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About The Song
“Papa Was A Rollin’ Stone” is a classic soul song performed by The Temptations, released in 1972. It’s a powerful and evocative track that delves into the complexities of family dynamics and the impact of a father’s absence on his children. Let’s explore the details of this iconic song.
Background:
- Artist: “Papa Was A Rollin’ Stone” was recorded by The Temptations, an American vocal group known for their soulful harmonies and emotive performances.
- Release Date: The song was released in 1972 as a single and later included on The Temptations’ album “All Directions.”
- Composers: “Papa Was A Rollin’ Stone” was written by Norman Whitfield and Barrett Strong.
Musical Style:
- Genre: The song falls into the soul and funk genres, characterized by its brooding atmosphere, funky groove, and dramatic arrangement.
- Arrangement: “Papa Was A Rollin’ Stone” features a dynamic arrangement, with a haunting bassline, atmospheric strings, and The Temptations’ soulful vocals weaving a captivating narrative.
- Mood: The mood of the song is dark and introspective, with lyrics that explore themes of abandonment, disillusionment, and longing.
Lyrics:
- Theme: The lyrics of “Papa Was A Rollin’ Stone” tell the story of a father who led a troubled and transient life, leaving behind a legacy of pain and confusion for his family.
- Imagery: The song paints vivid images of urban life and the struggles faced by families affected by absentee fathers, with references to poverty, despair, and broken dreams.
- Emotion: The Temptations’ emotive delivery of the lyrics conveys a sense of sadness, anger, and resignation, capturing the emotional turmoil experienced by the narrator and their siblings.
Cultural Impact:
- Commercial Success: “Papa Was A Rollin’ Stone” was a commercial success, reaching number one on the Billboard Hot 100 chart and winning multiple Grammy Awards.
- Cultural Influence: The song has been covered by various artists and remains a poignant reminder of the social issues faced by many African American families in urban communities.
- Legacy: “Papa Was A Rollin’ Stone” has endured as a timeless classic, its haunting melody and poignant lyrics continuing to resonate with audiences around the world.
Legacy:
- Timeless Appeal: Decades after its release, “Papa Was A Rollin’ Stone” remains a powerful and thought-provoking masterpiece, its haunting melody and evocative lyrics ensuring its enduring popularity.
- Musical Influence: The song’s influence can be heard in its impact on subsequent generations of soul and R&B musicians, who continue to explore themes of family, identity, and social justice in their music.
- Cultural Significance: “Papa Was A Rollin’ Stone” holds a special place in the hearts of listeners, serving as a poignant reminder of the importance of family, love, and understanding in overcoming adversity.
Conclusion:
“Papa Was A Rollin’ Stone” stands as a timeless testament to the talent and artistry of The Temptations. With its haunting melody, evocative lyrics, and soulful vocals, the song continues to inspire listeners, inviting them to reflect on the complexities of family dynamics and the enduring impact of parental absence. As a cultural icon, “Papa Was A Rollin’ Stone” remains a cherished favorite, reminding us of the power of music to evoke emotion, provoke thought, and inspire empathy for the human experience.
Lyrics
Let’s sing along with the lyrics!
It was the third of September
That day I’ll always remember,
Yes, I will
‘Cause that was the day that my daddy died
I never got a chance to see him
Never heard nothin’ but bad things about him
Mama, I’m depending on you
To tell me the truth
Mama just hung her head and said, “Son,..[Chorus:]
Papa was a rolling stone.
Wherever he laid his hat was his home.
And when he died, all he left us was alone.
Papa was a rolling stone, my son.
Wherever he laid his hat was his home.
And when he died, all he left us was alone.”Hey, mama!
Is it true what they say that papa never worked a day in his life?
And, mama, some bad talk goin’ round town sayin’ that papa had three outside children and another wife,
And that ain’t right
Heard them talking papa doing some store front preachin’
Talked about saving souls and all the time leechin’
Dealing in debt and stealing in the name of the Lord
Mama just hung her head and said,
[Chorus]
“Papa was a rolling stone, my son.
Wherever he laid his hat was his home.
And when he died, all he left us was alone.
Papa was a rolling stone.
Wherever he laid his hat was his home.
And when he died, all he left us was alone.”
Hey, mama,
I heard papa called himself a “Jack Of All Trades”
Tell me is that what sent papa to an early grave?
Folks say papa would beg, borrow, steal
To pay his bills
Hey, mama,
Folks say papa never was much on thinking
Spent most of his time chasing women and drinking
Mama, I’m depending on you
To tell me the truth
Mama looked up with a tear in her eye and said, “Son,..
[Chorus]
Papa was a rolling stone (well, well…)
Wherever he laid his hat was his home
And when he died, all he left us was alone
Papa was a rolling stone
Wherever he laid his hat was his home
And when he died, all he left us was alone.”
[Chorus]
I said, “Papa was a rolling stone (yes, he was, my son)
Wherever he laid his hat was his home
And when he died, all he left us was alone
My daddy was (papa was a rolling stone), yes, he was
Wherever he laid his hat was his home
And when he died, all he left us was alone.”
