I Can't Get Next to You

The Temptations

About I Can't Get Next to You

"I Can't Get Next to You" is a 1969 number-one single recorded by The Temptations and written by Norman Whitfield and Barrett Strong for the Gordy (Motown) label. The song was a number-one single on the Billboard Top Pop Singles chart for two weeks in 1969, from October 18 to October 25, replacing "Sugar, Sugar" by The Archies and replaced by "Suspicious Minds" by Elvis Presley. The single was also a number-one hit on the Billboard Top R&B Singles for five weeks, from October 4 to November 1, replacing "Oh, What a Night" by The Dells, and replaced by another Motown song, "Baby I'm For Real" by The Originals. The single was the second of the Temptations' four number-one hits on the United States pop charts, and was also one of the best-selling singles the group released. Billboard ranked it as the No. 3 song for 1969. The applause that starts the song, which is cut short by Dennis Edwards' spoken "Hold it, hold it, listen" line, was sampled in another Temptations song "Psychedelic Shack." 


Year:
1995
2:54
360 
#1

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I
Can turn the gray sky blue
I can make it rain, whenever I want it to, oh I
I can build a castle from a single grain of sand
I can make a ship sail, on dry land tell 'em yeah
But my life is incomplete and I'm so blue
'Cause I can't get next to you

I can't get next to you, babe (next to you)
I can't get next to you (I just can't get next you)
I can't get next to you, babe
I can't get next to you

I
Can fly like a bird in the sky
Hey, and I can buy anything that money can't buy
Oh, I
I can turn a river into a raging fire
I can live forever if I so desired

Unimportant are all the things I can do
'Cause I can't get next to you

I can't get next to you, babe (no matter what I do)
I can't get next to you
Uh-ya

Ooo-ooo
Ooo-ooo
Chica boom, chica boom
Chica boom, boom, boom

I can turn back the hands of time, you better believe I can
I can make the seasons change, just by waving my hand
Oh, I
I can change anything from old to new
The things I want to do the most, I'm unable to do

Unhappy am I with all the powers I possess
'Cause girl you're the key to my happiness
And I

Can't get next to you

Girl, you're blowing my mind 'cause I can't get (next to you)
Can't you see these tears I'm crying? I can't get (next to you)
Girl, it's you that I need, I gotta get (next to you)
Can't you see these tears I'm crying? I can't get (next to you)
I, I, I, I, I can't get (next to you)
I, I, I, I, I can't get (next to you)
Girl, you're blowing my mind

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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 »

12 fans

Written by: BARRETT STRONG, NORMAN WHITFIELD, NORMAN J. WHITFIELD

Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind


10 facts about this song

Group Formation
"The Temptations" is not a solo artist but a world-renowned Motown vocal group that was formed in Detroit, Michigan, in 1960.
Song Origin
The song "I Can't Get Next to You" was released by these R&B legends in 1969.
Achievement
The song soared high on the charts, becoming a major hit for The Temptations by reaching the number one spot on the Billboard Pop Singles chart.
Composition
The song was composed and produced by notable songwriters Norman Whitfield and Barrett Strong. They have worked on this psychedelic soul genre making the song still notable to hear.
Notable Record Label
The song was released under the prominent record label "Motown". This label played a significant role in the racial integration of popular music.
Billboard Achievement
It holds a remarkable achievement of being the second of the group's four singles, which reached Number 1 on the pop charts.
Distinctive Feature
Unlike many songs of The Temptations, "I Can't Get Next to You" features all members of the group sharing lead vocals.
Cover Versions
This track has been covered by various artists including pop duo Tegan and Sara, R&B star Joe, and Gospel duo BeBe & CeCe Winans, demonstrating the enduring popularity and wide appeal of the song.
Album Appearance
The song is featured on The Temptations' album "Puzzle People", released in the same year.
Grammy Hall of Fame
This legendary song was certified into the Grammy Hall of Fame in 1999, commendably 30 years after its initial release.

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    I Can't Get Next to You

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    Top Hot 100 Songs 1969

    Billboard #1


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