Cloud Nine

The Temptations

About Cloud Nine

"Cloud Nine" is a 1968 hit single recorded by The Temptations for the Motown label. It was the first of their singles to feature Dennis Edwards instead of David Ruffin in the lineup, was the first of producer Norman Whitfield's psychedelic soul tracks, and won Motown its first Grammy Award. The song was written by Whitfield and former Motown artist Barrett Strong.


Year:
1999
3:45
39 

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Oh ho, ho ho ho, ooh, hoo
Childhood part of my life, it wasn't very pretty
You see, I was born and raised in the slums of the city
It was a one room shack that slept ten other children besides me
We hardly had enough food or room to sleep 
It was hard times
Needed something to ease my troubled mind
Listen, my father didn't know the meaning of work
He disrespected mama, and treated us like dirt
I left home, seekin' a job that I never did find
Depressed and downhearted I took to cloud nine
I'm doin' fine, up here on cloud nine
Listen one more time I'm doin' fine, up here on cloud nine
Folks down there tell me
They say, give yourself a chance son, don't let life pass you by
But the world of reality is a rat race where only the strongest survive
It's a dog eat dog world, and that ain't no lie
Listen, it ain't even safe no more to walk the streets at night
I'm doin' fine, on cloud nine
Let me tell you about cloud nine

Cloud nine, you can be what you wanna be
(Cloud nine) you ain't got no responsibility
And ev'ry man, ev'ry man is free
(Cloud nine) and you're a million miles from reality
I wanna say I love the life I live
And I'm gonna live the life I love up here on cloud nine
I, I, I, I, I, I I'm riding high
On cloud nine, you're as free as a bird in flight
(Cloud nine) there's no diff'rence between day and night
(Cloud nine) it's a world of love and harmony
(Cloud nine) you're a million miles from reality

Cloud nine, you can be what you wanna be
Cloud nine you ain't got no responsibility
Cloud nine, and ev'ry man in this world is free
(Cloud nine) and you're a million miles from reality
(Cloud nine) you can be what you wanna be

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The Temptations

The Temptations are an American vocal group known for their success in the 60s and 70s at Motown Records. The group's repertoire has included, during its five-decade career, R&B, doo-wop, funk, disco, soul, and adult contemporary music. Known for their recognizable choreography, distinct harmonies, and flashy onstage suits, the Temptations have been said to be as influential to soul as The Beatles are to pop and rock. more »

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Written by: Barrett Strong, Norman Whitfield

Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind


10 facts about this song

Era & Genre
"Cloud Nine," released in 1968, marked The Temptations' transition into a newer sound called psychedelic soul or funk, which was a fusion of soul, R&B and psychedelic rock.
Award Recognition
The song won The Temptations their first Grammy Award in 1969 for Best Rhythm & Blues Group Performance, Vocal or Instrumental.
Chart Success
"Cloud Nine" reached the number six position on the Billboard Hot 100 chart and held the number two spot on the R&B chart.
Line-up Change
This was the first single featuring Dennis Edwards, who replaced David Ruffin as the lead vocalist of The Temptations.
Controversial Theme
The song is often interpreted as a reflection of substance abuse, specifically referencing the use of drugs as a means of escaping life's problems. However, Otis Williams of The Temptations has stated that the song is about the poverty-stricken childhood he and many African Americans experienced.
Ensemble Singing
"Cloud Nine" abandoned the previous "one lead singer" trend of The Temptations, and instead, various members of the band take turns on lead vocals throughout the song. This set the pattern for the band's following singles as well.
Pioneering Hit
The song is often considered a precursor to the "psychedelic soul" genre, paving the way for future hits by the band in a similar style, such as "Psychedelic Shack" and "Ball of Confusion."
Album Success
"Cloud Nine" is also the title track of The Temptations' 1969 album, which reached number four on the Billboard Pop Albums chart.
Influential Producer
The song was produced by Norman Whitfield, who is usually credited for steering The Temptations' direction towards a more socially-conscious and mature sound.
Long Lasting Influence
The groundbreaking sound of "Cloud Nine" influenced many other Motown artists and has often been sampled by hip-hop artists, testament to its continued relevance and influence in modern music.

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    Cloud Nine

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    Top Hot 100 Songs 1969

    Billboard #6


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