About the song
- Released in 1968, it was the first Temptations single featuring Dennis Edwards replacing David Ruffin.
- It marked a turning point for the group, venturing into psychedelic soul under producer Norman Whitfield’s guidance.
- Otis Williams, a member of the Temptations, suggested the shift after being impressed by Sly & the Family Stone’s innovative sound.
A Genre-Bending Hit:
- The song became a hit, known for its:
- Funky instrumentation with wah-wah guitar by Dennis Coffey (a first for Motown)
- High-energy vocals by the Temptations
Grammy Glory and Controversy:
- “Cloud Nine” was Motown’s first Grammy-winning song.
- The lyrics, about a state of euphoria, were interpreted by some (including Motown founder Berry Gordy) as a reference to drugs, although both the writers and the Temptations denied this.
Legacy:
- “Cloud Nine” remains a soulful staple and a testament to the successful collaboration between The Temptations, Whitfield, and the Funk Brothers.
Video
Lyrics
The childhood part of my life wasn’t very prettyYou see, I was born and raised in the slums of the cityIt was a one room shack that slept ten other children beside meWe hardly had enough food or room to sleepIt was hard timesNeeded something to ease my troubled mind
My father didn’t know the meaning of the wordHe disrespected Mama and treated us like dirtI left home seeking a job that I never did findDepressed and down-hearted, I took to Cloud Nine
I’m doing fine, up here on Cloud NineListen, one more timeI’m doing fine, up here on Cloud Nine
Folks now they tell meThey say, “Give yourself a chance and don’t let life pass you by”But the world around you is a rat race where only the strong surviveIt’s a dog-eat-dog world and that ain’t no lie (ain’t no lie)Listen, it ain’t even safe no more, to walk the streets at night
I’m doing fine on Cloud NineLet me tell you about Cloud Nine
You can be what you wanna be(Cloud Nine) You ain’t got no responsibility(Cloud Nine) Every man, every man is free(Cloud Nine) You’re a million miles from reality (Reality)
I’m gonna sail up, up, higher, up, upUp, up and awayCloud Nine
I wanna say I love the life I liveAnd I’m gonna live the life I loveUp here on Cloud NineI’m riding high on Cloud Nine
You’re as free as a bird in flight(Cloud Nine) There’s no difference between day and night(Cloud Nine) It’s a world of love and harmony(Cloud Nine) You’re a million miles from reality (Reality)
I’m gonna sail up, up, higher, up, upUp, up and awayCloud Nine
You can be what you wanna be(Cloud Nine) You ain’t got no responsibility(Cloud Nine) Every man in his mind is free(Cloud Nine) You’re a million miles from reality(Cloud Nine) You can be what you wanna be