About the Song 
The Temptations’ 1972 rendition of “Papa Was a Rolling Stone” isn’t just a cover song; it’s a reimagining, a soulful exploration of a complex family dynamic. Originally written and performed by The Undisputed Truth, the song found new life and a wider audience thanks to The Temptations’ powerful vocals and poignant delivery.
The Temptations, known for their smooth harmonies and captivating stage presence, deliver a nuanced performance brimming with emotional depth. Lead singer Dennis Edwards takes center stage, his voice conveying a mixture of anger, sadness, and a yearning for understanding. The opening lines, “Papa was a rolling stone / Wherever he laid his hat was his home,” establish a central theme – the emotional distance created by a father’s constant absence.
The lyrics, penned by Norman Whitfield, delve into the impact of an absentee parent. Lines like, “Did you ever think about my life at all?” and “You just left us standing in the cold rain,” showcase the emotional toll the father’s abandonment took on the narrator and his siblings. The song doesn’t delve into the reasons for the father’s absence, leaving space for interpretation and empathy.
The melody, a stark contrast to the original’s more upbeat tempo, is slow and melancholic, reflecting the weight of the protagonist’s words. The use of piano and strings adds a layer of sophistication and emotional depth. The call-and-response sections between Edwards and his fellow Temptations create a sense of shared experience, suggesting that the narrator’s story might resonate with others who grew up in similar circumstances.
“Papa Was a Rolling Stone” transcends the specifics of a broken family. It’s a song about the universal human desire for connection and a longing for parental love. The Temptations’ rendition captures the complexity of these emotions, offering a powerful voice to those who have grappled with the effects of an absent parent.
Despite its melancholic tone, the song doesn’t end on a despairing note. The final line, “But mama’s love, mama’s love, mama’s love / Mama’s love kept us warm,” offers a glimmer of hope, highlighting the enduring strength of a mother’s love and the resilience of the human spirit.
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Lyrics: “Papa Was A Rollin’ Stone”
It was the third of September
That day I’ll always remember,
Yes, I will
‘Cause that was the day that my daddy died
I never got a chance to see him
Never heard nothin’ but bad things about him
Mama, I’m depending on you
To tell me the truth
Mama just hung her head and said, “Son,..[Chorus:]
Papa was a rolling stone.
Wherever he laid his hat was his home.
And when he died, all he left us was alone.
Papa was a rolling stone, my son.
Wherever he laid his hat was his home.
And when he died, all he left us was alone.”Hey, mama!
Is it true what they say that papa never worked a day in his life?
And, mama, some bad talk goin’ round town sayin’ that papa had three outside children and another wife,
And that ain’t right
Heard them talking papa doing some store front preachin’
Talked about saving souls and all the time leechin’
Dealing in debt and stealing in the name of the Lord
Mama just hung her head and said,[Chorus]
“Papa was a rolling stone, my son.
Wherever he laid his hat was his home.
And when he died, all he left us was alone.
Papa was a rolling stone.
Wherever he laid his hat was his home.
And when he died, all he left us was alone.”Hey, mama,
I heard papa called himself a “Jack Of All Trades”
Tell me is that what sent papa to an early grave?
Folks say papa would beg, borrow, steal
To pay his bills
Hey, mama,
Folks say papa never was much on thinking
Spent most of his time chasing women and drinking
Mama, I’m depending on you
To tell me the truth
Mama looked up with a tear in her eye and said, “Son,..[Chorus]
Papa was a rolling stone (well, well…)
Wherever he laid his hat was his home
And when he died, all he left us was alone
Papa was a rolling stone
Wherever he laid his hat was his home
And when he died, all he left us was alone.”[Chorus]
I said, “Papa was a rolling stone (yes, he was, my son)
Wherever he laid his hat was his home
And when he died, all he left us was alone
My daddy was (papa was a rolling stone), yes, he was
Wherever he laid his hat was his home
And when he died, all he left us was alone.”