The Temptations
Message from a Black Man
The Temptations have won three Grammy Awards and sold tens of millions of albums.
A popular radio request in 1969, this song was written by Barrett Strong and produced by Norman Whitfield. The Temptations never performed the track live because it was, allegedly, considered too controversial and combative.
No matter how hard you try You can't stop me now No matter how hard you try You can't stop me now Yes, my skin is black But that's no reason to hold me back Oh think about it, think about it Think about it, think about it Think about it, think about it, think about it I have wants and desires just like you So move on aside cause i'm a-comin' through Oh no matter how hard you try you can't Stop me now No matter how hard you try you can't stop me now Yes, your skin is white Does that make you right Walk on and think about it, think about it Think about it, think about it Think about it, think about it, think about it This is a message, a message to y'all Together we stand divided we fall Black is a color just like white Tell me how can a color determine whether You're wrong or right We all have our faults yes we do So look in your mirror What do you see, two eyes a nose and a Mouth just like me Oh your eyes are open but you refuse to see The laws of society were made for both You and me Because of my color I struggle to be free Sticks and stones may break my bones But in the end you're gonna see my friend No matter how hard you try you can't stop me now No matter how hard you try you can't stop me now