About the song
The Grass Roots, a quintessential pop band of the late 1960s and early 1970s, often found themselves caught between the counterculture movement and the mainstream. Their music, a blend of folk, rock, and psychedelia, resonated with a wide audience, and “Temptation Eyes” stands as a prime example of their appeal. Released in 1970, this track, a standout from their second compilation album More Golden Grass, climbed to number 15 on the Billboard Hot 100, showcasing the band’s enduring popularity.
“Temptation Eyes” is a song that invites introspection and reflection. Its melodic structure, characterized by a dreamy, almost ethereal quality, draws listeners in while the lyrics paint a vivid picture of emotional turmoil. The song’s title itself is suggestive, hinting at the allure of temptation and the potential consequences of yielding to it. While the exact meaning of the lyrics may be open to interpretation, the song’s overall mood is one of longing, regret, and perhaps a hint of fatalism.
One interesting aspect of “Temptation Eyes” is the existence of two distinct versions: a mono mix and a stereo mix. The mono mix features a double-tracked chorus, adding a layer of depth and richness, while the stereo mix uses a single-tracked chorus. This subtle difference in the vocal arrangement may have contributed to the song’s enduring popularity and its ability to connect with listeners in different ways.
It is perhaps fitting that “Temptation Eyes” became a personal favorite of the band’s lead singer, Rob Grill. The song’s introspective nature and its exploration of complex emotions align well with the themes that often characterized the Grass Roots’ music. This track serves as a testament to the band’s ability to create timeless pop music that continues to resonate with audiences decades after its release.
Video
Lyrics
She’s got something that moves my soul
And she knows I’d love to love her
But she lets me down every time
Can’t make her mine she’s no-one’s lover
Tonight with me she’ll be so inviting
I want her all for myself, oh
Temptation eyes looking through my my my soul
Temptation eyes, you got to love me
Got to love me tonight
Her wild-eyed innocence is just a game
But just the same my head is spinnin’
She’s got a way to keep me on her side
It’s just a ride that’s never ending
Tonight with me she’ll be so inviting
I want her all for myself, oh
Temptation eyes looking through my my my soul
Temptation eyes, you got to love me
Got to love me tonight
Tonight with me she’ll be so inviting
I want her all for myself
Temptation eyes looking through my my my soul
Temptation eyes, you got to love me
Got to love me tonight
Temptation eyes looking through my my my soul
Temptation eyes, you got to love me
Got to love me tonight
Temptation eyes looking through my my my soul
Temptation eyes, you got to love me
Got to love me tonight