The Temptations: “Get Ready”

This was written by Smokey Robinson, who was the main songwriter for The Temptations. In the Motown stable, The Temptations were considered the premier group, and there was a lot of competition among the songwriters to have their compositions recorded by the band. When this song underperformed on the charts, Motown chief Berry Gordy gave the next Temptations single, “Ain’t Too Proud To Beg,” to Norman Whitfield, and he became their primary writer.

“Get Ready” went to #1 on the R&B charts for a week, but made just #29 on the Hot 100. “Ain’t Too Proud To Beg” was a chart monster, spending eight weeks at #1 R&B, and rising to #13 on the Hot 100.

(source)

Lyrics to The Temptations’ “Get Ready”

I never met a girl who makes me feel the way that you do. (You’re alright)
Whenever I’m asked who makes my dreams real, I say that you do. (You’re outta sight)

So, fee-fi-fo-fum
Look out baby, ’cause here I come.

And I’m bringing you a love that’s true.
So get ready, so get ready.
I’m gonna try to make you love me too.
So get ready, so get ready ’cause here I come.

I’m on my way.
(Get ready ’cause here I come)

If you wanna play hide and seek with love, let me remind you (It’s alright)
But the lovin’ you’re gonna miss and the time it take to find you (It’s outta sight)

So, fiddley-dee, fiddley-dum
Look out baby, ’cause here I come.

And I’m bringing you a love that’s true.
So get ready, so get ready.
I’m gonna try to make you love me too.
So get ready, so get ready ’cause here I come.

I’m on my way.
(Get ready ’cause here I come)
(Ger ready)

If all my friends should want you too, I’ll understand it. (Be alright)
I hope I get to you before they do, the way I planned it. (Be outta sight)

So tiddley-dee, tiddley-dum
Look out baby, ’cause here I come.

And I’m bringing you a love that’s true.
So get ready, so get ready.
I’m gonna try to make you love me too.
So get ready, so get ready ’cause here I come.

I’m on my way.
(Get ready ’cause here I come)
(’cause here I come-a)
(Get ready)

Written by Smokey Robinson, William Robinson Jr. • Copyright © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Universal Music Publishing Group

Before you go, here’s one more flashback to the past…

Smokey Robinson Admits ‘My Girl’ Isn’t About A Woman And Was Written For The Temptations