The Temptations – Cloud Nine: A Psychedelic Soul Journey to Euphoria
In the ever-evolving tapestry of American music, The Temptations hold a prominent position. Among their vast collection of hits, Cloud Nine stands out as a groundbreaking sonic exploration, marking a significant turning point in their career and the broader landscape of soul music.
Background
Released in 1969, Cloud Nine emerged during a period of creative ferment within Motown Records. The label, known for its polished and radio-friendly sound, was embracing new artistic directions.
Inspired by the burgeoning psychedelic rock movement and the innovative sounds of Sly and the Family Stone, Cloud Nine presented a bold new direction for The Temptations.
The song itself is a captivating journey into a state of euphoria.
The lyrics, penned by Norman Whitfield and Barrett Strong, are open to interpretation, but many listeners perceive them as alluding to the liberating effects of love or perhaps a more metaphorical sense of emotional release.
Video
Lyrics
🎵 Let’s sing along with the lyrics! 🎤
The childhood part of my life wasn’t very prettyYou see, I was born and raised in the slums of the cityIt was a one room shack that slept ten other children beside meWe hardly had enough food or room to sleepIt was hard timesNeeded something to ease my troubled mindMy father didn’t know the meaning of the wordHe disrespected Mama and treated us like dirtI left home seeking a job that I never did findDepressed and down-hearted, I took to Cloud NineI’m doing fine, up here on Cloud NineListen, one more timeI’m doing fine, up here on Cloud NineFolks now they tell meThey say, “Give yourself a chance and don’t let life pass you by”But the world around you is a rat race where only the strong surviveIt’s a dog-eat-dog world and that ain’t no lie (ain’t no lie)Listen, it ain’t even safe no more, to walk the streets at nightI’m doing fine on Cloud NineLet me tell you about Cloud NineYou can be what you wanna be(Cloud Nine) You ain’t got no responsibility(Cloud Nine) Every man, every man is free(Cloud Nine) You’re a million miles from reality (Reality)