About the song
“Papa Was a Rollin’ Stone,” originally recorded by the Undisputed Truth in 1972 and famously covered by the Temptations later that same year, stands as a towering classic in soul music history. Written by Norman Whitfield and Barrett Strong, the song’s journey to prominence underscores its enduring impact and complex production history.
Norman Whitfield, renowned for his innovative production techniques at Motown, crafted the original version for the Undisputed Truth. Released as a single in May 1972, it achieved modest success on the charts. However, it was Whitfield’s visionary reinterpretation of the song for the Temptations that catapulted it to iconic status. Extended to a monumental 12-minute opus on their album “All Directions,” the Temptations’ rendition transformed the narrative of absentee fatherhood into a sprawling epic of musical storytelling.
At the heart of “Papa Was a Rollin’ Stone” lies its lush instrumentation, meticulously arranged to evoke a cinematic feel. The track opens with a mesmerizing instrumental introduction featuring a solo trumpet and a haunting bassline, setting the stage for the poignant lyrics to unfold. Each verse, delivered in an ensemble style by the Temptations, reveals the tale of children grappling with the legacy of their absent father. The production, characterized by layered textures of blues guitar, wah-wah guitar, electric piano, and strings, creates a rich tapestry of sound that builds with intensity throughout.
Released as a single in September 1972, the edited version of the Temptations’ rendition quickly ascended to the top of the Billboard Hot 100, marking the group’s final number-one hit and earning them three Grammy Awards in 1973. The song’s success solidified its place not only in the Temptations’ discography but also in the annals of soul music as a whole.
Beyond its chart achievements, “Papa Was a Rollin’ Stone” has left an indelible mark on music history, influencing subsequent artists and genres. Its inclusion in Rolling Stone’s list of the 500 Greatest Songs of All Time reflects its enduring cultural significance. The song’s thematic depth, combined with its innovative musical arrangement, continues to resonate with audiences, cementing its status as a timeless masterpiece in the soul genre.
In conclusion, “Papa Was a Rollin’ Stone” stands as a testament to the creative genius of Norman Whitfield and the Temptations, showcasing their ability to weave narrative complexity and musical innovation into a singular piece of art. Its legacy endures through its powerful storytelling, evocative instrumentation, and lasting impact on generations of listeners.
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Lyrics
It was the third of September
That day I’ll always remember, yes I will
‘Cause that was the day that my daddy died
I never got a chance to see him
Never heard nothin’ but bad things about him
Momma I’m depending on you to tell me the truth
Momma just hung her head and said, son
Papa was a rolling stone
Wherever he laid his hat was his home
And when he died, all he left us was alone
Papa was a rolling stone (my son, yeah)
Wherever he laid his hat was his home
And when he died, all he left us was alone
Hey Momma!
Is it true what they say that Papa never worked a day in his life
And Momma, some bad talk goin’ round town sayin’ that
Papa had three outside children
And another wife, and that ain’t right
Heard some talk Papa doing some storefront preachin’
Talking about saving souls and all the time leechin’
Dealing in dirt, and stealing in the name of the Lord
Momma just hung her head and said
Papa was a rolling stone (my son)
Wherever he laid his hat was his home
And when he died, all he left us was alone
Hey Papa was a rolling stone (dad gumma it)
Where ever he laid his hat was his home
And when he died, all he left us was alone
Hey Momma
I heard Papa called himself a jack-of-all-trades
Tell me is that what sent Papa to an early grave
Folks say Papa would beg, borrow, steal
To pay his bills
Hey Momma
Folks say Papa never was much on thinking
Spent most of his time chasing women and drinking
Momma I’m depending on you to tell me the truth
Momma looked up with a tear in her eye and said, son
Papa was a rolling stone (well, well, well, well)
Wherever he laid his hat was his home
And when he died, all he left us was alone (lone, lone, lone, alone)
Papa was a rolling stone
Wherever he laid his hat was his home
And when he died, all he left us was alone
Wherever he laid his hat was his home
And when he died, all he left us was alone
My daddy was
Papa was a rolling stone (yes he was, yeah)
Wherever he laid his hat was his home)