The Temptations – Just My Imagination

About the song

“Get ready to be transported back to the golden era of soul music with the Temptations’ timeless classic, ‘Just My Imagination (Running Away with Me)’. Released in 1971, this iconic song has stood the test of time, captivating audiences of all ages with its infectious melody, harmonious vocals, and nostalgic charm. Written by the legendary songwriting duo Norman Whitfield and Barrett Strong, ‘Just My Imagination’ is a masterclass in soulful storytelling, weaving a tale of longing and imagination that resonates deeply with listeners.

As one of the Temptations’ signature songs, ‘Just My Imagination’ is a testament to the group’s enduring legacy in the music world. With its lush harmonies, soaring vocals, and memorable hooks, this song is a masterful blend of classic Motown sounds and innovative production techniques. The song’s success was nothing short of phenomenal, reaching number one on the US Billboard Hot 100 chart and staying there for two weeks in 1971. It also topped the Billboard R&B Singles chart for three weeks, cementing its status as a beloved anthem of the era.

But ‘Just My Imagination’ is more than just a chart-topping hit – it’s a poignant reflection of the Temptations’ evolution as a group. Recorded during a period of significant change, the song marked the final appearance of founding members Eddie Kendricks and Paul Williams, who would go on to pursue solo careers. Despite the challenges they faced, the Temptations continued to produce music that inspired and uplifted generations to come.

Today, ‘Just My Imagination’ remains a beloved classic, celebrated by music fans around the world. In 2010, Rolling Stone magazine recognized its enduring impact by listing it as number 399 on its list of The 500 Greatest Songs of All Time. The song has also been covered by other legendary artists, including the Rolling Stones, who paid homage to the Temptations’ legacy on their 1978 album Some Girls.

So, sit back, relax, and let the sweet harmonies of ‘Just My Imagination’ transport you back to a bygone era of soulful sounds and timeless music. With its universal themes of love, longing, and imagination, this song is sure to captivate audiences of all ages, reminding us of the power of music to transcend time and touch our hearts.

Video

Lyrics

Each day through my window I watch her as she passes by
I say to myself, “You’re such a lucky guy”
To have a girl like her is truly a dream come true
Out of all the fellows in the world, she belongs to you

But it was just my imagination
Runnin’ away with me
It was just my imagination
Runnin’ away with me

Ooh (Soon)
Soon we’ll be married and raise a family (Oh yeah)
A cozy little home out in the country
With two children, maybe three
I tell you I (I, I) can visualize it all
This couldn’t be a dream, for too real it all seems

But it was just my imagination, once again
Runnin’ away with me
Tell you, it was just my imagination
Runnin’ away with me

Ev’ry night on my knees I pray
“Dear Lord, hear my plea
Don’t ever let another take her love from me”
Or I will surely die, hmm
(Her love is) heavenly
When her arms enfold me
I hear a tender rhapsody
But in reality
She doesn’t even know me

(Just my imagination) Once again
Runnin’ away with me, oh
Tell you it was just my imagination
Runnin’ away with me

I’ve never met her but I can’t forget her
(Just my imagination) Ooh, yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah
Runnin’ away with me, ooh
Just my imagination
Runnin’ away with me

She’s never hard to find (Just my imagination)
She’s always on my mind (Runnin’ away with me)