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

Four Tops, 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. 


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

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

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

Ball of confusion, 
That's what the world is today, hey. 

The sale of pills is at an all time high, 
Young folks walk with their heads in the sky, 
The cities aflame in the summertime, 
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," 
The band played on. 

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

Oh, Great Googamooga, 
Can't you hear me talking to you, 
Just a ball of confusion, 
That's what the world is today, 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, 
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 Googamooga, 
Can't you hear me talking to you, 
Just a Ball Of Confusion, -ac

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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: 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) Lyrics." Lyrics.com. STANDS4 LLC, 2024. Web. 18 Apr. 2024. <https://www.lyrics.com/lyric/27890190/The+Temptations/Ball+of+Confusion+%28That%27s+What+the+World+Is+Today%29>.

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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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