If you’re a fan of 80’s pop music, then the song “Tempted” by Squeeze is likely near the top of your playlist. The band released the song in 1981, and it quickly climbed the charts, reaching the top 10 in the UK and top 50 in the US. But while the song may seem like a lighthearted and fun tune, the meaning behind the lyrics is much deeper than you might think.

Table of Contents

The Inspiration Behind The Song

The story goes that the lead singer of Squeeze, Glenn Tilbrook, wrote the song while he was staying at a hotel in the US. He had just arrived in the country for a tour and was feeling homesick and lonely. As he looked out of his hotel window, he saw a young woman in the hotel room opposite his, and he became fascinated by her.

Tilbrook began to imagine what the woman’s life was like, what her dreams were, and what kind of person she was. He started to invent a story of a woman who was in love with a man she couldn’t have, and the lyrics to “Tempted” began to take shape.

The Lyrics

The first verse of “Tempted” goes like this:

“I bought a toothbrush, some toothpaste / A flannel for my face / Pajamas, a hairbrush, new shoes and a case / I said to my reflection, let’s get out of this place”

At first, these lyrics might seem like they’re about a man getting ready for a vacation, but they actually represent the woman Tilbrook saw in the hotel across from him. He imagined her preparing to leave her current life behind and start a new one with the man she loved.

The chorus of “Tempted” is perhaps the most famous part of the song:

“Tempted by the fruit of another / Tempted but the truth is discovered / What’s been going on? Now that you have gone / There’s no other”

These lyrics are about the woman’s affair with the man she loves. She is “tempted” by the excitement and passion of their relationship, but eventually, the truth will be “discovered,” and their love will be exposed. The line “now that you have gone, there’s no other” suggests that the woman’s lover has left her behind, perhaps to go back to his wife or another lover, and she is left alone and heartbroken.

The Importance Of The Bass Line

One of the most memorable parts of “Tempted” is the bass line that runs throughout the song. It was created by the band’s bassist, John Bentley, who came up with the riff while he was sound-checking before a show.

The bass line is a great example of how a single instrumental element can completely change the feel of a song. In “Tempted,” the bass line creates a sense of tension and longing that perfectly matches the lyrics. It’s a simple but effective musical device that adds to the emotional impact of the song.

The Legacy Of “Tempted”

“Tempted” has been covered by a number of artists over the years, including Sinead O’Connor and Joe Cocker. It has also been used in several movies and TV shows, including the hit show The Americans.

But perhaps the most enduring legacy of “Tempted” is the way it has influenced other musicians. In a Rolling Stone interview, Chris Difford, the band’s guitarist, said that “Tempted” was one of the songs that inspired him to become a songwriter.

“Glenn [Tilbrook] has this amazing way of writing lyrics that are both emotional and clever,” Difford said. “I listened to ‘Tempted’ and thought, ‘This is what I want to do.'”

The Power Of Storytelling In Music

At its core, “Tempted” is a story about love and longing, about the excitement and heartbreak of an illicit affair. But what makes the song so powerful is the way it tells that story through vivid, memorable lyrics and a catchy, emotionally charged melody.

As a songwriter, Tilbrook understood the power of storytelling in music. He knew that a great song wasn’t just a collection of chords and notes, but a story that could capture the imagination of listeners and transport them to another world.

Today, “Tempted” remains a classic of 80’s pop music, remembered for its catchy melody, memorable bass line, and emotionally charged lyrics. And for many fans, it’s a reminder of the power of storytelling in music, and the way a great song can capture the heart and imagination of millions.