About the song
The Temptations’ “Papa Was a Rolling Stone”: A Soul Classic
“Papa Was a Rolling Stone” is a song by the American vocal group The Temptations. It was written by Norman Whitfield and Barrett Strong, and released in 1972 on the Gordy label. The song is a seven-minute-long epic that tells the story of a young woman who comes from a broken home and ends up on the streets.
The song is a powerful and moving social commentary that addresses issues of poverty, racism, and sexism. It is also a personal story of loss and redemption. The song’s lyrics are both poetic and powerful, and they are delivered with stunning passion by the Temptations.
“Papa Was a Rolling Stone” was a critical and commercial success, reaching number one on the Billboard Hot 100 chart and winning a Grammy Award for Best R&B Performance by a Duo or Group with Vocals. The song has been covered by many artists, including Bob Dylan, Eric Clapton, and The Rolling Stones. It has also been featured in numerous films and television shows.
“Papa Was a Rolling Stone” is a landmark recording that has had a profound impact on popular music. It is a powerful and moving song that addresses important social issues. It is also a personal story of loss and redemption. The song’s lyrics are both poetic and powerful, and they are delivered with stunning passion by the Temptations. “Papa Was a Rolling Stone” is a true classic.
Some additional details about the song:
- The song was inspired by Whitfield’s own experiences growing up in a poor neighborhood in Detroit.
- The song’s original title was “The Young Man’s Song”, but it was changed to “Papa Was a Rolling Stone” at the suggestion of Motown Records founder Berry Gordy.
- The song’s long length was controversial at the time, but it has since become one of its most distinctive features.
- The song’s lyrics have been interpreted in many different ways, but they are generally seen as a critique of the American Dream.
- “Papa Was a Rolling Stone” is considered one of the greatest songs of all time. It was inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame in 1998 and the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2004.
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