Temptation

Album: The Luxury Gap (1983)
Charted: 2
Play Video
  • I've never been closer
    I've tried to understand
    That certain feeling
    Carved by another's hand

    But it's too late to hesitate
    We can't keep on living like this
    Leave no track
    Don't look back

    (All I desire)
    Temptation
    (Keep climbing higher and higher)
    Temptation
    (Adorable creatures)
    Temptation
    (With unacceptable features)
    Temptation
    (Trouble is coming)
    Temptation
    (It's just the high cost of loving)
    Temptation
    (You can take it or leave it)
    Temptation
    (But you'd better believe it)

    You've got to make me an offer
    That cannot be ignored
    So let's head for home now
    Everything I have is yours
    Step by step and day by day
    Every second counts I can't break away
    Leave no trace
    Hide your face

    (All I desire)
    Temptation
    (Keep climbing higher and higher)
    Temptation
    (You can take it or leave it)
    Temptation
    (But you'd better believe it)

    Step by step and day by day
    Every second counts I can't break away
    Keep us from temptation
    Keep us from temptation
    Keep us from temptation
    Lead us not into temptation

    (All I desire)
    Temptation
    (Keep climbing higher and higher)
    Temptation
    (Adorable creatures)
    Temptation
    (With unacceptable features)
    Temptation
    (Trouble is coming)
    Temptation
    (It's just the high cost of loving)
    Temptation
    (You can take it or leave it)
    Temptation
    (But you'd better believe it)

    You've got to make me an offer
    That cannot be ignored
    So let's head for home now
    Everything I have is yours
    Step by step and day by day
    Every second counts I can't break away
    Leave no trace
    Hide your face

    (Trying to find it)
    Temptation
    (You've got to get up behind me)
    Temptation
    (Put your dime in the hot slot)
    Temptation
    (But it's a million to one shot)
    Temptation
    (You think that you're right now)
    Temptation
    (You're going to fake it tonight now)
    Temptation
    (Give me a breakdown)
    Temptation
    (Because it's time for a shakedown)

    (Temptation)
    It's just temptation

    (Temptation) Writer/s: BILLY JOEL
    Publisher: Universal Music Publishing Group
    Lyrics licensed and provided by LyricFind

Comments: 3

  • Barry from Sauquoit, NyOn this day in 1983 {May 15th} "Temptation" by Heaven 17 peaked at #2 {for 1 week} on the United Kingdom's Official Top 100 Singles* chart, for the week it was at #2, the #1 record for that week was "True" by Spandau Ballet...
    "Temptation" reached #3 in Ireland and #11 in Germany...
    * And from the 'For What It's Worth' department, the remainder of the U.K. Singles' Top 10 on May 15th, 1983:
    At #3. "Candy Girl" by New Edition
    #4. "Dancing Tight" by "Galaxy featuring Phil Fear
    #5. "Can't Get Used To Losing You" by The Beat
    #6. "(Keep Feeling) Fascination" by The Human League
    #7. "Our Lips Are Sealed" by The Fun Three
    #8. "Pale Shelter" by Tears For Fears
    #9. "Words" by F. R. David
    #10. "Blind Vision" by Blancmange
  • Barry from Sauquoit, NyOn June 18th 1983, Heaven 17 performed "Temptation" on the ABC-TV program 'American Bandstand'...
    It didn't make the Top 100, their only record to make Billboard's Hot Top 100 chart was "Let Me Go!"; it reached #74 in 1982...
    They had seventeen records make the United Kingdom's Singles chart; with three making the Top 10 (this one at #2, "Come Live With Me" at #5 in 1983, and then a 'Brothers in Rhythm' remix of "Temptation" at #4 in 1992...
    On the same 'Bandstand' show they performed "We Live So Fast", it was only released in the U.S.A. but didn't make the Top 100.
  • Shaun from Frankfort, KyThe song was covered by British Extreme Metal band: Cradle of Filth in 2006 for their album "Thornography". It applies a more industrial metal sound to the music, a music video was also produced.
see more comments

Editor's Picks

Matthew Wilder - "Break My Stride"

Matthew Wilder - "Break My Stride"They're Playing My Song

Wilder's hit "Break My Stride" had an unlikely inspiration: a famous record mogul who rejected it.

Subversive Songs Used To Sell

Subversive Songs Used To SellSong Writing

Songs about drugs, revolution and greed that have been used in commercials for sneakers, jeans, fast food, cruises and cars.

Chris Squire of Yes

Chris Squire of YesSongwriter Interviews

One of the most dynamic bass player/songwriters of his time, Chris is the only member of Yes who has been with the band since they formed in 1968.

Janis Ian

Janis IanSongwriter Interviews

One of the first successful female singer-songwriters, Janis had her first hit in 1967 at age 15.

Billy Joe Shaver

Billy Joe ShaverSongwriter Interviews

The outlaw country icon talks about the spiritual element of his songwriting and his Bob Dylan mention.

Christmas Songs

Christmas SongsFact or Fiction

Rudolf, Bob Dylan and the Singing Dogs all show up in this Fact or Fiction for seasonal favorites.