The Temptations – It’s Growing

The Temptations – It’s Growing: A Soulful Metaphor for Enduring Love

Ah, The Temptations! Few vocal groups in music history can match their smooth harmonies, electrifying dance moves, and their ability to capture the essence of love in all its complexities. Among their vast collection of hits, one song stands out for its infectious melody and clever use of metaphor: It’s Growing.

Released in 1965, “It’s Growing” marked a pivotal moment for The Temptations. It followed their smash hit “My Girl,” the first song to feature the powerful vocals of David Ruffin as their lead singer. “It’s Growing” served as a perfect follow-up, showcasing the group’s ability to deliver both soulful ballads and upbeat dance anthems.

The song climbed the charts, reaching number 18 on the Billboard Hot 100 and number 3 on the Billboard R&B Singles chart, cementing its place as a soul classic.

The song’s narrative unfolds through a series of metaphors, all used to describe the narrator’s ever-growing love for his significant other. Smokey Robinson, a founding member of The Temptations and the mastermind behind the song’s lyrics, paints a vivid picture with comparisons that resonate with listeners.

The lyrics describe love as a snowball rolling down a snowy hill, a fish growing too big for the line, and a rosebud blooming in the sun.

These clever metaphors capture the essence of love’s growth – unstoppable, surprising, and beautiful. The playful imagery makes the song relatable and avoids the sometimes-clichéd expressions often used in love songs.

Musically, “It’s Growing” is a mid-tempo dance number with a driving rhythm section and a catchy horn arrangement. The Temptations’ signature vocals shine through, with David Ruffin’s powerful lead perfectly complemented by the smooth harmonies of his fellow group members.

“It’s Growing” has become a timeless classic, a staple on soul music playlists and a favorite at weddings and romantic gatherings. The Temptations’ original rendition remains the definitive version, a testament to Smokey Robinson’s songwriting talent and The Temptations’ ability to deliver a soulful performance that transcends generations.

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Lyrics

🎵 Let’s sing along with the lyrics! 🎤

Like a snowball rolling down the side of a snow covered hill, it’s growing
Like the size of a fish that the man claims broke his reel, it’s growing
Like a rosebud blooming in the warm of the summer sun, it’s growing
Like the tale by the time it’s been told by more than one, woo, it’s growing

Everyday it grows a little more than it was the day before
My love for you just grows and grows
Oh, how it grows and grows
And where it’s gonna stop I’m sure, nobody knows

How it grows, and it grows, and it grows
(Nobody knows) woo, yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah
(Nobody knows, it grows, it grows, where is it gonna stop)

Woo, like a need in a guy to see his girl
When she’s gone away, it’s growing
Like the sadness in his little heart
When he knows that she’s gone to stay, woo, it growing