The Temptations are an American vocal group from Detroit, Michigan. The group had many popular “hit” songs with Motown Records during the 1960s and 1970s.

In the 1960s, “the Motown sound,” a style of African-American music (“soul” music), became very popular. Before the 1960's, most white people in the US did not listen to recorded music by African-American musicians. Motown Records was successful in marketing the music of artists such as the Miracles, Martha and the Vandellas, Marvin Gaye, the Temptations, and the Supremes to all audiences.

This song is just a lot of fun! In addition, it's good practice for the modal verb, "could have been." And it's good practice for singing a lot of words quickly.

Pronunciation: Many Americans pronounce “could have” [ˈkʊd ˈhæv] more like “could of,” [ˈkʊd ˈʌv] and sometimes like “could uh.” [ˈkʊd ˈʌ]. In this song, the Temptations sing it like “could of.”

Meaning: The song compares someone to many objects and symbols. In the chorus [the part of the song that repeats], the meaning is, I know that anything could be possible for you from the way that you do things and from your personal qualities.

More grammar: For a lesson on past tense modals such as “could have,” visit Voice of America's Everyday Grammar.

The Way You Do the Things You Do - Lyrics

[Verse 1]

You've got a smile so bright,

You know you could have been a candle

I'm holding you so tight

You know you could have been a handle

The way you swept me off my feet

You know you could have been a broom

The way you smell so sweet

You know you could have been some perfume

[Chorus]

Well, you could have been anything that you wanted to

And I can tell, the way you do the things you do

The way you do the things you do, the way you do the things you do

[Verse 2]

As pretty as you are (hoo-hoo)

You know you could have been a flower

If good looks was a minute (hoo-hoo)

You know that you could be an hour

The way you stole my heart (hoo-hoo)

You know you could have been a cool crook

And baby you're so smart (hoo-hoo)

You know you could have been a schoolbook

[Chorus]

Well, you could have been anything that you wanted to

And I can tell, the way you do the things you do

The way you do the things you do, the way you do the things you do

[Verse 3]

You made my heart so rich (hoo-hoo)

You know you could have been some money

And baby, you're so sweet (hoo-hoo)

You know you could have been some honey