About the song
Let’s delve into the infectious groove of “I Can’t Get Next to You” by The Temptations, a dynamic track that captivated audiences upon its release in 1969. Written by Norman Whitfield and Barrett Strong, this song was featured on The Temptations’ album *Puzzle People*.
“I Can’t Get Next to You” showcases The Temptations’ versatility and their ability to blend soulful vocals with a funk-inspired rhythm. The song topped the Billboard Hot 100 chart in the United States, marking their second number 1 hit after “My Girl”. It also reached number 1 on the Billboard R&B Singles chart, underscoring its popularity within the soul music community.
The track’s innovative production, characterized by its driving beat and energetic brass section, set it apart from their previous releases and solidified its status as a groundbreaking piece of music. The Temptations’ harmonious vocals, led by Dennis Edwards’ powerful delivery, added depth and intensity to the song, making it an instant classic.
Over the years, “I Can’t Get Next to You” has been covered and sampled by various artists across different genres, attesting to its enduring influence on popular music. Its inclusion in films, television shows, and commercials further highlights its cultural impact and continued relevance.
Whether you’re rediscovering this energetic gem or hearing it for the first time, “I Can’t Get Next to You” by The Temptations remains a testament to the group’s innovation and their ability to resonate with audiences through their infectious rhythms and soulful melodies. It stands as a reminder of their contribution to shaping the sound of Motown during the late 1960s and early 1970s, leaving an indelible mark on music history.
Video
Lyrics
I
Can turn the gray sky blue
I can make it rain, whenever I want it to, oh I
I can build a castle from a single grain of sand
I can make a ship sail, on dry land tell ’em yeah
But my life is incomplete and I’m so blue
‘Cause I can’t get next to you
I can’t get next to you, babe (next to you)
I can’t get next to you (I just can’t get next you)
I can’t get next to you, babe
I can’t get next to you
I
Can fly like a bird in the sky
Hey, and I can buy anything that money can’t buy
Oh, I
I can turn a river into a raging fire
I can live forever if I so desired
Unimportant are all the things I can do
‘Cause I can’t get next to you
I can’t get next to you, babe (no matter what I do)
I can’t get next to you
Uh-ya
Ooo-ooo
Ooo-ooo
Chica boom, chica boom
Chica boom, boom, boom
I can turn back the hands of time, you better believe I can
I can make the seasons change, just by waving my hand
Oh, I
I can change anything from old to new
The things I want to do the most, I’m unable to do
Unhappy am I with all the powers I possess
‘Cause girl you’re the key to my happiness
And I
Can’t get next to you
Girl, you’re blowing my mind ’cause I can’t get (next to you)
Can’t you see these tears I’m crying? I can’t get (next to you)
Girl, it’s you that I need, I gotta get (next to you)
Can’t you see these tears I’m crying? I can’t get (next to you)
I, I, I, I, I can’t get (next to you)
I, I, I, I, I can’t get (next to you)
Girl, you’re blowing my mind