"Ball of Confusion (That's What the World is Today)" is the name of a 1970 hit single for the Motown label performed by The Temptations and produced by Norman Whitfield.

Like "Psychedelic Shack" before it, "Ball of Confusion" delves head-on into psychedelia, this time with a strong political message. Issues such as the Vietnam War, segregation, drug abuse, crooked politicians, and more are all listed as being part of the "ball of confusion" that the world has now become. "Round and around and around we go", they sing, "where the world's headed/nobody knows." The song's most famous line, "And the band played on," is sung by the group's bass singer, Melvin Franklin.

"Ball of Confusion" is among the Tempts' most covered songs, with versions of it recorded by Tina Turner, Duran Duran, and Anthrax, among others. It was used to anchor the 1970's The Temptations' Greatest Hits, Vol. 2 LP. The song reached #3 on the US pop charts and #2 on the US R&B charts.

Credits

• Lead and Background Vocals by Dennis Edwards, Eddie Kendricks, Paul Williams, Melvin Franklin, and Otis Williams

• Written by Norman Whitfield and Barrett Strong
• Produced by Norman Whitfield
• Instrumentation by The Funk Brothers.