Papa Was A Rolling Stone Lyrics
The Temptations
Lyrics
Say what you want to
I'm changing no more for you
It didn't turn out the way it was supposed to
If you don't understand then you won't know where i've been
If you won't then there's no point for me to even begin to tell you
Somethings are better left unsaid
Despite the desperation in my head
Somethings are better left alone
But i'm left with no words
And all i want to do is shout out loud
All the sticks and stones that you've been throwing at me
How they're killing me, oh why
Every night i try to sleep
Toss and turn in my bed
Thoughts ring out in my head
And i got to get away from here
From the voice that i find ways to poison my mind
For i never thought that i would be
Don't killing me
Don't killing me
I said what you want to
Now i've done what i've done
‘cause though i've tried to be real
But that's just left me undone
All this pain that i feel will leave a stain on my skin
And the marks that they leave expose the shadows within
I'll show you
I wish that things were better left unsaid
I wish that there was peace inside my head
I guess that we are better left alone
‘cause if i find the right words i know i'll have to shout them out
All the sticks and stones that you've been throwing at me
How they're killing me, oh why
Every night i try to sleep
Toss and turn in my bed
Thoughts ring out in my head
And i got to get away from here
From the voice that i find ways to poison my mind
For i never thought that i would be
Don't killing me
Don't killing me
Don't killing me
All the sticks and stones that you've been throwing at me
How they're killing me, oh why
Every night i try to sleep
Toss and turn in my bed
Thoughts ring out in my head i'm killing me
Song & Lyrics Facts
The Temptations released their classic hit "Papa Was A Rolling Stone" in 1972 on the album All Directions. Written by Barrett Strong, Norman Whitfield and Motown Records producer Lawrence Horn, it was performed by The Temptations with lead vocals from Dennis Edwards.
The song is a six-minute epic that speaks of a father who left his family behind to pursue his own interests. It has been covered by numerous artists over the years and its lyrics are considered among some of the most iconic in soul music history. Its message of understanding and acceptance makes it one of the band's most beloved songs.