The Temptations – Ball of Confusion (That’s What the World Is Today): A Soulful Cry in a Tumultuous Era
As we delve into the tapestry of American soul music, few groups stand taller than The Temptations. Among their vast collection of hits, Ball of Confusion (That’s What the World Is Today) stands out as a powerful social commentary, a song that captured the anxieties and uncertainties of a nation in flux.
Background
Released in 1970, Ball of Confusion marked a significant shift in The Temptations’ sound.
While they were previously known for their romantic ballads and upbeat dance tracks, this song embraced a more raw and psychedelic aesthetic, reflecting the turbulent times.
The Vietnam War raged on, the Civil Rights Movement continued its fight for equality, and social unrest simmered throughout the country. Songwriters Norman Whitfield and Barrett Strong channeled these anxieties into a poignant and evocative piece.
Video
Lyrics
🎵 Let’s sing along with the lyrics! 🎤
One, two, one, two, three, four, owPeople moving out, people moving inWhy, because of the color of their skinRun, run, run but you sure can’t hideAn eye for an eye, a tooth for a toothVote for me and I’ll set you freeRap on, brother, rap onWell, the only person talking about love thy brother is the preacherAnd it seems nobody’s interested in learning but the teacherSegregation, determination, demonstration, integrationAggravation, humiliation, obligation to our nationBall of confusionOh yeah, that’s what the world is todayWoo, hey, heyThe sale of pills are at an all time highYoung folks walking round with their heads in the skyThe cities ablaze in the summer timeAnd oh, the beat goes onEvolution, revolution, gun control, sound of soulShooting rockets to the moon, kids growing up too soonPoliticians say more taxes will solve everythingAnd the band played onSo, round and around and around we goWhere the world’s headed, nobody knowsOh, great googa-looga, can’t you hear me talking to youJust a ball of confusionOh yeah, that’s what the world is todayWoo, heyFear in the air, tension everywhereUnemployment rising fast, the Beatles new record’s a gasAnd the only safe place to live is on an Indian reservationAnd the band played onEve of destruction, tax deduction, city inspectors, bill collectorsMod clothes in demand, population out of hand, suicide, too many billsHippies moving to the hills, people all over the world are shouting, end the war