About the song
The Temptations’ timeless ballad, “Just My Imagination (Running Away with Me),” is a poignant exploration of love, longing, and the power of the human mind to conjure up idyllic scenarios. Released in 1971, this soulful masterpiece quickly ascended to the top of the charts, cementing its place as one of the group’s most iconic songs.
The song’s orchestral arrangement, featuring strings and French horns, creates a lush and dreamlike atmosphere that perfectly complements the lyrical content. The narrator, lost in a world of fantasy, envisions a blissful future with the woman of his dreams. He imagines building a home, raising a family, and experiencing the profound joy of love. However, the bridge introduces a stark contrast, as the narrator acknowledges the harsh reality that his beloved is unaware of his existence.
The Temptations’ harmonies, rich and emotive, convey the narrator’s deep longing and the bittersweet nature of his daydreams. The song’s emotional impact is further enhanced by the group’s impeccable performance, which captures the delicate balance between hope and despair.
“Just My Imagination” is a testament to the power of music to evoke profound emotions and transport listeners to a different world. It remains a beloved classic, resonating with audiences of all ages and reminding us of the enduring allure of love and the human imagination.
Video
Lyrics
Oooh
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 youBut it was just my imagination
Runnin’ away with me
It was just my imagination
Runnin’ away with meOoh (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 seemsBut it was just my imagination, once again
Runnin’ away with me
Tell you, it was just my imagination
Runnin’ away with meEv’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 meI’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 meShe’s never hard to find (Just my imagination)
She’s always on my mind (Runnin’ away with me)