Ball of Confusion (That's What the World Is Today)
The Temptations
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1, 2...1, 2, 3, 4, Ow! People moving out, people moving in. Why, because of the color of their skin. Run, run, run but you sure can't hide. An eye for an eye, a tooth for a tooth. Vote for me and I'll set you free. Rap on, brother, rap on. Well, the only person talking about love thy brother is the...(preacher.) And it seems nobody's interested in learning but the...(teacher.) Segregation, determination, demonstration, integration, Aggravation, humiliation, obligation to our nation. Ball of confusion. Oh yeah, that's what the world is today. Woo, hey, hey. The sale of pills are at an all time high. Young folks walking round with their heads in the sky. The cities ablaze in the summer time. And oh, the beat goes on. Evolution, revolution, gun control, sound of soul. Shooting rockets to the moon, kids growing up too soon. Politicians say more taxes will solve everything. And the band played on. So, round and around and around we go. Where the world's headed, nobody knows. Oh, great googa-looga, can't you hear me talking to you. Just a ball of confusion. Oh yeah, that's what the world is today. Woo, hey, hey. Fear in the air, tension everywhere. Unemployment rising fast, the Beatles new record's a gas. And the only safe place to live is on an Indian reservation. And the band played on. Eve of destruction, tax deduction, city inspectors, bill collectors, Mod clothes in demand, population out of hand, suicide, too many bills, Hippies moving to the hills. People all over the world are shouting, 'End the war.' And the band played on. Great googa-looga, can't you hear me talking to you. Sayin'...ball of confusion. That's what the world is today, hey, hey. Let me hear ya, let me hear ya, let me hear ya. Sayin'...ball of confusion. That's what the world is today, hey, hey. Let me hear ya, let me hear ya, let me hear ya, let me hear ya, let me hear ya. Sayin'...ball of confusion.
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Written by: NORMAN WHITFIELD, BARRETT STRONG
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
10 facts about this song
Song Creation"Ball of Confusion (That's What the World is Today)" is a song written by Norman Whitfield and Barrett Strong for Motown Records in 1970.
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The Temptations' VersionThe Temptations recorded the song first and it was one of their major hits, reaching the top 3 on the Billboard R&B charts and peaking at number 7 on the Billboard Hot 100.
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Unique FeaturesThe song is noted for its socially conscious lyrics and a fast-paced, psychedelic soul sound that was innovative for its time.
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Song MeaningThe lyrics address numerous political issues of the time, including the Vietnam War, drug abuse, violence, and political unrest.
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The Undisputed Truth VersionThe song was also recorded by another Motown act, The Undisputed Truth, later in 1971.
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Reaction to The Undisputed Truth VersionThis version did not achieve the same level of commercial success, but it also reflected the social consciousness of the era and has been praised for its bold lyrics and musical experimentation.
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Subsequent Use"Ball of Confusion" has been covered by numerous other artists and used in various forms of media since its release, reflecting its enduring relevance and popularity.
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ImpactThe song is considered a classic of 1970s soul and a reflection of the era's social and political climate, and it remains one of The Temptations' most notable hits.
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Unique Vocal ArrangementOne of the unique features of The Temptations' version of the song is that instead of the usual lead vocals from just one member, “Ball of Confusion” had different group members swapping lead vocal duties.
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Inducted into Grammy Hall of Fame"Ball of Confusion (That's What the World is Today)" was inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame in 2021, confirming its status as a classic and influential song.
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Citation
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"Ball of Confusion (That's What the World Is Today) Lyrics." Lyrics.com. STANDS4 LLC, 2024. Web. 2 May 2024. <https://www.lyrics.com/lyric-lf/501221/The+Temptations/Ball+of+Confusion+%28That%27s+What+the+World+Is+Today%29>.
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