Standing On the Top
The Temptations
Become A Better Singer In Only 30 Days, With Easy Video Lessons!
Yi-yi-yi-yi-yi-yi-yi When you're on the top There's no place you can really go but down, down, down People on the street congratulate you They say they love the way you sound, well When you're on the low No one wants to chit or chat or even know your name Your agent's never there Your manager has ripped you off and gone somewhere Standing on the top Standing on the top, top On the top getting down, yeah Standing on the top (Yeah), top On the top getting down, Temptations sing Standing on the top, top Ooh, ooh, ooh, ooh, ooh Standing on the top, top Ooh, ooh, ooh, ooh, ooh When you're on the top Everyone you meet they want to be your long lost friend They say how great you are, a superstar But do you have any money to lend (Hey, man, can you loan me a few bucks) When you're on the low Where do all the freaks and fancy people go, [I don't know] I don't know People sit and stare Askin' crazy questions, "Do you braid your hair" and "What's L-7 Square" Standing on the top, top On the top getting down, ho Hey...hoo Standing on the top, top On the top getting down, down, down, down Standing on the top (Sing) Ooh, ooh, ooh, ooh, ooh (Well, well, well, well, well, well) Standing on the top (Well) Ooh, ooh, ooh, ooh, ooh (Standing on the top getting down) Can you understand it [We understand it] Can you understand it what I'm talkin' about When I say that funk is here to stay [We understand it] Can you understand it what I'm talkin' about That funk is here to stay, oh [We understand it] If you understand it say, "Yeah" {Yeah...yeah...}-a
Become A Better Singer In Only 30 Days, With Easy Video Lessons!
.jpg/240px-The-Temptations_(1964_publicity_photo_by_Kriegsmann).jpg "The Temptations")
12 fans
Written by: James A Johnson
Lyrics © Wixen Music Publishing, WORDS & MUSIC A DIV OF BIG DEAL MUSIC LLC
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
11 facts about this song
Origin and Production"Standing on the Top" is a funk-infused track that was recorded by American artists Rick James and The Temptations. Rick James produced and wrote the song, capturing the signature funk style that he was renowned for.
|
Collaboration DetailThis song is a unique collaboration between solo musician Rick James and the legendary Motown group, The Temptations. This was the first and the only time they collaborated, resulting in a genre-blending spectacle.
|
Album InclusionThis track is part of Rick James's 1982 album called "Throwin' Down." It is one of the highlights of the album and received extensive airplay.
|
Chart PerformanceAs a single, "Standing on the Top" performed well on the charts. It reached the No. 6 position on Billboard's R&B singles chart in the United States in 1982.
|
Album Version LengthThe album version of the song is noted for its length, running for a full ten minutes. The duration allowed for extended solos and the showcasing of both Rick James and The Temptations' vocal abilities.
|
The Temptations LineupFor this recording, The Temptations' lineup consisted of Dennis Edwards, Melvin Franklin, Richard Street, Otis Williams, and Glenn Leonard.
|
Decades-Long GapThis song marked a return to the charts for The Temptations after a decade-long gap. The last they had a top 10 R&B hit was in 1972 with "Papa Was a Rollin' Stone."
|
ControversyDespite the success of "Standing on the Top," the collaboration was said to be filled with tension and discontent. Allegedly, The Temptations were not happy with the fact that Rick James and his band, The Stone City Band, received more vocal time on the track.
|
Live Performances"Standing on the Top" became a signature joint performance of Rick James and The Temptations during live concerts in the 1980s.
|
Credit DisputeDespite contributing significantly to the track, The Temptations were not originally credited on the 45 rpm single version. They were only listed as contributing artists, which reportedly led to dissension within the group.
|
Later Releases"Standing on the Top" was later included in several compilations and greatest hits albums by both Rick James and The Temptations, cementing its place in both artists' illustrious discographies.
|
Citation
Use the citation below to add these lyrics to your bibliography:
Style:MLAChicagoAPA
"Standing On the Top Lyrics." Lyrics.com. STANDS4 LLC, 2024. Web. 24 Apr. 2024. <https://www.lyrics.com/lyric/27187131/The+Temptations/Standing+On+the+Top>.
Powered by CITE.ME
Discuss the Standing On the Top Lyrics with the community:
Report Comment
We're doing our best to make sure our content is useful, accurate and safe.
If by any chance you spot an inappropriate comment while navigating through our website please use this form to let us know, and we'll take care of it shortly.
Attachment
You need to be logged in to favorite.
Log In