About the song
“Papa Was a Rollin’ Stone” is a soul masterpiece originally recorded by Motown act the Undisputed Truth in 1972, but it gained widespread recognition through a Grammy-winning cover by the Temptations later that same year. The Temptations’ rendition soared to the top of the Billboard Hot 100, cementing its status as an iconic hit.
Written by Norman Whitfield and Barrett Strong in 1971, “Papa Was a Rollin’ Stone” was first produced by Whitfield for the Undisputed Truth. Released as a single in May 1972, the original version achieved moderate success, peaking at number 63 on the Pop Charts and number 24 on the R&B Charts. It was featured on the Undisputed Truth’s album “Law of the Land” (1973).
Later in 1972, Norman Whitfield reimagined the song for the Temptations, creating a 12-minute epic that became a centerpiece of their album “All Directions.” The edited 7-inch single release of the Temptations’ version in September 1972 proved to be immensely popular, reaching number one on the Billboard Hot 100. This rendition not only topped the charts but also garnered three Grammy Awards in 1973, further solidifying its place in music history.
The Temptations’ version of “Papa Was a Rollin’ Stone” has endured as a quintessential soul classic, celebrated for its innovative musical arrangement, powerful vocals, and poignant lyrics. It remains a standout in the Temptations’ discography and in the broader landscape of soul music. Rolling Stone magazine recognized its significance by ranking the full-length album version at number 169 on their prestigious list of the 500 Greatest Songs of All Time, underscoring its enduring influence and cultural impact.
Reflecting on the song’s legacy, Temptations member Otis Williams has acknowledged “Papa Was a Rollin’ Stone” as the group’s last true classic, marking their final number one hit and their second Grammy Award win in a competitive category. The song’s thematic depth and musical innovation continue to resonate with audiences, ensuring its place among the most revered and cherished songs in the history of popular music.
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Lyrics
It was the third of September
That day I’ll always remember, yes I will
‘Cause that was the day that my daddy died
I never got a chance to see him
Never heard nothin’ but bad things about him
Momma I’m depending on you to tell me the truth
Momma just hung her head and said, son
Papa was a rolling stone
Wherever he laid his hat was his home
And when he died, all he left us was alone
Papa was a rolling stone (my son, yeah)
Wherever he laid his hat was his home
And when he died, all he left us was alone
Hey Momma!
Is it true what they say that Papa never worked a day in his life
And Momma, some bad talk goin’ round town sayin’ that
Papa had three outside children
And another wife, and that ain’t right
Heard some talk Papa doing some storefront preachin’
Talking about saving souls and all the time leechin’
Dealing in dirt, and stealing in the name of the Lord
Momma just hung her head and said
Papa was a rolling stone (my son)
Wherever he laid his hat was his home
And when he died, all he left us was alone
Hey Papa was a rolling stone (dad gumma it)
Where ever he laid his hat was his home
And when he died, all he left us was alone
Hey Momma
I heard Papa called himself a jack-of-all-trades
Tell me is that what sent Papa to an early grave
Folks say Papa would beg, borrow, steal
To pay his bills
Hey Momma
Folks say Papa never was much on thinking
Spent most of his time chasing women and drinking
Momma I’m depending on you to tell me the truth
Momma looked up with a tear in her eye and said, son
Papa was a rolling stone (well, well, well, well)
Wherever he laid his hat was his home
And when he died, all he left us was alone (lone, lone, lone, alone)
Papa was a rolling stone
Wherever he laid his hat was his home
And when he died, all he left us was alone
Wherever he laid his hat was his home
And when he died, all he left us was alone
My daddy was
Papa was a rolling stone (yes he was, yeah)
Wherever he laid his hat was his home)