, mixed ), and people danced their butts off to it! I'm almost 79 now, and it still makes me want to groove when I hear the opening bars. BJ was feelin' it, and I do believe he has the right take on it: It's a 'reality' song, but still sends out a vibe that gets people up on their feet. The Temptations are hands down the best of the genre, and will never be equalled.
Also y'all it was the sign of the times 😔 God's continuous blessings to you and your family 🥰
Not every song is meant to be danced to. This is one of the best "soul songs" ever written and produced. The genius behind is is writer/producer Norman Whitfield.
Co-written with Barrett Strong.
I was gonna school them on the producer, but you took care of that 1 of the best producers who really hit his stride in the late sixty's early seventies with psychedelic soul Also did some rolls- Royce.The car wash movie soundtrack & another song , I love that was similar to Papa /rolling was masterpiece an epic 13 minute song
In the studio and live performance "music video" that's online, I find it impressive that some people could dance to this song.
We danced great to the this..
@@JPMadden I can't NOT dance to it.
This was a smash.. Grammy award winning.. it was the truth. It hit home for a lot of people. I was ten..I knew a lot of Rolling Stones in my life.. a Fathers Day classic 😂
This was another time, when music spoke to real feelings and the words meant something. The difference between the sadness of the words and the groove of the music symbolizes how people find a way to survive adversity through the strength, faith and the resilience of their soul. You could dance to it and you could cry to it, it meant everything on all levels fearlessly. Most of the greatest songs and stories of all time speak about being beaten down, struggling, rising up, overcoming and surviving. It was deep, it was personal and it was real.
A masterpiece. 🎉
This was from a brief period where the traditional "soul groups" had to change gears a little to keep up with the psychedelic trend, including longer songs.
It couldn't have been done better.
This was also the time when Motown would have these elaborate instrumental accompaniments to their songs.
Psychedelic Shack is a great album as well, they leaned all the way inti psychedelia on that one
So true and a great song!
3 words - “The Funk Brothers” 💜💜💜
Talk about a great, nostalgic, gone-bye era. The Four Tops, The Temptations, Smokey, Marvin, Diana and all of the rest of the greats. Glad I was there in real time. You made an old man happy.
Thanks you guys
Agreed!! What a great era that was!!
This is one of the most epic songs by the Temptations.
Yes, it's an epic song period!
This has been my jam for 60 years, never met my "sperm donor" but heard lots of things about his drinking, bar hoppin, womanizing ways, married 6 times & had 6 other kids besides me & when he died {alcoholism at 57} all he left us was alone ✌💖☮
Guy told me a story recently. He was young, working as a cashier in a Tractor Supply or something similar. A customer handed him his credit card. He looked at the name. It was his father he had never met. (Though he always paid his child support.)
He said “You don’t even know who I am, do you?”
Well they wound up talking for like thirty minutes. Became good friends.
I thought was cool story.
Squier....I want to talk to you....life is so crazy today! Please tell me he not voting for Kamala....😢
Damn… At first I thought we were related 🤣 I too had a sperm donor that I never met! He was a PLAYA rollin from one lady to the next. SMDH! As far as I know he only had one other kid that I know of and we only met a year ago! She’s in her 60’s and I’m in my 50’s. Back then the men could just disappear… 🫥 Well, cheers to us 🥂
Musically, some say it’s the best song the Temptations ever did. Whoever composed it was great.
Asia, you cracked me up when you thought this was an instrumental😂 This song is a Masterpiece. The whole arrangement was excellent! And BJ, you're absolutely right about how people could relate to it. I was 24 when this was released in 72. A lot of families had relatives who were Rolling Stones. I sure did growing up in the inner city.😅 Enjoyed your reaction guys!
Seriously
@@2119Barry Yes indeed!
Yeah and BJ mentioned a pusher song. I'm Your Pusher by Curtis Mayfield? His song lyrics were often so heavy🎤🔥
@@mattjohn4731 Totally agree! Curtis Mayfield's lyrics were heavy and spoke truth. The songs Pusher Man and Freddie's Dead are from the album Super Fly. A studio album for the film Super Fly back in 73. I've always enjoyed Curtis' music.
When Otis of The Temptations first heard this he said -"this song is funkier than an unwashed armpit"
Lol what
@@focused4841 that's funky!!! Lol
The production on this song is amazing.
This is one of the greatest songs of its era. You need to feel it from the first note. It is real. Deep. Powerful.
Best mixed and produced song ever....bar none.
Sometimes music even when it has a difficult message still can keep the day going and spirits high
This track isn’t supposed to be about dancing , it’s about making a musical social comment. The Temps started making these types of psychedelic or progressive soul tracks ,around 1968 when Dennis Edwards replaced David Ruffin, & released “cloud nine ‘ Album & single . By 1972 when Norman Whitfield suggested the Temps record “Poppa was a rolling stone “ Dennis & the rest of the Temps didn’t want to record any more psychedelic soul tracks , but Norman convinced them it would be a hit , so they begrudgingly went ahead & recorded it . The rest is History it won a Grammy .
A rolling stone rolls down hill and never stays put, always dislodged and tumbling until it reaches the bottom.
BJ’s dancing will never stop giving me life.🥰
Pretty sure producer/writer Norman Whitfield won a Grammy for his arrangement on this song, deservedly so. It was groundbreaking at the time.
The Temptations, Four Tops , The Drifters, Little Anthony and the Imperials, Frankie Limon and the Teenagers, and The Platers. Are all groups I grew up with and gained my love for their music.
There’s another wonderful reactor who totally broke down sobbing at this song. His dad was just like that and this song hit him hard.😢😢😢
This is a classic, 1 of my favorite temptations song. Another great 1 is can’t get next to you
They DEFINITELY DON'T make music like this anymore!!! 🔥❤🔥
Yes, this song really did tap into the vibe of the early 70's. This was the time of the "Superfly" type movies and this song has that vibe.
I think when Marvin Gaye did his What's Goin' On album and Stevie Wonder blew up, The Temptations realized they had to move into the 70's and they really did up their game.
They upped their game long before then - listen to their psychedelic stuff from the late 60's - Ball of Confusion,Cloud 9 etc 🌞🎶🤔😎🙌👍
@@skinheadjon901Oh yeah! There's a cool cover of Ball Of Confusion by Love And Rockets
The Temptations started upping their game several years before , when they jibbed David Ruffin ,& replaced him with Denis Edwards & released “ cloud nine “ .
The Zenith of Urban music.
And Cloud Nine
My birthday is Sept 3rd…that’s why this song always resonates with me when I hear…then I just start grooovin’
Cool 😎💃💋
FWIW, I'm an old white guy. I bought this '45 (I hope y'all know what that is) back in 1972 as soon as it came out when I was in high school and it's been in my playlist ever since. This is just pure genius in terms of music, lyrics, and performance.
The Motown sound came from the fantastic musicians who backed the Motown artists, the Funk Brothers. There is a great documentary on YT that tells the story of the Funk Brothers. It’s called Standing In The Shadows of Motown. It’s well worth the watch.
When they played this on Soul Train, they were definitely dancing.
This is one of the most emotive songs to come out of the early seventies. Temptations such a force at that time.. Brilliant song
I remember when this song was released. It simply blew me away. An absolute masterpiece.
My hats off to the Temptations this song is about the reality of life
Even the Wah pedal said "pops was a rolling stone! lol...Instrumental??.lol...yall gonna learn today Miss Asia! haha...This song 100% represents my relationship with my so called pops.
Hope you can watch the live version! Choreography is off the chart! Love your reactions.
Was thinking the same!
THIS. ALL DAY, ERRY DAY, FOREVERMORE, THISSSSS! ❤
you're right asia, the arrangement is superb with the driving bass and percussion, trumpet and strings crying in back ground
sounding soft as a whimper.
and we danced to it like there was no tomorrow....
Hell Yeah Y'all
The song predated disco music, it was a masterwork by the Temptations. I remember hearing the extended version for the first time, it blew my eleven year old self away in 1972….
This is a masterpiece...it would be nice if we could return to this kind of music. Fabulous song.
Songs in the 70's were about reality, speaking the truth 😮
Raised on Motown so I know this one well and remember the first time I heard it. It quickly went to #1 on the charts. So much great Motown music and we can never forget the fabulous Motown house band, the Funk Brothers. The Temptations had so many great hits. The 60s and 70s had the best music. Thank you for your great reaction. 👏👏🥰
I always immediately see them doing this on Soul Train. The soundtrack of my life🥰
@@AuntieNina68 Mine too. 👍
One of their all-time great hits.
An incredible song and performance. The Funk Brothers behind the Temptations.
Coming from 1972, the mixing, horns, string section, the bass lines, the wah effect guitar, even the basic but damn effective bass drum-hi hat pattern, all spells Motown, The Temptation`s for me, may be their best song ever, what a jam, of course, don`t forget the claps in the song`s developing, the story from the song. Stunning and killer as well.
Loved this song since 1972! Thank you, friends. May your path always rise up to greet you!
Papa didn't leave you alone....
He left you with a big busload of step brothers & sisters ! 🤔
This is a true classic, and the best part is that everyone gets their turn on the mic. 🎙 ❤
The line doesn't say "you", it says "us".
@littlegiantproductionsandr3091 Thank you for the correction... ✌️😎
‘Psychedelic Shack,‘Cloud Nine’, Ball of Confusion, and I Can’t Get Next To You are 4 more great Temptations songs...
While Deployed Overseas during the 70's, me and the fella's had the Temps & Motown in full effect in our barracks.brought calmness to us during hectic times, sippin🍾 & groovin 🎼!! Ahhh the memories!! Shoutout to the 86th Tactical Fighter Wing🇺🇲💪hoooah🗣️ #MilitaryLife💥
🫡 thank YOU and you brothers in arms. 🇺🇸 🦅
Whoever those moms of the world, who had to live the hard life for the kids. You deserve it all the good things that come your way. Hard life. That mom lying to those kids, to protect them, what a great song.
This is, likely, the best soul song ever written. So good. The extensive instrumentals were insisted on by the record company so this song would get played in discos
OMG - that THUMPIN' BASS and the VOCALS in THIS SONG!!! SOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO GOOD!!!!
One of the best long intro jams ever! The single clocks in at just under 7 minutes, but the album cut rolls on for 12.
My mother's brothers were 12, 10, and 7 years older than me. It was through them that I was introduced to this music. This song was a major JAM!!! The lyrical content was relavernt for a lot of urban--and not so urban--kids. But keep in mind that the black community as a whole was trying to emerge from the Jim Crow era and was embracing the ' say it loud, "I'm black and I'm proud" mentality.' Songs like this by black artist were a source of pride, no matter what the subject matter of the lyrics. I thoroughly, enjoy your reactions!
I'm so glad this generation is waking up to real music. NO AUTOTUNE. Just real talent and real voices. Temptations had it going on. This was my era. I'm 74 and still love them
Go yell at more clouds granny.
Actually, most of the intro was trimmed down for the 45 RPM single in order to get that needed airplay. That was 60's/70's radio. Unless you had the album back then, you probably were unaware that the album version was so different.
Give it up fo momma being the rock. And I know fo show big momma was there too..true that. Great choice..much respect and success 🙌
The Temptations are one of my favorite groups in that era of music. The Four Tops’ “Reach Out I’ll Be There” is THE song that always gets to me though lol😊
Perfect. Beautiful and as powerful as any piece of music ever made. Motown at it's creative height.
I love you two ! You made me laugh so much how puzzled you were at long intro 😅 thank you fir the music ❤ x
So many great songs by this group. I remember watching them on the Ed Sullivan show when I was about 12 years old. Check out "My Girl", "Just my Imagination", "Can't get next to You", "Ball of Confusion" and "Get Ready." Get Ready" was also done by the group Rare Earth. Both are great versions.
I miss this kind of music. I was a teenager when it came out. It was both a great jam and a great story of a father that wasn’t there.
Songs used to be long like this because the music would develop for a little while, and that took time.
Long before this song, long before the magazine, long before the band, there was an old expression that explains it all, "A rolling stone gathers no moss".
It's such a masterpiece. I love the temptations since i was a child and i am old roday
I am old today...
R&B from the 70's was the pinnacle of music.
Love the song, love your reaction. 😂
The part I was always amazed about was that every one else in town was talkin' bad about Papa, but Mama managed to keep her cool & summarize the man who did her & her kids wrong with a one-liner. Like he wasn't even worth her time tellin' tales about, but she's gonna tell you one thing about him & that's that. 😂
This is a golden "oldie"...I heared this a Long, Long Time ago in another age! Long,Long before you born!...Nice to see you chillun enjoyin yerself wid dis one!Papa was a part to no time father!Thank you 🤣🤣
I was a little kid when this song was on the radio all of the time. I still remember the words by heart. An all time classic.
I was young at the time but i remember this song being a big hit. It was on heavy rotation on the radio. Most people just jammed to the music. But a few people had a problem with the lyrics.
You love this song if your Papa as a Rolling Stone! Been there Done That!
Song Released in September 1972 on Motown's Gordy Records Label as Gordy 7121 written by Norman Whitfield & Barrett Strong and is from the 1972 Gordy Records LP "All Directions" and also featured in the "Motown Original Artist Karaoke" karaoke CD made by the Singing Machine and Motown Records
JAH CLIFF@LONDON UK IN THE BUILDING. THANKS FOR FINDING THIS ONE, THE INTRODUCTION ALONE IS FIRE. P.S I JUST DISCOVERED YOU GUYS BECAUSE OF THIS TUNE. IF YOU DON'T ALREADY, (EVERYTHING) FROM *THE TEMPTATIONS* IS FIRE, AND YOU GOT A NEW SUBSCRIBER🔥🔥🔥🔥
Brilliant Temptations....always my faves from the beginnings....so much soul ❤❤❤
One of my favorite songs, it came out at the same time I learned that my own father was as the song title goes…I was 12…
THIS SONG WAS CONSIDERED A NORMAN WHITFIELD " MASTERPIECE", ALONG WITH "BALL OF CONFUSION", AND "WAR", THE REAL WORLD IN REAL TIME AND MOTOWN WENT THERE! MARVIN GAYE'S " WHAT'S GOING ON" , " INNER CITY BLUES/ MAKE ME WANNA HOLLER, CURTIS MAYFIELD'S "PUSHERMAN", AND MANY OTHERS., WERE ALL SONGS ABOUT ENLIGHTENING PEOPLE TO WHAT WAS ACTUALLY GOING ON IN THE INNER CITIES AND HOW PEOPLE ACTUALLY FELT ABOUT IT! PROTEST MUSIC WAS ON HIGH AFTER THE VIETNAM WAR, ETC.
Love Motown music, being from Detroit myself and growing up hearing my mom always listen to it. Motown is in my soul! Great pick of a song
I had this song on a single in 1972,side one was the original version with vocals,and the flip side was instrumental,even saw the temptations perform it on the grammys then.
Was at weekly sunday afternoon public ice skating when this song came on which was really cool at the time because it broke thd mold of songs no longed than 3 minutes, they killed it with this song.Lovs u guys.
Hi Ms. Asia and Mr. BJ, The Temptations was My Mom's Favorite R&B Motown Groups My Mom got Me into their Music when I'm was younger until now By Watching The Temptations Movie. Thank You for Listening and Enjoying Good Oldies Music Of Motown.
Back in the day...Yes we were dancing to this vibe.. Especially when it came to the part " Poppa was a rolling stone.". We knew the words but to young to understand completely... Especially if you didn't come from that....Great reaction...
Asia believed she was a complete person until today. Now all the pieces are back in the box.
😂
This came out my senior year of high school. We listened to this all the time.
This is some great Soul Train music right here!! Every Saturday morning ❤
I was an adult when this song was first released. It was a hit and I don't recall anyone having issues with the story line. Folks were so busy dancing to the music. Parts of this song remind me of my late maternal grandfather who had eleven children at home.. and who knows how many "outside" children. Country folks had their rolling stones, too. Imagine running into one of your outside siblings whom you did know and felt a strong attraction to..
When the line comes "All he left us was alone.." I replace it with " All he left us was a loan." This song is deep because, how many of us REALLY know our parents? Not that they are low down, but, they did what that had to do to survive.
There’s a video of them performing this live on a dance/countdown show. I can’t remember which one. But it’s an amazing video to watch to see the style of that era and the way the audience danced to the song. Plus you get to see the Temptations perform it!
Isac Hayes, and Shaft, Changed everything. You two are great. Thanks for sharing. Peace.
One of my favorites. The beginning / intro of the song is quite long, so I didn’t even notice it was the extended instrumental either at first… but the was hilarious 😂😂
Asia it's like you said , when you first heard the song , you just listen to the guitar , violin, and Bass , didn't take time to listen to the words , It's a story about life in the early days when Papa was around , Mama was thinking , I guess Now is a good time to tell you what really happened to Papa . Take time to listen to the words and you'll understand ,
One killer mother of a groove is what it is. How do you get 'depressed' when a song is this much of a rhythmic beat masterpiece? Always gonna be some slackers and Jodies out there.
The groove is fantastic and this why it takes away the pain from-the song but when you sit and listen to the lyrics it is very sad
The Funk Brothers & The Temptations 🔥 🔥🔥🔥🔥 as another song says It takes every type of people 😂 life is hard , nothing wrong with kids of rs having something to represent them
My Mother (*RIP*)100,000% "❤LOVED❤" this song!!
Miss ya', LOVE ya' Ma🙏🏽💝💝🙏🏽
You funny. You never heard this 😂 omg. Yes, it has a long instrumental 😊
The instrumentation and musical arrangements are incredibly good. And the song has hardly any drum beat. This was what fire was for that era of music.
My old man died in 64. This is so close to my life. I live by this. Had 4 siblings and mom. God Bless her.