About the song
“Just My Imagination (Running Away with Me)” stands as a timeless testament to the Temptations’ legacy within the soul genre, encapsulating both their distinctive sound and the turbulent period of transition they faced during its creation. Penned by Norman Whitfield and Barrett Strong, the song was originally composed in 1969 but shelved until 1970, marking a departure from the group’s recent ventures into psychedelic soul towards a return to their soulful roots.
Released on the Gordy label as part of the album ‘Sky’s the Limit’ in 1971, “Just My Imagination” swiftly climbed the charts, becoming the Temptations’ third number one hit on the US Billboard Hot 100. Its lyrical narrative, delicately narrated by Eddie Kendricks, explores the wistful daydreams of a man deeply in love, yearning for a life with his beloved that exists solely in his imagination. Against a backdrop of lush orchestration, including strings and French horns, the song captivates with its introspective melancholy and poignant reflections on love and longing.
The recording of “Just My Imagination” also marked a significant moment for the Temptations as it became the final single to feature founding members Eddie Kendricks and Paul Williams. Kendricks, known for his ethereal tenor voice, delivered a standout performance that underscored the emotional depth of the lyrics, while Paul Williams contributed with a heartfelt solo in the bridge, reflecting the group’s vocal prowess and cohesion despite internal tensions.
Despite the personal and professional challenges faced by the group at the time—including Kendricks’ departure to pursue a solo career and Paul Williams’ declining health—the song’s release was met with critical acclaim and commercial success. It topped both the Billboard Hot 100 and R&B Singles charts, solidifying its place as one of the Temptations’ signature songs and a classic in the soul music canon.
Over the years, “Just My Imagination” has continued to resonate with audiences, celebrated not only for its musical arrangements and vocal performances but also for its enduring portrayal of romantic yearning and the bittersweet beauty of unattainable dreams. Its inclusion in Rolling Stone’s list of The 500 Greatest Songs of All Time further cements its cultural significance and enduring appeal.
As a pivotal moment in the Temptations’ discography, “Just My Imagination” remains a poignant reminder of the group’s ability to transcend musical boundaries and capture the complexities of human emotion through soul-stirring melodies and heartfelt lyrics.
Video
Lyrics
Oooh
Each day through my window I watch her as she passes by
I say to myself, “You’re such a lucky guy”
To have a girl like her is truly a dream come true
Out of all the fellows in the world, she belongs to youBut it was just my imagination
Runnin’ away with me
It was just my imagination
Runnin’ away with meOoh (Soon)
Soon we’ll be married and raise a family (Oh yeah)
A cozy little home out in the country
With two children, maybe three
I tell you I (I, I) can visualize it all
This couldn’t be a dream, for too real it all seemsBut it was just my imagination, once again
Runnin’ away with me
Tell you, it was just my imagination
Runnin’ away with meEv’ry night on my knees I pray
“Dear Lord, hear my plea
Don’t ever let another take her love from me”
Or I will surely die, hmm
(Her love is) heavenly
When her arms enfold me
I hear a tender rhapsody
But in reality
She doesn’t even know me(Just my imagination) Once again
Runnin’ away with me, oh
Tell you it was just my imagination
Runnin’ away with meI’ve never met her but I can’t forget her
(Just my imagination) Ooh, yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah
Runnin’ away with me, ooh
Just my imagination
Runnin’ away with meShe’s never hard to find (Just my imagination)
She’s always on my mind (Runnin’ away with me)