Standing on the Top

Rick James

About Standing on the Top

"Standing on the Top" is a funk song recorded by the Motown group The Temptations, written and produced by (and featuring) musician Rick James.


Year:
2006
4:17

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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

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Rick James

Rick James (born James Ambrose Johnson, Jr.; February 1, 1948 – August 6, 2004) was an American singer, songwriter, musician and record producer, best known for being the major popularizer of funk music in the late 1970s and early 1980s thanks to million-selling hits such as "You and I" (1978), "Give It to Me Baby" (1981) and "Super Freak" (1981), the latter song crossing him over to pop audiences and selling over three million copies, later contributing to the success of rapper MC Hammer's "U Can't Touch This" (1990), which James sued to be credited for. James won a Grammy Award for Best R&B Song with Hammer for the song, his only Grammy win. more »

2 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 Detail
This 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 Inclusion
This 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 Performance
As 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 Length
The 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 Lineup
For this recording, The Temptations' lineup consisted of Dennis Edwards, Melvin Franklin, Richard Street, Otis Williams, and Glenn Leonard.
Decades-Long Gap
This 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."
Controversy
Despite 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 Dispute
Despite 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.

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