Eddie Kendricks’ Farewell: The Story Behind “Just My Imagination”

“Just My Imagination (Running Away with Me)” is one of the most cherished ballads by The Temptations and a shining example of the group’s emotional depth and vocal brilliance. With its dreamy lyrics and smooth orchestration, this song marked a beautiful farewell to an era of classic Motown soul.

𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐓𝐞𝐦𝐩𝐭𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐬 – 𝐉𝐮𝐬𝐭 𝐌𝐲 𝐈𝐦𝐚𝐠𝐢𝐧𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧

The song features lush orchestral arrangements, including strings and horns that elevate the romantic tone.

Eddie Kendricks delivers a soft, falsetto vocal performance filled with vulnerability and soul — one of his final lead vocals before leaving the group.

It’s a return to the classic Motown sound, following a stretch of more psychedelic and socially conscious songs by the group in the late 1960s.
“Just My Imagination” became a #1 hit on both the Billboard Hot 100 and R&B charts.

It was the last Temptations single to feature Eddie Kendricks, who left shortly after its release to pursue a solo career.

Rolling Stone ranked the song among the 500 Greatest Songs of All Time, calling it a masterpiece of soul and harmony.

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