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The Temptations — Just My Imagination (Running Away with Me)
Album: Greatest Hits
Avg rating:
8

Your rating:
Total ratings: 1390









Released: 1971
Length: 3:42
Plays (last 30 days): 0
Each day through my window I watch her as she passes by
I say to myself, "You're such a lucky guy"
To have a girl like her is truly a dream come true
Out of all the fellas in the world, she belongs to you
But it was just my imagination,
Running away with me
It was just my imagination,
Running away with me
Soon we'll be married and raise a family
A cozy little home, out in the country, with two children, maybe three
I tell you I can visualize it all
This couldn't be a dream, for too real it all seems
But it was just my imagination,
Running away with me
It was just my imagination,
Running away with me
Every night, on my knees I pray
"Dear lord, hear my plea
Don't ever let another take her love from me
Or I will surely die"
Her love is heavenly
When her arms enfold me
I hear her tender rhapsody
But in reality, she doesn't even know me
I never met her, but I can't forget her
Just my imagination, yeah, yeah, yeah
Running away with me
Oh, just my imagination,
Running away with me
Comments (108)add comment
Can we have an 11 ?
 unclehud wrote:

Originally released in 1971, although the Greatest Hits version may have been released in 2004. 



On the Sky's the Limit album. Recorded in 1970, released in 1971.
The Stones covered it in a pleasantly raw way
 unclehud wrote:

Soundtrack to my high school years ...


Originally released in 1971, although the Greatest Hits version may have been released in 2004. 
 easmann wrote:

So iconic and deftly delivered. I had this rated at 9. I was wrong, it is clearly a 10.



1971
So iconic and deftly delivered. I had this rated at 9. I was wrong, it is clearly a 10.
 sfyi2001 wrote:
7 years later The Rolling Stones covered this on 'SOME GIRLS'.





and actually did a nice job
Superb!! Brings back memories!  Thanx RP!
exquisite.   10
Not enough 'O's in 'smooth'. Perfection.
c.
if this isn't 10,  what is?
Wow what an amazing list of past members.
Soundtrack to my high school years ...
 rita_johnson wrote:
In high school, my sister used to call these songs "grinders" ;-)
 
And we used to do the "slow drag..."
 rita_johnson wrote:
In high school, my sister used to call these songs "grinders" ;-)
 

AKA Slow Jamz
7 years later The Rolling Stones covered this on 'SOME GIRLS'.



In high school, my sister used to call these songs "grinders" ;-)
Soul Happy
 Proclivities wrote:
Soul music didn't die, and it didn't get replaced, neither did Marvin Gaye and Otis Redding beget R. Kelly and Mariah Carey.  
This song is about fifty years old - tastes change over fifty years.  Not everyone is 60 years old.
 
It's just your opinion, running away with you.
Purely nice. 
{#Daisy}
 Proclivities wrote:

 Soul music didn't die, and it didn't get replaced, neither did Marvin Gaye and Otis Redding beget R. Kelly and Mariah Carey.  This song is about fifty years old - tastes change over fifty years.  Not everyone is 60 years old.

 
Stern, but fair.
The soundtrack to a transcendent Wonder Years episode. 
{#Bounce}{#Bounce}{#Bounce}{#Bounce}{#Bounce}
 tammaye wrote:
Gregorama wrote:
How did Soul music ever die, and get replaced by Rap and Hip Hop?
i hear ya... what i really don't get is modern R&B. how did otis redding and marvin gaye beget r. kelly and mariah carey? someone please splain it to me. oh, and thanks for the timeless track, Bill!

 
 Soul music didn't die, and it didn't get replaced, neither did Marvin Gaye and Otis Redding beget R. Kelly and Mariah Carey.  This song is about fifty years old - tastes change over fifty years.  Not everyone is 60 years old.
Ok, my ex expressed her disappointment when she saw the Temps... Wasn't the 'original guys'...  
 fitmartin wrote:
sonic layers of bliss! {#Hearteyes}

 
Perfect
sonic layers of bliss! {#Hearteyes}
Senior class dance my frosh year of high school, and the senior I've had a year-long secret crush on (he's the boyfriend of my best friend's older sister) asks me to slow dance to this song. Some moments are forever...
Ahhhhhh... The soundtrack to my life is playing once again.
Zep wrote:
physicsgenius wrote:
some crap
Bwa-ha-ha! Dude you crack me up sometimes!
Yeah, PG is usually good for a laugh. But actually this whole thread has been pretty boneheaded... On the one hand, if someone doesn't like a genre or style, well that's their choice/taste. It's personal, and there is no mathematics for taste. On the other hand it's pretty clear that musical taste is not entirely genetic or physical. Ideas of what is pleasant or harmonious varies across cultures and eras. Carrying an inate predjudice against or for a particular genre can cost you some pleasure in life. Just like prudishness. Sometimes putting a little effort into getting a type or piece of music will pay off wonderful dividends. Me I like people who go to a little effort to enjoy music.
Old_Pat wrote:
Can't go higher than 10. Pity - this deserves more.
No, it just means you need to recalibrate your scale, and only give 10s to songs you feel are equal to this.
Class
Very nice.
My favorite song from the later Temptations. I can just see his imagination at work in this song, as so many of us have imagined the possibilities and impossibilities that other people offer us. And the final fadeout, "I never met her, but I can't forget her" is one of the best lines of lyrics anywhere.
Can't go higher than 10. Pity - this deserves more.
Aah, the Temptin' Temptations!
tammaye wrote:
i hear ya... what i really don't get is modern R&B. how did otis redding and marvin gaye beget r. kelly and mariah carey? someone please splain it to me. oh, and thanks for the timeless track, Bill!
What aflanigan said. The same thing that happened to country music...MONEY.
One of the few Temptations songs I really enjoy. In fact, it's one of my many all time favorite songs.
This song has me at the hook...mmm... late night radio....the peaceful hour...what a great sound...so poignant and mellow....like the lost romance it evokes...
Papa was a rollin' stone...
stuartgibson wrote:
Uh-oh. The last couple days made me realize that this amazing station will eventually get pulled down by the lowest commmon denominator..............you know, people who still think this is a song worth hearing more than once a decade. Oh well, I'll enjoy it while it lasts.
So, I guess you're annoyed if you have to stop to let a little old lady cross the street, too? Too much time out of your pre-determined schedule?
Reminds me of being an insecure young freshman at a high-school dance, just before the boy of my dreams came over to ask me to dance (yes, it really happened that way).
tammaye wrote:
i hear ya... what i really don't get is modern R&B. how did otis redding and marvin gaye beget r. kelly and mariah carey? someone please splain it to me. oh, and thanks for the timeless track, Bill!
I wonder if the mediocritization of "R&B" happened in a similar way to the way Country & Western was mainstreamed and made into a hollow imitation of what it used to be. That story, of course, has been told fairly definitively in shows like the BBC's "Lost Highway" retrospective on the history of Country music (see "The Nashville sound", Owen Bradley, Chet Atkins), but I don't know of a book, article, etc. that similarly explores how R&B lost what it once had. It can't be strictly an attempt to mainstream the music, to popularize it for imrpoved sales, because my impression is that during the "golden years" of Motown R&B, Motown was all about popularity and boosting record sales. Maybe it's the advent of focus group-driven decisions by recording execs.
4999thnewuser wrote:
Just lurve that intro, smooother than an ice cube sliding into a Martini. Sublime indeed
You put ice cubes in your martinis? But yeah. Nice.
Uh-oh. The last couple days made me realize that this amazing station will eventually get pulled down by the lowest commmon denominator..............you know, people who still think this is a song worth hearing more than once a decade. Oh well, I'll enjoy it while it lasts.
tammaye wrote:
what i really don't get is modern R&B. how did otis redding and marvin gaye beget r. kelly and mariah carey? someone please splain it to me.
Do ya think this music could ever make it in today's world? I mean forget the nostalgic connotations...would it break out or get relegated to soft rock channels?
tammaye wrote:
i hear ya... what i really don't get is modern R&B. how did otis redding and marvin gaye beget r. kelly and mariah carey? someone please splain it to me. And let's not forget MC Hammer and Vanilla Ice...
Gregorama wrote:
How did Soul music ever die, and get replaced by Rap and Hip Hop?
i hear ya... what i really don't get is modern R&B. how did otis redding and marvin gaye beget r. kelly and mariah carey? someone please splain it to me. oh, and thanks for the timeless track, Bill!
MysticMilt wrote:
See, this is one of the many reasons why I love RP: every now and then we get a kinda-out-of-left-field pick that really forces you reevaluate a song that's so well known it's iconic. The beautiful thing is that listening to this song outside of its usual "All Oldies!" station or cheesy movie soundtrack really helps those of us who don't know it in any other format to take a second listen, and really appreciate it for what it is: one hell of a perfect classic Motown tune.
well put.
my favorite Temptations song...
See, this is one of the many reasons why I love RP: every now and then we get a kinda-out-of-left-field pick that really forces you reevaluate a song that's so well known it's iconic. The beautiful thing is that listening to this song outside of its usual "All Oldies!" station or cheesy movie soundtrack really helps those of us who don't know it in any other format to take a second listen, and really appreciate it for what it is: one hell of a perfect classic Motown tune.
More Temptations please!!
Hey! This one got my attention. Nice follow up from Steve Winwood.
This is what I'm talking about.
Daveinbawlmer wrote:
Sacrilege, I know but I like the Stones version off of Some Girls better. :-k
Blasphemy, I know, but I do too....
OVERPLAYED!!!!!!! give us ball of confusion
physicsgenius wrote:
If a song can't stand on its own and requires "interpretation" and "contextualization" it is crap, however much you liked it at the time.
Bwa-ha-ha! Dude you crack me up sometimes!
Xeric wrote:
Well, no, I'm afraid that may not be the explanation: I grew up entirely in the good old U. S. of A. . . . and I think, have always thought, and so far looks like always will think that this song sucks. . . .
What? You live in the mountains or somethin?
Good grief. Even if you claim not to like the song, just listen to the production. Gorgeous. And real instruments no less!
Roverfish wrote:
No criticism of you or your opinion, but I wonder if it doesn't have to do with the fact that you grew up outside the U.S. For me, this song is almost fundamental. And so so so outstanding.
Well, no, I'm afraid that may not be the explanation: I grew up entirely in the good old U. S. of A. . . . and I think, have always thought, and so far looks like always will think that this song sucks. . . .
Daveinbawlmer wrote:
Sacrilege, I know but I like the Stones version off of Some Girls better. :-k
Yeah, it is sacrilege. This version is better than Smokey Robinson's, too, since it carries the slow, dreamy feel of someone, well, letting his imagination run away with him.
It's a 10. If this is not a 10, nothing is a 10.
Sacrilege, I know but I like the Stones version off of Some Girls better. :-k
pyxxel wrote:
Totally HATE it. Sorry - another ONE.....
No criticism of you or your opinion, but I wonder if it doesn't have to do with the fact that you grew up outside the U.S. For me, this song is almost fundamental. And so so so outstanding.
Totally HATE it. Sorry - another ONE.....
Zep wrote:
Gotta remember this song is closing in on 40 years old, and it reflected a long history of soul, gospel, and doo-wop that began at least 15 years before that. That it's irritating to you by today's standards doesn't mean jack shit - it's frozen in time. That's how they did the genre then. By the way, cuz of your 2, I raised my rating 2 clicks.
So what? Bach's music is just as, if not more, steeped in history and yet people still like it too. If a song can't stand on its own and requires "interpretation" and "contextualization" it is crap, however much you liked it at the time.
beautiful. smooth. creamy. like a great cup of java in the morning sun.
JamieR wrote:
I'm sorry but just because you don't like the song, doesn't mean it warrants a 1. <-X
Actually...it does mean that. What do you think the ratings are for? It's our personal opinions of the songs.
what a great tune
Some really good Temptations tracks being played of late. Fantastic. And there's more, too. Of course it would be unfair and unkind to the kids if too much such music were juxtaposed that being released today. Rubbing it in would be impolite.
Zep wrote:
Gotta remember this song is closing in on 40 years old, and it reflected a long history of soul, gospel, and doo-wop that began at least 15 years before that. That it's irritating to you by today's standards doesn't mean jack shit - it's frozen in time. That's how they did the genre then. By the way, cuz of your 2, I raised my rating 2 clicks.
Ditto on that Zep! :nodhead: They just don't get it! You punks! If I remeber correctly, weren't we too? 8O LOL I am given the song a TEN!! Because it deserves it!
Zep wrote:
Gotta remember this song is closing in on 40 years old, and it reflected a long history of soul, gospel, and doo-wop that began at least 15 years before that. That it's irritating to you by today's standards doesn't mean jack shit - it's frozen in time. That's how they did the genre then. By the way, cuz of your 2, I raised my rating 2 clicks.
Seems to me the ratings reflect one's personal feelings about a song--never mind the history of the song, its genre, etc. Therefore, 1.
Gotta remember this song is closing in on 40 years old, and it reflected a long history of soul, gospel, and doo-wop that began at least 15 years before that. That it's irritating to you by today's standards doesn't mean jack shit - it's frozen in time. That's how they did the genre then. By the way, cuz of your 2, I raised my rating 2 clicks. catmaven wrote:
This is slightly less irritating than most of this genre. But I still can't stand the ooh-hoooo-hoooing and the falsetto. I guess I will leave my vote as a magnanimous 2 anyway, though. I wish I never had to hear this genre again.
The comments here are about as good a snapshot as I've ever seen of the way America has changed in the last 40 years. It's not a pretty sight.
Jennnn wrote:
THANK YOU TO WHOEVER UPLOADED THIS! (Love it!)
You're welcome I love it too!
IMHO this would be much better without the strings and horns - just have some drums, guitar, piano. oh, and NO HARP.
IMNSHO this would be much better not on RP.
catmaven wrote:
This is slightly less irritating than most of this genre. But I still can't stand the ooh-hoooo-hoooing and the falsetto. I guess I will leave my vote as a magnanimous 2 anyway, though. I wish I never had to hear this genre again.
The Temps made some songs I love more, but this still has a sweetness that characterized a lot of the "sweet soul music" of the 60s.
japanmoran wrote:
IMHO this would be much better without the strings and horns - just have some drums, guitar, piano. oh, and NO HARP. :)
Naw, I respectfully disagree. Some songs are ruined by this sort of orchestration (thinking of Greg Allman's version of Midnight Rider he did later on), but in this case, it is absolutely necessary and gives that extra magic.
How did Soul music ever die, and get replaced by Rap and Hip Hop? I guess I am just too old to get it.
beelzebubba wrote:
Yes, boys and girls, there was a time (a long time ago), when R&B didn't suck so much.
...but this is not an example of that, right? ;)
IMHO this would be much better without the strings and horns - just have some drums, guitar, piano. oh, and NO HARP. :)
This is slightly less irritating than most of this genre. But I still can't stand the ooh-hoooo-hoooing and the falsetto. I guess I will leave my vote as a magnanimous 2 anyway, though. I wish I never had to hear this genre again.
:sunny.gif:
Yes, boys and girls, there was a time (a long time ago), when R&B didn't suck so much.
THANK YOU TO WHOEVER UPLOADED THIS! (Love it!)
A cunning link indeed 8)
JJAB wrote:
Ahh, the ignorance of youth... I'm tempted to... well, nevermind. :tapedshut:
geeeeeez - I'm with you. How could you call something so classic, important, well crafted - even if you don't like it - sucko-barfo? On a good day I agree with a previous post - to each their own. But today is not a good day and I'd really like to let loose ......but :tapedshut: :tapedshut:
It doesn't just sound good - it feels good, too. And you just can't explain that to those who don't get it.
This is one of those albums that, when a track comes on, you have to stop and embarass your kids by kissing your spouse and indulging in a slow dance in the kitchen.
JamieR wrote:
I'm sorry but just because you don't like the song, doesn't mean it warrants a 1. <-X
Uhhhhhhhhhhhhhh..... isn't that EXACTLY what a 1 means?
I can tell just how cynical I've been made by alt-rock. I hear a brilliant, lovely song like this and think, didn't anyone every play in minor keys back then?
JJAB wrote:
Ahh, the ignorance of youth... I'm tempted to... well, nevermind. :tapedshut:
To each his own.
KevinM wrote:
Crap
Ahh, the ignorance of youth... I'm tempted to... well, nevermind. :tapedshut:
Aah, pure gospel, in a way (and a bit the story of my life, I'm afraid). Especially the bridge going: 'every night on my knees I pray' (the best part of the song I think). Superb close harmony, very divergent voices blending perfectly together.
KevinM wrote:
I beg to differ - It is a 1 if I ever heard one.
you like the silly "Drops of Jupiter" and don't like this song? major malfunction.
Some songs are just classics for classics ' sake...
JamieR wrote:
I'm sorry but just because you don't like the song, doesn't mean it warrants a 1. <-X
I beg to differ - It is a 1 if I ever heard one.
Is it just my imagination that the Red Sox just won the World Series?!!!
KevinM wrote:
Crap
I'm sorry but just because you don't like the song, doesn't mean it warrants a 1. <-X
Hannio wrote:
Totally sublime.
Indeed. Just the perfect dose of milk and honey.
completely wonderful! 8)
Just lurve that intro, smooother than an ice cube sliding into a Martini. Sublime indeed
Crap
Don't Tempt me! An8.
Totally sublime.