Masterpiece
The Temptations
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Where I was born ev`rything was dull and dingy I lived in a place they called the inner city Getting ahead huh was strictly a nono 'Cause nobody cares what happens to the folks That live in the ghetto Thousands of lives wasting away People living from day to day It`s a challenge just staying alive `Cause in the ghetto only the strong survive Broken down homes, kids strung out They don`t even know what life`s all about Stealin` cars, robbin` bars Mugging drugs, rat infested And no one`s interested Kids dodging cars for recreation Only adds to a mother`s frustration Breakings, folks comin` home And finding all their possessions gone Oh it`s an ev`ry day thing, well well, in the ghetto Oh it`s an ev`ry day thing, well in the ghetto
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.jpg/240px-The-Temptations_(1964_publicity_photo_by_Kriegsmann).jpg "The Temptations")
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Written by: NORMAN WHITFIELD, NORMAN J. WHITFIELD
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
11 facts about this song
Artist Background"Masterpiece" was performed by The Temptations, a greatly admired American vocal group known for their melodic harmonies and versatile talent in soul, R&B, doo-wop, funk, disco, and pop music.
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Song OriginReleased on February 21, 1973, "Masterpiece" is a title track from The Temptations' twelfth studio album.
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Chart PerformanceDespite its nearly 14-minute length, the song peaked at number seven on the Billboard Hot 100, and at number one on the Billboard R&B charts in the US.
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Creative InspirationThe song was written and produced by the legendary Motown producer Norman Whitfield.
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Signature Style"Masterpiece" is widely recognized for its lush instrumental sections and long instrumental introduction before the entrance of the vocal part, which was characteristic of Whitfield’s symphonic soul production style.
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Lyric ThemeThe lyrical theme of the song is a commentary on contemporary social issues, reflecting The Temptations’ tradition of addressing socio-political matters in their music.
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Criticism & PraiseThe song received mixed reviews upon its release. Some criticized its length and its heavy focus on instrumentals, while others praised it for being a representation of the “psychedelic soul” era that Whitfield and The Temptations helped develop.
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Cultural Influence"Masterpiece" has influenced a range of other artists and bands. Notably, R&B group En Vogue paid homage to this song in their 1992 hit "My Lovin' (You're Never Gonna Get It)."
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Performance StyleThe Temptations' performances of "Masterpiece" were noted for their theatricality and dramatic interpretation, showcasing not only their vocal skills but their performance artistry.
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Album’s SuccessEven though individual reactions to the song "Masterpiece" were mixed, the album itself was a commercial success, reaching number one on the Billboard R&B Albums chart.
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Covers and SamplesDue to its cultural impact, the song has been covered and sampled by several artists in the years since its release, further emphasizing its lasting influence.
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Citation
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"Masterpiece Lyrics." Lyrics.com. STANDS4 LLC, 2024. Web. 16 Apr. 2024. <https://www.lyrics.com/lyric/27298362/The+Temptations/Masterpiece>.
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