Usually I favor the original version of songs. I would say 9 out of 10 times I do but the Stones covered Just My Imagination and I must admit I like the Stones version a little more than the Temptations….and I LOVE the Temptations. I’m in the minority in this one I’m sure.
This was a song our band covered and covered. I probably have played it more than Mick ever did. That may be the reason I like this one more.
The Stones covered this in 1978 for their album Some Girls. It wasn’t the first time they covered a Temptations song…. in 1974 they covered “Ain’t Too Proud To Beg,” and had a hit peaking at #17 in the Billboard 100. That song was a little stronger than this one but I like how they roughed this one up.
Norman Whitfield and Barrett Strong wrote this song and it was released in 1971 by the Temptations. You really can’t compare the two versions…they are apples and oranges. The Temptation version peaked at #1 in the Billboard 100, #8 in the UK, and #72 in Canada…#72 Canada?
This was not released as a single in the US.
For The US Office fans….This was used in the season 4 finale, “Goodbye, Toby.” Darryl sings it at Toby’s goodbye party when Jim almost proposes to Pam.
Just My Imagination (Running Away With Me)
I look out my window, watch her as she passes by
And I say to myself I’m such a lucky guy
To have a girl like her is a dream come true
And of all the girls in New York she loves me true
I’ll tell ya, it was just my imagination, once again
Running away with me
It was just my imagination
Running away with me
Well soon we’ll be married and raise a family
Two boys for you, what about two girls for me
I say I am just a fellow with a one track mind
Whatever it is I want to baby, I seek and I shall find
I’ll tell ya, it was just my imagination, once again
Running away with me
It was just my imagination
Running away with me
Every night I hope and pray
Dear Lord, hear my plea
Don’t ever let another take her love from me
Or I will surely die
Her love is ecstasy
When her arms enfold me
I hear her tender rhapsody
But in reality, she doesn’t even know me
It was just my imagination
Running away with me
It was just my imagination
Running away with me
I’ll tell ya, it was just my imagination, once again
Running away with me
It was just my imagination
Running away with me
Running away with me
It was just my imagination, once again
Running away with me
I can tell ya it was just my imagination
Running away with me, running away with me
Running away, running away, running away, running away with me
Running away, running away, running away, running away with me
Running away, running away…
PowerPop... An Eclectic Collection of Pop Culture 
There’s no way any other artist can compete with The Temptations when it comes to their magic harmony vocals. But what I dig about this version is that the Stones didn’t merely cover the tune but went for a remake, which I think was a very smart decision. They really made it their own!
LikeLiked by 3 people
The versions are apples and oranges no doubt…two different songs. The reason our band covered the Stones version is because we could not do the Temptations version… who could?
You are right they made it into a Stones song…
LikeLiked by 2 people
Great song Max and I like the Stones version better also. The guy in this song is one step away from becoming a stalker, but mostly he is harmless, as he understands that his desire for this girl exists only in his imagination and in reality, she doesn’t even know his name. He sees her everyday walking past his window, and he gets romantic ideas about her, imagining that she will run away with him. In his mind, she is the perfect girl for him, and he sees them getting married, living in a house together and raising their (two or three) children. At night he prays that she will not meet another man or fall in love with anybody else but him. He is never going to forget this imaginary love, as he continues to hope that his fantasy will come true. This guy is suffering from the halo effect, because he has created such a positive impression about this girl that nothing else will ever influence his opinion of her.
LikeLike
I think I did hear the Stones version years ago but had long forgotten it. I’d say it’s a toss-up between the two…both are good. Some Temptations songs I think it would be near sacrilege to try and better but this isn’t one of them (to me, a good song definitely, but not one of their very best). By the way, Happy Boxing Day, LOL!
LikeLiked by 1 person
I could not imagine covering Papa Was A Rolling Stone or anything like that…but yea this one and Aint Too Proud To Beg works.
Happy Boxing Day!
LikeLike
I never heard this Stones cover of the song. It’s a natural for them! Sounds really good. Like you said their cover and The Temptations original are like apples and oranges.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I sung this song more than Mick…I would put money on it!
LikeLiked by 1 person
So cool, Max. How is it I never heard it before? Thanks for the introduction. Imagining you singing it…
LikeLiked by 1 person
I can do a Mick voice…but the Temptations…out of our league! And…most people.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Love the Stones version on Still Life of this track…
LikeLiked by 1 person
That might be where I first heard it…I’m not sure.
LikeLike
Like both cuts. Funny while I popped in here Otis Williams from the Temps just came on a show I listen to.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Yea man…I love the Temptations version but our band could NOT replicate that lol. They have too good of voices and harmony.
LikeLiked by 1 person
What was a matter with you guys. Cant get that Temp sound?
LikeLiked by 1 person
I know right? A bunch of lazy bastards lol.
LikeLiked by 1 person
But you guys killed the instrumental version.
LikeLiked by 1 person