Songs That Changed the World--The Most Important Songs of the Rock Era: "Ball of Confusion" by the Temptations

The Temptations raised social awareness to a new level with this theme of the times and a warning for the future.  Great, great song from the Tempts, featuring that memorable bass line from Melvin Franklin ("...and the band played on...")--"Ball of Confusion".

"Ball of Confusion"

by the Temptations
 

Written By Norman Whitfield and Barrett Strong


1, 2... 1, 2, 3, 4, Ow!
[Eddie:]
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.

Dennis: 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.

[Paul:]
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.

[Dennis:]
Evolution, revolution, gun control, sound of soul.
Shooting rockets to the moon, kids growing up too soon.
Politicians say more taxes will solve everything.

[Melvin:]
And the band played on.
So, round and around and around we go.
Where the world's headed, nobody knows.

[Instrumental]

Oh, great googalooga, 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.

[Eddie:]
Fear in the air, tension everywhere.
Unemployment rising fast, the Beatles new record's a gas.

[Dennis:]
And the only safe place to live is on an Indian reservation.

[Melvin:]
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.'

[Melvin:]
And the band played on.

[Instrumental]

Great googalooga, 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.