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The Temptations — Just My Imagination (Running Away with Me)
Album: Greatest Hits
Avg rating:
8

Your rating:
Total ratings: 1512









Released: 1971
Length: 3:42
Plays (last 30 days): 0
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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 fellas in the world, she belongs to you
But it was just my imagination,
Running away with me
It was just my imagination,
Running away with me
Soon we'll be married and raise a family
A cozy little home, out in the country, with two children, maybe three
I tell you I can visualize it all
This couldn't be a dream, for too real it all seems
But it was just my imagination,
Running away with me
It was just my imagination,
Running away with me
Every 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"
Her love is heavenly
When her arms enfold me
I hear her tender rhapsody
But in reality, she doesn't even know me
I never met her, but I can't forget her
Just my imagination, yeah, yeah, yeah
Running away with me
Oh, just my imagination,
Running away with me
Comments (112)add comment
the strings in this tune and drums are  ... so freaking cool
Posted 1 month ago by stratzippy    [ Reply ]
This could have been written about God.
Posted 2 months ago by trevc    [ Reply ]
Pretty sure this isn’t from 2004!!
Posted 3 months ago by Rcallinjr    [ Reply ]
Exactly what goes through many a young mans mind when he fancies a local girl. I know the feeling well!
Posted 8 months ago by Devaplan    [ Reply ]
Can we have an 11 ?
Posted 1 year ago by Housey2001    [ Reply ]
 unclehud wrote:

Originally released in 1971, although the Greatest Hits version may have been released in 2004. 



On the Sky's the Limit album. Recorded in 1970, released in 1971.
Posted 1 year ago by joejennings    [ Reply ]
The Stones covered it in a pleasantly raw way
Posted 1 year ago by grandemarch    [ Reply ]
 unclehud wrote:

Soundtrack to my high school years ...


Originally released in 1971, although the Greatest Hits version may have been released in 2004. 
Posted 1 year ago by unclehud    [ Reply ]
 easmann wrote:

So iconic and deftly delivered. I had this rated at 9. I was wrong, it is clearly a 10.



1971
Posted 1 year ago by Bakaretsu    [ Reply ]
So iconic and deftly delivered. I had this rated at 9. I was wrong, it is clearly a 10.
Posted 1 year ago by easmann    [ Reply ]
 sfyi2001 wrote:
7 years later The Rolling Stones covered this on 'SOME GIRLS'.





and actually did a nice job
Posted 2 years ago by rbrise    [ Reply ]
Superb!! Brings back memories!  Thanx RP!
Posted 2 years ago by joejennings    [ Reply ]
exquisite.   10
Posted 3 years ago by jwallstrom846    [ Reply ]
Not enough 'O's in 'smooth'. Perfection.
c.
Posted 3 years ago by cc_rider    [ Reply ]
if this isn't 10,  what is?
Posted 3 years ago by jwallstrom846    [ Reply ]
Wow what an amazing list of past members.
Posted 3 years ago by jukes1    [ Reply ]
Soundtrack to my high school years ...
Posted 3 years ago by unclehud    [ Reply ]
 rita_johnson wrote:
In high school, my sister used to call these songs "grinders" ;-)
 
And we used to do the "slow drag..."
Posted 3 years ago by MilesW    [ Reply ]
Posted 3 years ago by dhargis    [ Reply ]
 rita_johnson wrote:
In high school, my sister used to call these songs "grinders" ;-)
 

AKA Slow Jamz
Posted 3 years ago by ExploitingChaos    [ Reply ]
7 years later The Rolling Stones covered this on 'SOME GIRLS'.



Posted 4 years ago by sfyi2001    [ Reply ]
In high school, my sister used to call these songs "grinders" ;-)
Posted 4 years ago by rita_johnson    [ Reply ]
Soul Happy
Posted 5 years ago by stephen.king12101    [ Reply ]
 Proclivities wrote:
Soul music didn't die, and it didn't get replaced, neither did Marvin Gaye and Otis Redding beget R. Kelly and Mariah Carey.  
This song is about fifty years old - tastes change over fifty years.  Not everyone is 60 years old.
 
It's just your opinion, running away with you.
Posted 6 years ago by On_The_Beach    [ Reply ]
Purely nice. 
Posted 6 years ago by kingart    [ Reply ]
{#Daisy}
Posted 6 years ago by JeriF    [ Reply ]
 Proclivities wrote:

 Soul music didn't die, and it didn't get replaced, neither did Marvin Gaye and Otis Redding beget R. Kelly and Mariah Carey.  This song is about fifty years old - tastes change over fifty years.  Not everyone is 60 years old.

 
Stern, but fair.
Posted 6 years ago by Michael_Dean    [ Reply ]
The soundtrack to a transcendent Wonder Years episode. 
Posted 7 years ago by GeorgeMWoods    [ Reply ]
{#Bounce}{#Bounce}{#Bounce}{#Bounce}{#Bounce}
Posted 7 years ago by sunflowerbee    [ Reply ]
 tammaye wrote:
Gregorama wrote:
How did Soul music ever die, and get replaced by Rap and Hip Hop?
i hear ya... what i really don't get is modern R&B. how did otis redding and marvin gaye beget r. kelly and mariah carey? someone please splain it to me. oh, and thanks for the timeless track, Bill!

 
 Soul music didn't die, and it didn't get replaced, neither did Marvin Gaye and Otis Redding beget R. Kelly and Mariah Carey.  This song is about fifty years old - tastes change over fifty years.  Not everyone is 60 years old.
Posted 7 years ago by Proclivities    [ Reply ]
Ok, my ex expressed her disappointment when she saw the Temps... Wasn't the 'original guys'...  
Posted 7 years ago by AKMacAddict    [ Reply ]
 fitmartin wrote:
sonic layers of bliss! {#Hearteyes}

 
Perfect
Posted 7 years ago by zedstation    [ Reply ]
sonic layers of bliss! {#Hearteyes}
Posted 8 years ago by fitmartin    [ Reply ]
Senior class dance my frosh year of high school, and the senior I've had a year-long secret crush on (he's the boyfriend of my best friend's older sister) asks me to slow dance to this song. Some moments are forever...
Posted 18 years ago by Amazon    [ Reply ]
Ahhhhhh... The soundtrack to my life is playing once again.
Posted 18 years ago by BluEyes    [ Reply ]
Zep wrote:
physicsgenius wrote:
some crap
Bwa-ha-ha! Dude you crack me up sometimes!
Yeah, PG is usually good for a laugh. But actually this whole thread has been pretty boneheaded... On the one hand, if someone doesn't like a genre or style, well that's their choice/taste. It's personal, and there is no mathematics for taste. On the other hand it's pretty clear that musical taste is not entirely genetic or physical. Ideas of what is pleasant or harmonious varies across cultures and eras. Carrying an inate predjudice against or for a particular genre can cost you some pleasure in life. Just like prudishness. Sometimes putting a little effort into getting a type or piece of music will pay off wonderful dividends. Me I like people who go to a little effort to enjoy music.
Posted 18 years ago by spacemoose    [ Reply ]
Old_Pat wrote:
Can't go higher than 10. Pity - this deserves more.
No, it just means you need to recalibrate your scale, and only give 10s to songs you feel are equal to this.
Posted 18 years ago by spacemoose    [ Reply ]
Class
Posted 18 years ago by daddywoodland    [ Reply ]
Very nice.
Posted 18 years ago by olsaltybastard    [ Reply ]
My favorite song from the later Temptations. I can just see his imagination at work in this song, as so many of us have imagined the possibilities and impossibilities that other people offer us. And the final fadeout, "I never met her, but I can't forget her" is one of the best lines of lyrics anywhere.
Posted 18 years ago by Rob_S    [ Reply ]
Can't go higher than 10. Pity - this deserves more.
Posted 18 years ago by Old_Pat    [ Reply ]
Aah, the Temptin' Temptations!
Posted 18 years ago by hippiechick    [ Reply ]
tammaye wrote:
i hear ya... what i really don't get is modern R&B. how did otis redding and marvin gaye beget r. kelly and mariah carey? someone please splain it to me. oh, and thanks for the timeless track, Bill!
What aflanigan said. The same thing that happened to country music...MONEY.
Posted 18 years ago by KurtfromLaQuinta    [ Reply ]
One of the few Temptations songs I really enjoy. In fact, it's one of my many all time favorite songs.
Posted 18 years ago by KurtfromLaQuinta    [ Reply ]
This song has me at the hook...mmm... late night radio....the peaceful hour...what a great sound...so poignant and mellow....like the lost romance it evokes...
Posted 18 years ago by Paul_in_Australia    [ Reply ]
Papa was a rollin' stone...
Posted 18 years ago by pinto    [ Reply ]
stuartgibson wrote:
Uh-oh. The last couple days made me realize that this amazing station will eventually get pulled down by the lowest commmon denominator..............you know, people who still think this is a song worth hearing more than once a decade. Oh well, I'll enjoy it while it lasts.
So, I guess you're annoyed if you have to stop to let a little old lady cross the street, too? Too much time out of your pre-determined schedule?
Posted 18 years ago by passsion8    [ Reply ]
Reminds me of being an insecure young freshman at a high-school dance, just before the boy of my dreams came over to ask me to dance (yes, it really happened that way).
Posted 18 years ago by Amazon    [ Reply ]
tammaye wrote:
i hear ya... what i really don't get is modern R&B. how did otis redding and marvin gaye beget r. kelly and mariah carey? someone please splain it to me. oh, and thanks for the timeless track, Bill!
I wonder if the mediocritization of "R&B" happened in a similar way to the way Country & Western was mainstreamed and made into a hollow imitation of what it used to be. That story, of course, has been told fairly definitively in shows like the BBC's "Lost Highway" retrospective on the history of Country music (see "The Nashville sound", Owen Bradley, Chet Atkins), but I don't know of a book, article, etc. that similarly explores how R&B lost what it once had. It can't be strictly an attempt to mainstream the music, to popularize it for imrpoved sales, because my impression is that during the "golden years" of Motown R&B, Motown was all about popularity and boosting record sales. Maybe it's the advent of focus group-driven decisions by recording execs.
Posted 18 years ago by aflanigan    [ Reply ]
4999thnewuser wrote:
Just lurve that intro, smooother than an ice cube sliding into a Martini. Sublime indeed
You put ice cubes in your martinis? But yeah. Nice.
Posted 18 years ago by ScottFromWyoming    [ Reply ]
Uh-oh. The last couple days made me realize that this amazing station will eventually get pulled down by the lowest commmon denominator..............you know, people who still think this is a song worth hearing more than once a decade. Oh well, I'll enjoy it while it lasts.
Posted 18 years ago by stuartgibson    [ Reply ]
tammaye wrote:
what i really don't get is modern R&B. how did otis redding and marvin gaye beget r. kelly and mariah carey? someone please splain it to me.
Do ya think this music could ever make it in today's world? I mean forget the nostalgic connotations...would it break out or get relegated to soft rock channels?
Posted 18 years ago by passsion8    [ Reply ]
tammaye wrote:
i hear ya... what i really don't get is modern R&B. how did otis redding and marvin gaye beget r. kelly and mariah carey? someone please splain it to me. And let's not forget MC Hammer and Vanilla Ice...
Posted 18 years ago by shakitten    [ Reply ]
Gregorama wrote:
How did Soul music ever die, and get replaced by Rap and Hip Hop?
i hear ya... what i really don't get is modern R&B. how did otis redding and marvin gaye beget r. kelly and mariah carey? someone please splain it to me. oh, and thanks for the timeless track, Bill!
Posted 18 years ago by tammaye    [ Reply ]
MysticMilt wrote:
See, this is one of the many reasons why I love RP: every now and then we get a kinda-out-of-left-field pick that really forces you reevaluate a song that's so well known it's iconic. The beautiful thing is that listening to this song outside of its usual "All Oldies!" station or cheesy movie soundtrack really helps those of us who don't know it in any other format to take a second listen, and really appreciate it for what it is: one hell of a perfect classic Motown tune.
well put.
Posted 18 years ago by Bodhisattva    [ Reply ]
my favorite Temptations song...
Posted 18 years ago by meadowwoods    [ Reply ]
See, this is one of the many reasons why I love RP: every now and then we get a kinda-out-of-left-field pick that really forces you reevaluate a song that's so well known it's iconic. The beautiful thing is that listening to this song outside of its usual "All Oldies!" station or cheesy movie soundtrack really helps those of us who don't know it in any other format to take a second listen, and really appreciate it for what it is: one hell of a perfect classic Motown tune.
Posted 19 years ago by MysticMilt    [ Reply ]
More Temptations please!!
Posted 19 years ago by oppy    [ Reply ]
Hey! This one got my attention. Nice follow up from Steve Winwood.
Posted 19 years ago by lostintokyo    [ Reply ]
This is what I'm talking about.
Posted 19 years ago by JohnDolata    [ Reply ]
Daveinbawlmer wrote:
Sacrilege, I know but I like the Stones version off of Some Girls better. :-k
Blasphemy, I know, but I do too....
Posted 19 years ago by Helchat    [ Reply ]
OVERPLAYED!!!!!!! give us ball of confusion
Posted 19 years ago by jerseygirl    [ Reply ]
physicsgenius wrote:
If a song can't stand on its own and requires "interpretation" and "contextualization" it is crap, however much you liked it at the time.
Bwa-ha-ha! Dude you crack me up sometimes!
Posted 19 years ago by Zep    [ Reply ]
Xeric wrote:
Well, no, I'm afraid that may not be the explanation: I grew up entirely in the good old U. S. of A. . . . and I think, have always thought, and so far looks like always will think that this song sucks. . . .
What? You live in the mountains or somethin?
Posted 19 years ago by katzendogs    [ Reply ]
Good grief. Even if you claim not to like the song, just listen to the production. Gorgeous. And real instruments no less!
Posted 19 years ago by whitenoyse    [ Reply ]
Roverfish wrote:
No criticism of you or your opinion, but I wonder if it doesn't have to do with the fact that you grew up outside the U.S. For me, this song is almost fundamental. And so so so outstanding.
Well, no, I'm afraid that may not be the explanation: I grew up entirely in the good old U. S. of A. . . . and I think, have always thought, and so far looks like always will think that this song sucks. . . .
Posted 19 years ago by Xeric    [ Reply ]
Daveinbawlmer wrote:
Sacrilege, I know but I like the Stones version off of Some Girls better. :-k
Yeah, it is sacrilege. This version is better than Smokey Robinson's, too, since it carries the slow, dreamy feel of someone, well, letting his imagination run away with him.
Posted 19 years ago by mojoman    [ Reply ]
It's a 10. If this is not a 10, nothing is a 10.
Posted 19 years ago by radiojunkie    [ Reply ]
Sacrilege, I know but I like the Stones version off of Some Girls better. :-k
Posted 19 years ago by Daveinbawlmer    [ Reply ]
pyxxel wrote:
Totally HATE it. Sorry - another ONE.....
No criticism of you or your opinion, but I wonder if it doesn't have to do with the fact that you grew up outside the U.S. For me, this song is almost fundamental. And so so so outstanding.
Posted 19 years ago by Roverfish    [ Reply ]
Totally HATE it. Sorry - another ONE.....
Posted 19 years ago by pyxxel    [ Reply ]
Zep wrote:
Gotta remember this song is closing in on 40 years old, and it reflected a long history of soul, gospel, and doo-wop that began at least 15 years before that. That it's irritating to you by today's standards doesn't mean jack shit - it's frozen in time. That's how they did the genre then. By the way, cuz of your 2, I raised my rating 2 clicks.
So what? Bach's music is just as, if not more, steeped in history and yet people still like it too. If a song can't stand on its own and requires "interpretation" and "contextualization" it is crap, however much you liked it at the time.
Posted 19 years ago by physicsgenius    [ Reply ]
beautiful. smooth. creamy. like a great cup of java in the morning sun.
Posted 19 years ago by killahfunkadelic    [ Reply ]
JamieR wrote:
I'm sorry but just because you don't like the song, doesn't mean it warrants a 1. <-X
Actually...it does mean that. What do you think the ratings are for? It's our personal opinions of the songs.
Posted 19 years ago by serendipity_blue    [ Reply ]
what a great tune
Posted 19 years ago by Cambot    [ Reply ]
Some really good Temptations tracks being played of late. Fantastic. And there's more, too. Of course it would be unfair and unkind to the kids if too much such music were juxtaposed that being released today. Rubbing it in would be impolite.
Posted 19 years ago by lester    [ Reply ]
Zep wrote:
Gotta remember this song is closing in on 40 years old, and it reflected a long history of soul, gospel, and doo-wop that began at least 15 years before that. That it's irritating to you by today's standards doesn't mean jack shit - it's frozen in time. That's how they did the genre then. By the way, cuz of your 2, I raised my rating 2 clicks.
Ditto on that Zep! :nodhead: They just don't get it! You punks! If I remeber correctly, weren't we too? 8O LOL I am given the song a TEN!! Because it deserves it!
Posted 19 years ago by pdjpirate    [ Reply ]
Zep wrote:
Gotta remember this song is closing in on 40 years old, and it reflected a long history of soul, gospel, and doo-wop that began at least 15 years before that. That it's irritating to you by today's standards doesn't mean jack shit - it's frozen in time. That's how they did the genre then. By the way, cuz of your 2, I raised my rating 2 clicks.
Seems to me the ratings reflect one's personal feelings about a song--never mind the history of the song, its genre, etc. Therefore, 1.
Posted 19 years ago by Xeric    [ Reply ]
Gotta remember this song is closing in on 40 years old, and it reflected a long history of soul, gospel, and doo-wop that began at least 15 years before that. That it's irritating to you by today's standards doesn't mean jack shit - it's frozen in time. That's how they did the genre then. By the way, cuz of your 2, I raised my rating 2 clicks. catmaven wrote:
This is slightly less irritating than most of this genre. But I still can't stand the ooh-hoooo-hoooing and the falsetto. I guess I will leave my vote as a magnanimous 2 anyway, though. I wish I never had to hear this genre again.
Posted 19 years ago by Zep    [ Reply ]
The comments here are about as good a snapshot as I've ever seen of the way America has changed in the last 40 years. It's not a pretty sight.
Posted 19 years ago by philbertr    [ Reply ]
Jennnn wrote:
THANK YOU TO WHOEVER UPLOADED THIS! (Love it!)
You're welcome I love it too!
Posted 19 years ago by Alt-Ctrl-Tom    [ Reply ]
IMHO this would be much better without the strings and horns - just have some drums, guitar, piano. oh, and NO HARP.
IMNSHO this would be much better not on RP.
Posted 19 years ago by pdhski    [ Reply ]
catmaven wrote:
This is slightly less irritating than most of this genre. But I still can't stand the ooh-hoooo-hoooing and the falsetto. I guess I will leave my vote as a magnanimous 2 anyway, though. I wish I never had to hear this genre again.
The Temps made some songs I love more, but this still has a sweetness that characterized a lot of the "sweet soul music" of the 60s.
Posted 19 years ago by tonypf    [ Reply ]
japanmoran wrote:
IMHO this would be much better without the strings and horns - just have some drums, guitar, piano. oh, and NO HARP. :)
Naw, I respectfully disagree. Some songs are ruined by this sort of orchestration (thinking of Greg Allman's version of Midnight Rider he did later on), but in this case, it is absolutely necessary and gives that extra magic.
Posted 19 years ago by beelzebubba    [ Reply ]
How did Soul music ever die, and get replaced by Rap and Hip Hop? I guess I am just too old to get it.
Posted 19 years ago by Gregorama    [ Reply ]
beelzebubba wrote:
Yes, boys and girls, there was a time (a long time ago), when R&B didn't suck so much.
...but this is not an example of that, right? ;)
Posted 19 years ago by japanmoran    [ Reply ]
IMHO this would be much better without the strings and horns - just have some drums, guitar, piano. oh, and NO HARP. :)
Posted 19 years ago by japanmoran    [ Reply ]
This is slightly less irritating than most of this genre. But I still can't stand the ooh-hoooo-hoooing and the falsetto. I guess I will leave my vote as a magnanimous 2 anyway, though. I wish I never had to hear this genre again.
Posted 19 years ago by rKokon    [ Reply ]
:sunny.gif:
Posted 19 years ago by orionblu    [ Reply ]
Yes, boys and girls, there was a time (a long time ago), when R&B didn't suck so much.
Posted 19 years ago by beelzebubba    [ Reply ]
THANK YOU TO WHOEVER UPLOADED THIS! (Love it!)
Posted 19 years ago by Jennnn    [ Reply ]
A cunning link indeed 8)
Posted 19 years ago by g1lgam3sh    [ Reply ]
JJAB wrote:
Ahh, the ignorance of youth... I'm tempted to... well, nevermind. :tapedshut:
geeeeeez - I'm with you. How could you call something so classic, important, well crafted - even if you don't like it - sucko-barfo? On a good day I agree with a previous post - to each their own. But today is not a good day and I'd really like to let loose ......but :tapedshut: :tapedshut:
Posted 19 years ago by ciscochasbro    [ Reply ]
It doesn't just sound good - it feels good, too. And you just can't explain that to those who don't get it.
Posted 19 years ago by BluEyes    [ Reply ]
This is one of those albums that, when a track comes on, you have to stop and embarass your kids by kissing your spouse and indulging in a slow dance in the kitchen.
Posted 19 years ago by Beanie    [ Reply ]
JamieR wrote:
I'm sorry but just because you don't like the song, doesn't mean it warrants a 1. <-X
Uhhhhhhhhhhhhhh..... isn't that EXACTLY what a 1 means?
Posted 19 years ago by Trustocity    [ Reply ]
I can tell just how cynical I've been made by alt-rock. I hear a brilliant, lovely song like this and think, didn't anyone every play in minor keys back then?
Posted 19 years ago by Trustocity    [ Reply ]
JJAB wrote:
Ahh, the ignorance of youth... I'm tempted to... well, nevermind. :tapedshut:
To each his own.
Posted 20 years ago by katzendogs    [ Reply ]
KevinM wrote:
Crap
Ahh, the ignorance of youth... I'm tempted to... well, nevermind. :tapedshut:
Posted 20 years ago by JJAB    [ Reply ]
Posted 20 years ago by JJAB    [ Reply ]
Aah, pure gospel, in a way (and a bit the story of my life, I'm afraid). Especially the bridge going: 'every night on my knees I pray' (the best part of the song I think). Superb close harmony, very divergent voices blending perfectly together.
Posted 20 years ago by Johray63    [ Reply ]
KevinM wrote:
I beg to differ - It is a 1 if I ever heard one.
you like the silly "Drops of Jupiter" and don't like this song? major malfunction.
Posted 20 years ago by streetsintherain    [ Reply ]
Some songs are just classics for classics ' sake...
Posted 20 years ago by trekhead    [ Reply ]
JamieR wrote:
I'm sorry but just because you don't like the song, doesn't mean it warrants a 1. <-X
I beg to differ - It is a 1 if I ever heard one.
Posted 20 years ago by KevinM    [ Reply ]
Is it just my imagination that the Red Sox just won the World Series?!!!
Posted 20 years ago by Chunnamark    [ Reply ]
KevinM wrote:
Crap
I'm sorry but just because you don't like the song, doesn't mean it warrants a 1. <-X
Posted 20 years ago by JamieR    [ Reply ]
Hannio wrote:
Totally sublime.
Indeed. Just the perfect dose of milk and honey.
Posted 20 years ago by masterhead    [ Reply ]
completely wonderful! 8)
Posted 20 years ago by JamieR    [ Reply ]
Just lurve that intro, smooother than an ice cube sliding into a Martini. Sublime indeed
Posted 20 years ago by 4999thnewuser    [ Reply ]
Crap
Posted 20 years ago by KevinM    [ Reply ]
Don't Tempt me! An8.
Posted 20 years ago by trekhead    [ Reply ]
Totally sublime.
Posted 20 years ago by Hannio    [ Reply ]