Ball of Confusion (That's What the World Is Today)

The Temptations

About Ball of Confusion (That's What the World Is Today)

"Ball of Confusion (That's What the World Is Today)" is a 1970 hit single for The Temptations. It was released on the Gordy (Motown) label, and written by Norman Whitfield and Barrett Strong. The song was used to anchor the 1970 Greatest Hits II LP. It reached #3 on the US pop charts and #2 on the US R&B charts. Billboard ranked the record as the #24 song of 1970. It reached #7 in the UK Singles Chart. Although a nearly eleven minute long backing track was recorded by The Funk Brothers, only slightly more than four minutes was used for the Temptations' version of the song. The full backing track can be heard on the 1971 LP The Undisputed Truth. 


Year:
2009
4:08
83 
#1

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One, two, one, two, three, four, ow

People moving out, people moving in
Why, because of the color of their skin
Run, run, run but you sure can't hide

An eye for an eye, a tooth for a tooth
Vote for me and I'll set you free
Rap on, brother, rap on

Well, the only person talking about love thy brother is the preacher
And it seems nobody's interested in learning but the teacher
Segregation, determination, demonstration, integration
Aggravation, humiliation, obligation to our nation

Ball of confusion
Oh yeah, that's what the world is today
Woo, hey, hey

The sale of pills are at an all time high
Young folks walking round with their heads in the sky
The cities ablaze in the summer time

And oh, the beat goes on

Evolution, revolution, gun control, sound of soul
Shooting rockets to the moon, kids growing up too soon
Politicians say more taxes will solve everything

And the band played on

So, round and around and around we go
Where the world's headed, nobody knows

Oh, great googa-looga, can't you hear me talking to you
Just a ball of confusion
Oh yeah, that's what the world is today
Woo, hey

Fear in the air, tension everywhere
Unemployment rising fast, the Beatles new record's a gas

And the only safe place to live is on an Indian reservation

And the band played on

Eve of destruction, tax deduction, city inspectors, bill collectors
Mod clothes in demand, population out of hand, suicide, too many bills
Hippies moving to the hills, people all over the world are shouting, end the war

And the band played on

Great googa-looga, can't you hear me talking to you
Sayin' ball of confusion
That's what the world is today, hey, hey

Let me hear ya, let me hear ya, let me hear ya
Sayin', ball of confusion
That's what the world is today, hey, hey
Let me hear ya, let me hear ya, let me hear ya, let me hear ya, let me hear ya
Ball of confusion

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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: NORMAN WHITFIELD, BARRETT STRONG

Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind


10 facts about this song

Song Creation
"Ball of Confusion (That's What the World is Today)" is a song written by Norman Whitfield and Barrett Strong for Motown Records in 1970.
The Temptations' Version
The Temptations recorded the song first and it was one of their major hits, reaching the top 3 on the Billboard R&B charts and peaking at number 7 on the Billboard Hot 100.
Unique Features
The song is noted for its socially conscious lyrics and a fast-paced, psychedelic soul sound that was innovative for its time.
Song Meaning
The lyrics address numerous political issues of the time, including the Vietnam War, drug abuse, violence, and political unrest.
The Undisputed Truth Version
The song was also recorded by another Motown act, The Undisputed Truth, later in 1971.
Reaction to The Undisputed Truth Version
This version did not achieve the same level of commercial success, but it also reflected the social consciousness of the era and has been praised for its bold lyrics and musical experimentation.
Subsequent Use
"Ball of Confusion" has been covered by numerous other artists and used in various forms of media since its release, reflecting its enduring relevance and popularity.
Impact
The song is considered a classic of 1970s soul and a reflection of the era's social and political climate, and it remains one of The Temptations' most notable hits.
Unique Vocal Arrangement
One of the unique features of The Temptations' version of the song is that instead of the usual lead vocals from just one member, “Ball of Confusion” had different group members swapping lead vocal duties.
Inducted into Grammy Hall of Fame
"Ball of Confusion (That's What the World is Today)" was inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame in 2021, confirming its status as a classic and influential song.

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    Ball of Confusion (That's What the World Is Today)

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    Top Hot 100 Songs 1970

    Billboard #3


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