About the song
“I Can’t Get Next to You” is a powerful and dynamic song recorded by the legendary Motown group, The Temptations, in 1969. Written by the prolific songwriting duo Norman Whitfield and Barrett Strong, the track became an instant hit, securing the number one spot on both the Billboard Top Pop Singles chart and the Billboard Top R&B Singles chart. Its success on the pop chart was particularly notable, as it held the top position for two weeks, from October 18 to October 25, 1969, replacing “Sugar, Sugar” by the Archies and later being replaced by Elvis Presley’s “Suspicious Minds.” On the R&B chart, it dominated for five weeks, from October 4 to November 1, 1969, further solidifying The Temptations’ status as one of the most successful groups of their time.
This single was the second of four number-one hits on the U.S. pop charts for The Temptations and became one of their best-selling singles. Billboard ranked “I Can’t Get Next to You” as the number three song for 1969, underscoring its widespread popularity and cultural impact. The song was the second single from their 1969 album *Puzzle People*, an album that showcased the group’s evolving sound, which increasingly embraced the psychedelic soul style that Norman Whitfield was pioneering.
“I Can’t Get Next to You” stands out for its unique structure and energetic delivery. The song begins with an abrupt burst of applause, which is quickly silenced by Dennis Edwards’ commanding voice as he says, “Hold it, hold it, listen.” This dramatic opening sets the stage for a song that features a distinctive use of multiple lead vocals, with each member of the group taking turns to express their frustration at being unable to get close to the one they desire. The track’s intensity is further heightened by its driving rhythm and powerful instrumentation, elements that helped define the Temptations’ sound during this period.
The song’s influence extended beyond its initial release, as it was frequently covered by other artists. Notably, Al Green’s 1970 version of the song, featured on his album *Al Green Gets Next to You*, offered a slower, more soulful interpretation that also resonated with audiences, reaching number 60 on the Billboard Hot 100 and number 11 on the R&B chart. Annie Lennox also paid tribute to the song with her cover on her 1995 album *Medusa*, showcasing its enduring appeal across different genres and generations.
“I Can’t Get Next to You” remains a testament to The Temptations’ versatility and the innovative songwriting of Whitfield and Strong. It captures the essence of a particular moment in music history when Motown was at its peak, and The Temptations were at the forefront of a musical revolution. For older and educated audiences, the song offers a nostalgic journey back to the golden era of soul music, when the artistry of vocal harmony groups like The Temptations set the standard for excellence in popular music.
Video
Lyrics
I
Can turn the gray sky blue
I can make it rain, whenever I want it to, oh I
I can build a castle from a single grain of sand
I can make a ship sail, on dry land tell ’em yeah
But my life is incomplete and I’m so blue
‘Cause I can’t get next to you
I can’t get next to you, babe (next to you)
I can’t get next to you (I just can’t get next you)
I can’t get next to you, babe
I can’t get next to you
I
Can fly like a bird in the sky
Hey, and I can buy anything that money can’t buy
Oh, I
I can turn a river into a raging fire
I can live forever if I so desired
Unimportant are all the things I can do
‘Cause I can’t get next to you
I can’t get next to you, babe (no matter what I do)
I can’t get next to you
Uh-ya
Ooo-ooo
Ooo-ooo
Chica boom, chica boom
Chica boom, boom, boom
I can turn back the hands of time, you better believe I can
I can make the seasons change, just by waving my hand
Oh, I
I can change anything from old to new
The things I want to do the most, I’m unable to do
Unhappy am I with all the powers I possess
‘Cause girl you’re the key to my happiness
And I
Can’t get next to you
Girl, you’re blowing my mind ’cause I can’t get (next to you)
Can’t you see these tears I’m crying? I can’t get (next to you)
Girl, it’s you that I need, I gotta get (next to you)
Can’t you see these tears I’m crying? I can’t get (next to you)
I, I, I, I, I can’t get (next to you)
I, I, I, I, I can’t get (next to you)
Girl, you’re blowing my mind