I'm a baby Boomer, and this song was so ahead of it's time when it was released in 1970, describing the state of the country! The timeless words of this song, still sadly applies today!!!
"Shooting rockets to the moon, kids growing up too soon." Some things never change. I was 15 when this came out. This is the kind of music that is why we Boomers say back in the day there was real music! You should check out Edwin Starr's - "War".
The fact that 54(?) years later, this song is still relevant saddens me to my very core. I remember (at 70 years old now) how - when this first came out - I was SO SURE that the world would change, that we would wake up and things would be different. Only to find out that, in 2024, we are MORE embedded in this "Ball of Confusion" than we ever were.
The only solution is a one-world social democracy, no borders. Like that's likely to happen. I feel like I and John Lennon are the only ones who even mention it.
My husband and I have loved this song for years and years. And it always seems that it fits the times, no matter what decade you are in when you hear it.
When this song came out in 1970, it summarized the political climate at the time: disillusionment from assassinations, the war in Viet Nam, poverty and crime, race relations, narcotics. The vocals - four members sang lead and background - and the playing are stellar. A+
The lead vocalist in this tune, Dennis Edward's, was a friend of mine. I had the pleasure of harmonizing with him and the bass vocalist Melvin Franklin. It blew my mind!
It's ironic but the song came out in 1970 and if you listen to the lyrics a lot of subject matter hasn't really changed that much hopefully we will keep working on it❤
This song was when the temps started going into their psychedelic soul period and became much more socially aware and real lofe instead of just love songs. Both periods were amazing music
This song was written by Norman Whitfield and Barrett Strong, and has been described as psychedelic soul, in the same category as Jimi Hendrix and Sly & The Family Stone. To me, this is a timeless classic. It's sad that the lyrics are still so relevent today. Good choice!
Great reaction to a great song! Considering this song is over 50 years old and the same sh*t is still going on gives the line "And the band played on" even more weight. Nothing changes but the faces and the names.
This song was one of the first ones recorded at the start of the psychedelic music part of their career after David Ruffin left and was replaced by Dennis Edwards. This is one of the best songs by the group and sadly it is still relevant in today's world.
You should check out "Cloud Nine", "Runaway Child Running Wild" and "Psychedelic Shack" if you wanna hear more social commentary songs. When Dennis Edwards joined in 1968, that is when they started doing more socially songs and "Cloud Nine" was the first to come out.
Wow!!! This song took me all the way back. I grew up in an all black community in LA and I remember this song being played while friends and family were sitting around arguing and playing the card game Bid Whist. Love this song. The crazy thing is the all of the problems they're signing about haven't changed a bit. smh
One of the greatest Motown records. This 16 year old learned all the lyrics and sang along to the record incessantly. Dennis Edwards was on fire on this one.
This was basically a protest song which was very common during the 60s and 70s. When this song was written, the Vietnam war was still going on. And that is the war they referred to in the lyrics.
This song was on the radio a lot when I was growing up!!! Sad to think all these years later (50 years ago I believe) not much has changed, still talking about the same things..
Wow, I haven't heard this song since I was a child! I distinctly remember it being played on the radio. I'm sure we had it on a 45, that's a record, BTW. I recall that the meaning was beyond my comprehension as a child. But I loved it, still! Thanks for rating it and bringing it to our attention.
I used to love this song when it came out. It was 1970 and i was only 9, but I have a very vivid memory of being in the backyard with my big sister’s battery operated 45 rpm record player. I was listening to this song playing on the swing set by myself. I have no idea why I remember that.
Love that you listened to this one, it's truly timeless! (One tip, please turn up the volume on the video you're watching, I'm cranking my speakers here and it is still pretty low!) ❤
1970 , 7th grade, This song and I'll be there by MJ was all that played on our cafeteria juke box at lunch. Yes Surattsville Jr High had a juke 6:19 in it.
I've waiting for so long for you guys to react to this song. Back in 1970 when this came out, it blew up like a 20 meggaton bomb! making people shaking people's up to what was all goin on around us and it hold truth to today with everything they mentioned.
This is some stuff I grew up singing with my choir teacher. God bless you, Mr Schultz. I got the fever for singing and playing funky music from this and " Poppa was a rolling stone "
Thanks for the heads-up on the “Sister Act” version Asia! That was hilarious, even more so when you put in context how we heard the song when it first came out.
I'm an old white boy from Northern Virginia who grew up listening to Motown, Temptations, Supremes, Four Tops and so many more. My teen years with the music I grew up with blows away anything you grew up with (not trying to dog ya'll) was the best. Just for shits and giggles if ya'll haven't heard it before or had the suggestion try Chambers Brothers, Time Has Come Today ....you'll love it, keep on keeping on
I was a 60's child and listening to the radio back then there where good rocken big hits by black groups and singers some how they disappred as fast as they came but they where powerful hits and good music i wish these reaction channels would look these up and play these for us they where great tunes good rock and roll
When Dennis Edwards joined the group to replace David Ruffin, there music began to reflect the 70's and the social climate of the time. Dennis brought and edge to the group.
Niiiceee pick, guys. To me, it's the Temptation's best. And you've heard the Motown ace of bass James Jamerson before on " Papa Was A Rolling Stone", Johnny Guitar Watson I think you reacted to one of his, and Stevie Wonder played the harmonica. Loved the reaction and Asia's Batman t-shirt from a early 70's issue, that's the art of Hall of Famer Neil Adams,( The Avengers, Green Lantern, Thor, X-Men, Aquaman, etc..) always cool!
I glad you youngins appreciate this classic Temps tune! Also, you now have an example of why I always say “It’s all relative” … because as you’ve heard in the song, a lot of the same things that are going on now were also going on in 1970! “The sale of pills is that an all-time high Young folks walking around with their heads in the sky” Sounds like 2024 right? If you get a chance, watch the live performance video of the Temps doing this song… It’s awesome! ❤🙏🏽
They installed a computer program at my office which was mandatory to use but, at the same time, impossible for non-experts to understand. I bring this up because one of my co-workers re-named the Windows icon for the program 'Ball Of Confusion' on his desktop. But this a fantastic song with intelligent lyrics and the later Temptations' classic sound. The movie you're thinking of is 'Sister Act' with Whoopi Goldberg.
I got goose bumps too @Asia! I first heard this song coming over the airways as a young ten year old. I was in elementary school during the hippie era with a 4th grade teacher who was an actual Hippie. Maan...yall just don't know that feeling. You could actually be a socially conscious kid!😅😅
As said many times in this post,,,it’s as relevant now as it was then,,, I was in my early teens when this came out,,,I’m 66 now….nothing has changed.😢😢
In the late 60's-early 70's, Motown artists branched from the cutesy love songs (which are sitll great) to songs related to the society of the time, like Marvin Gaye's "What's goingn On" and" Mercy, Mercy Me".
This was my favorite song on the radio when I was 13. Glad you got to react to it. Try The Motown Song by Rod Stewart featuring The Temptations Not the feeling of this song but a great tribute to the Motown era.
Great song. When it first came out, I remember feeling inspired and hopeful that SOMEONE would really HEAR the lyrics and the world would actually change. Unfortunately, the lyrics apply even MORE today than “yesterday”.
What a song grew up listening to them I just about know all the words to their songs. I'm white almost seventy and live in Arkansas WOW still listen to them.
I know I'm late to the party. I remember when this came out it was very relevant. I was a young person and I thought our country was moving forward and getting better. However, after the recent horrible horrible election, it's still a ball of confusing. Trying every distraction to keep my mind busy and positive. Hang in there you guys, hopefully things will get better again.
Hey, ya'll I grew up listening to this listening to music as a white boy in the 60s in the south where people like ya'll had negative thems . .....love ya'll, I grew up in a beautiful time, Al Green, Sly and the Family Stone, Marvin Gaye , Supremes, Temptations,.....keep on keeping on, luv yer content
Which is sad. Same thing with the song in the ghetto by Elvis Presley. It came out in 1969 and the same problems that were going on then are still going on now. Generational poverty had to have been going on for a long time for it to be written about and noticed in 1969.
LOVE IT.... Now please try (If u haven't already) PAPA WAS A ROLLING STONE. I always thought these 2 jams stuck together like twin brothers. THX, BJ/ASIA.
I'm a baby Boomer, and this song was so ahead of it's time when it was released in 1970, describing the state of the country! The timeless words of this song, still sadly applies today!!!
"Shooting rockets to the moon, kids growing up too soon." Some things never change. I was 15 when this came out. This is the kind of music that is why we Boomers say back in the day there was real music! You should check out Edwin Starr's - "War".
yes conservatives never change - it is in the name - they always want to control peoples lives
i was 11, loved this stuff too and the L.A. dj's played it to death.
@@icmman7 Art Laboe played this a lot.
The fact that 54(?) years later, this song is still relevant saddens me to my very core. I remember (at 70 years old now) how - when this first came out - I was SO SURE that the world would change, that we would wake up and things would be different. Only to find out that, in 2024, we are MORE embedded in this "Ball of Confusion" than we ever were.
Preach! I was thinking the same. Couldn't have said it better!
You are not kidding. What a revolting development. Us 70s kids thought we were moving forward.
The only solution is a one-world social democracy, no borders. Like that's likely to happen. I feel like I and John Lennon are the only ones who even mention it.
Motown Baby!!! This song is STILL relevant to today and the Politics! Ugh. Great song!
My husband and I have loved this song for years and years. And it always seems that it fits the times, no matter what decade you are in when you hear it.
When this song came out in 1970, it summarized the political climate at the time: disillusionment from assassinations, the war in Viet Nam, poverty and crime, race relations, narcotics. The vocals - four members sang lead and background - and the playing are stellar. A+
And they go right along with today. Sadly.
So true for real
Yes. It was a messed up time
I’m 71 and remember when this song was on the radio. They should release it again. It’s more relevant now than it was then
The lead vocalist in this tune, Dennis Edward's, was a friend of mine.
I had the pleasure of harmonizing with him and the bass vocalist Melvin Franklin. It blew my mind!
Saw the Temps and 4Tops. Same concert. Fabulous. Had a blast.
It's ironic but the song came out in 1970 and if you listen to the lyrics a lot of subject matter hasn't really changed that much hopefully we will keep working on it❤
This song was when the temps started going into their psychedelic soul period and became much more socially aware and real lofe instead of just love songs. Both periods were amazing music
The "Funk Brothers" backing up the Mighty Mighty Temps!! #Motown4Life💯
🎤🎤🎤🎤🎤🎼🎵🎶
And YOU know how "Amazing & Awesome" the Funk Brother's were. (The Funk Brother's were MOTOWN'S badest in-house Band!!
@@missjoyceakaladyj6628 Preach....💯💯💯👌
The lyrics makes this song timeless. Thanks for this reaction! ✌💙✌
Just listen to the words. I remember this song when I was in 6th grade (67 yrs old now) and these words fit today.
Same here. 66 yo. Loved here in Montana.
The kids dont have their heads in the sky ,they have them down on those phones
63 here and vividly remember the song and the times we were living in. My brother was off the coast of Vietnam at the time in an aircraft carrier.
@@IDriveAnAudi Neighbor was on the USS Forrestal off the coast at that time.
@ronstucker3550: Me too . 67 Yr's old. These lyrics "still ring true", to this very day.
At 62, I've always been a fan of old school Motown.
This song was written by Norman Whitfield and Barrett Strong, and has been described as psychedelic soul, in the same category as Jimi Hendrix and Sly & The Family Stone. To me, this is a timeless classic. It's sad that the lyrics are still so relevent today. Good choice!
Great reaction to a great song! Considering this song is over 50 years old and the same sh*t is still going on gives the line "And the band played on" even more weight. Nothing changes but the faces and the names.
This song was one of the first ones recorded at the start of the psychedelic music part of their career after David Ruffin left and was replaced by Dennis Edwards. This is one of the best songs by the group and sadly it is still relevant in today's world.
You should check out "Cloud Nine", "Runaway Child Running Wild" and "Psychedelic Shack" if you wanna hear more social commentary songs. When Dennis Edwards joined in 1968, that is when they started doing more socially songs and "Cloud Nine" was the first to come out.
Wow!!! This song took me all the way back. I grew up in an all black community in LA and I remember this song being played while friends and family were sitting around arguing and playing the card game Bid Whist. Love this song. The crazy thing is the all of the problems they're signing about haven't changed a bit. smh
It’s so alarming. I’m 68 and never really took the words in at the time. This is the world today! Over 50 years on.
One of the greatest Motown records. This 16 year old learned all the lyrics and sang along to the record incessantly. Dennis Edwards was on fire on this one.
This was basically a protest song which was very common during the 60s and 70s. When this song was written, the Vietnam war was still going on. And that is the war they referred to in the lyrics.
Ain't heard this one in a long time. Truly a classic!!!!
This song was on the radio a lot when I was growing up!!!
Sad to think all these years later (50 years ago I believe) not much has changed, still talking about the same things..
Nice reaction! This one and “I Wish It Would Rain “ are my two favorite Temptation songs😁👍
The Temptations, my growing up years😊. Motown at its best and it was good.‼️‼️🔥👍🔥🔥
This song just goes to show, "Nothing has changed" the world is still going around in circles. 😎
Wow, I haven't heard this song since I was a child! I distinctly remember it being played on the radio. I'm sure we had it on a 45, that's a record, BTW. I recall that the meaning was beyond my comprehension as a child. But I loved it, still! Thanks for rating it and bringing it to our attention.
Night and Day by the Temptations is such a beautiful song
I used to love this song when it came out. It was 1970 and i was only 9, but I have a very vivid memory of being in the backyard with my big sister’s battery operated 45 rpm record player. I was listening to this song playing on the swing set by myself. I have no idea why I remember that.
Love that you listened to this one, it's truly timeless! (One tip, please turn up the volume on the video you're watching, I'm cranking my speakers here and it is still pretty low!) ❤
One of the best songs from my past ❤The Temptations❤
54 YEARS LATER, and so little has changed!!! Crackin' tune!
Motown... the sound of young America!!!
1970 , 7th grade, This song and I'll be there by MJ was all that played on our cafeteria juke box at lunch. Yes Surattsville Jr High had a juke 6:19 in it.
I love The Temptations!
Amazing this song is still relevant, maybe more so, today than ever!!!
Thank you, Paul for the great suggestion. This is the music of my youth
The "Temps", the (4) "Tops", and "Smokey & The Miracles" were it !
When the Temps got socially conscious they produced their best music. Their album "Masterpiece" was all songs of this nature. Their best album IMHO.
I've waiting for so long for you guys to react to this song. Back in 1970 when this came out, it blew up like a 20 meggaton bomb! making people shaking people's up to what was all goin on around us and it hold truth to today with everything they mentioned.
This is some stuff I grew up singing with my choir teacher. God bless you, Mr Schultz. I got the fever for singing and playing funky music from this and " Poppa was a rolling stone "
Can’t Go Wrong With The Temptations!!!
Great great band! A staple of our childhood ❤
Thanks for the heads-up on the “Sister Act” version Asia! That was hilarious, even more so when you put in context how we heard the song when it first came out.
I'm an old white boy from Northern Virginia who grew up listening to Motown, Temptations, Supremes, Four Tops and so many more. My teen years with the music I grew up with blows away anything you grew up with (not trying to dog ya'll) was the best.
Just for shits and giggles if ya'll haven't heard it before or had the suggestion try Chambers Brothers, Time Has Come Today ....you'll love it, keep on keeping on
Asia, I got goose bumps too hearing this song again.
I was a 60's child and listening to the radio back then there where good rocken big hits by black groups and singers some how they disappred as fast as they came but they where powerful hits and good music i wish these reaction channels would look these up and play these for us they where great tunes good rock and roll
They updated their message in 1980 with a song called "Power" which is very timely during this election season.
Haven't heard this song in years and I forgot all about that killer bass line! Thanks for the reminder.
When Dennis Edwards joined the group to replace David Ruffin, there music began to reflect the 70's and the social climate of the time. Dennis brought and edge to the group.
BJ with the Tigers hat on was wildly appropriate for this song lol.
Niiiceee pick, guys. To me, it's the Temptation's best. And you've heard the Motown ace of bass James Jamerson before on " Papa Was A Rolling Stone", Johnny Guitar Watson I think you reacted to one of his, and Stevie Wonder played the harmonica. Loved the reaction and Asia's Batman t-shirt from a early 70's issue, that's the art of Hall of Famer Neil Adams,( The Avengers, Green Lantern, Thor, X-Men, Aquaman, etc..) always cool!
Wonderful Song, Great, Great Group.😊😊😊😊
This was my number one song at the time. My 45 had white lines worn into it. I also had it on 8-track tape in my car.
I glad you youngins appreciate this classic Temps tune!
Also, you now have an example of why I always say “It’s all relative” … because as you’ve heard in the song, a lot of the same things that are going on now were also going on in 1970!
“The sale of pills is that an all-time high
Young folks walking around with their heads in the sky”
Sounds like 2024 right?
If you get a chance, watch the live performance video of the Temps doing this song… It’s awesome!
❤🙏🏽
Protest song at it's time most everybody loved this song
The bass line unforgettable
Right on brother right on
Love your channel, appreciate you guys. Peace and love and may your path always rise up to greet you!
The fact that it could have been written yesterday...still a ball of confusion. And yes, in Sister Act 2, the nuns sang it😂
They installed a computer program at my office which was mandatory to use but, at the same time, impossible for non-experts to understand. I bring this up because one of my co-workers re-named the Windows icon for the program 'Ball Of Confusion' on his desktop. But this a fantastic song with intelligent lyrics and the later Temptations' classic sound. The movie you're thinking of is 'Sister Act' with Whoopi Goldberg.
I got goose bumps too @Asia! I first heard this song coming over the airways as a young ten year old. I was in elementary school during the hippie era with a 4th grade teacher who was an actual Hippie. Maan...yall just don't know that feeling. You could actually be a socially conscious kid!😅😅
As said many times in this post,,,it’s as relevant now as it was then,,, I was in my early teens when this came out,,,I’m 66 now….nothing has changed.😢😢
50 years later the world is still a ball of confusion
In the late 60's-early 70's, Motown artists branched from the cutesy love songs (which are sitll great) to songs related to the society of the time, like Marvin Gaye's "What's goingn On" and" Mercy, Mercy Me".
This was my favorite song on the radio when I was 13. Glad you got to react to it.
Try The Motown Song by Rod Stewart featuring The Temptations
Not the feeling of this song but a great tribute to the Motown era.
The Temptin Temptations Can't Be Beat!!!
Great song. When it first came out, I remember feeling inspired and hopeful that SOMEONE would really HEAR the lyrics and the world would actually change. Unfortunately, the lyrics apply even MORE today than “yesterday”.
I loved the temptations music growing up.
White kid born in 79 growing up in sunny California but i have LOVED the temptations and Motown since te first time i heard all of them
LOVE the Sister Acts!! 😁
Your right BJ after David left the group they added more of a funky sound and became more socially conscious in their music
My joint favourite song of all time along with The Beatles "A Day in the Life".
Gold standard doesn't get any better. Decades ahead of it's time, and the world hasn't learned. Best regards from the UK.
What a song grew up listening to them I just about know all the words to their songs. I'm white almost seventy and live in Arkansas WOW still listen to them.
The song is just as relevant today as it was back in the day lyrically.
I know I'm late to the party. I remember when this came out it was very relevant. I was a young person and I thought our country was moving forward and getting better. However, after the recent horrible horrible election, it's still a ball of confusing. Trying every distraction to keep my mind busy and positive. Hang in there you guys, hopefully things will get better again.
Social commentary in a classic song Timeless music
This is a great song !! Love it
Genius 👏😎
I even love it soo much 💕
This song is on more than one of my playlists
Good memory Asia, the movie was Sister Act 2
I haven't heard this in years. 🔥
The Temptations were as big as the Stones or the Beatles in my house while I was growing up 🆙
This was the first 45 I ever bought. Flip side was Just my imagination. Too cool
This song is more relevant than ever!
An old school classic that is even more relevant today.
Hey, ya'll I grew up listening to this listening to music as a white boy in the 60s in the south where people like ya'll had negative thems
.
.....love ya'll, I grew up in a beautiful time, Al Green, Sly and the Family Stone, Marvin Gaye , Supremes, Temptations,.....keep on keeping on, luv yer content
Temptations singing about the same things in 1970s that are still happening in 2024
Which is sad. Same thing with the song in the ghetto by Elvis Presley. It came out in 1969 and the same problems that were going on then are still going on now. Generational poverty had to have been going on for a long time for it to be written about and noticed in 1969.
A great one.
As we say in Texas; y'all be safe.
Another great Vietnam era song and we came home to a ball of confusion...
I remember this back in the late 60s or early 70s i'm 65 , San Antonio Texas 🌞
LOVE IT.... Now please try (If u haven't already) PAPA WAS A ROLLING STONE. I always thought these 2 jams stuck together like twin brothers.
THX, BJ/ASIA.
A song as relevant today as when I first heard it on a pocket transistor radio.
That Song is Relevant today!!!
An American Treasure singing, speaking truth.
Ironically, the words ring true today...
Goes to show that all this confusion has been going on for decades!
On my bucket list is being a Temp for a day. 😎
As relevant today as it was 50+ years ago 🇺🇸♥️
Soul Music- music that was made to last a forever