In 1959, Ross was brought to the attention of Milton Jenkins, the manager of the local doo-wop group The Primes, by Mary Wilson. Primes member Paul Williams convinced Jenkins to enlist Ross in the sister group The Primettes, which included Wilson, Florence Ballard and Betty McGlown.
In 1976, Billboard magazine named her the female entertainer of the century. In 1993, The Guinness Book Of World Records listed her as the most successful female artist ever (the title is now attributed to Madonna), partly due to her combined total of eighteen number-one singles, six of them recorded solo and the remaining dozen from her work with the Supremes.
Ross was also one of the few pop singers to find modest success in the acting world winning an Academy Award nomination for her role as Billie Holiday in the 1972 film, "Lady Sings the Blues" as well as having hits with other film roles such as "Mahogany", "Out of Darkness" and "Double Platinum", not to mention her role in "The Wiz".
Ross has been awarded many lifetime achievement accolades from many organizations and media outlets: she has been featured on BET, Soul Train, and awarded multiple times at the NAACP Image Awards, the Kennedy Center Honors in 2007 and given the Grammy Lifetime Achievement in 2011.
Ross' professional vocal collaborators have included the following during her career: Marvin Gaye, Lionel Richie, Rod Stewart, Stevie Wonder, Michael Jackson, Julio Iglesias, Jose Carreras, Placido Domingo, and Smokey Robinson, among many others.
Don't Rain On My Parade
Diana Ross Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
I've simply got to
If someone takes a spill
It's me and not you
Don't bring around the cloud to rain on my parade
Don't tell me not to leave
Just sit and putter
Who told you you're allowed to rain on my parade
I'll march my band out
I'll beat my drum
And if I'm fanned out
Your turn at bat, sir
At least I didn't fake it, hat, sir
I guess I didn't make it
But whether I'm the rose of sheer perfection
A freckle on the nose of life's complexion
A Cinderella or a shine apple of an eye
I gotta fly once
I gotta try once
Only can die once, right, sir?
Ooh, life is juicy
Juicy and you see
I gotta have my bite, sir
Get ready for me love
'Cause I'm a "comer"
I simply gotta march
My heart's a drummer
Don't bring around the cloud to rain on my parade
Yes, sir
No, sir
I'm gonna live and live now
Get what I want, I know how
All that the law will allow
One roll for the whole shebang
One throw that bell will go clang
Though I'm alone I'm a gang
Eye on the target and wham
One shot, one gun shot and bam
Hey, world, here I am
Get ready for me life, 'cause I'm a "comer"
I simply gotta march, my heart's a drummer
Nobody, no, nobody, is gonna rain on my parade!
The lyrics of Diana Ross's classic "Don't Rain on My Parade" is a powerful message of self-empowerment and resilience. In the song, Ross is clear about her determination to follow her dreams and take risks without letting anyone else's opinions or negative attitudes bring her down. She refuses to be pushed around or held back, singing, "Don't tell me not to fly, I've simply got to" and "Who told you you're allowed to rain on my parade?" The chorus sums up her boldness and confidence with the repeated line, "Nobody, no, nobody, is gonna rain on my parade!"
Throughout the song, Ross uses vivid imagery to describe the joy, excitement, and thrill of living life to the fullest. She compares life to candy and sunshine, proclaiming that she's "gotta have my bite" and urging the listener to "get ready for me love, 'cause I'm a 'comer'". With the lines "One shot, one gun shot and bam, hey, world, here I am", Ross is declaring that she's ready to face whatever the world throws at her head-on and come out on top.
In summary, "Don't Rain on My Parade" is an anthem of confidence and courage, inspiring listeners to believe in themselves and take bold steps towards their goals and aspirations.
Line by Line Meaning
Don't tell me not to fly
I won't accept your discouragement or limitations.
I've simply got to
I have the drive and the ambition to achieve my goals.
If someone takes a spill
If there are any consequences or risks involved in my endeavors,
It's me and not you
They are mine to take on, and not yours to dictate or control.
Don't bring around the cloud to rain on my parade
Don't bring negativity or pessimism to ruin my excitement and momentum.
Don't tell me not to leave
Don't try to hold me back or keep me from taking risks and pursuing my dreams.
Just sit and putter
Don't be complacent or content with a dull, stagnant life.
Life's candy and the sun's a ball of butter
Life is sweet and filled with opportunities, so don't waste it.
Who told you you're allowed to rain on my parade
Who gave you the right to be negative or critical of my decision to pursue my goals?
I'll march my band out
I'll gather the people and resources I need to make my dreams come true.
I'll beat my drum
I'll create my own rhythm and follow my own path, not someone else's.
And if I'm fanned out
And if I fail or make a mistake,
Your turn at bat, sir
It'll be your turn to try next, so don't judge me too harshly.
At least I didn't fake it, hat, sir
I gave it my all and tried my best, unlike those who didn't even try.
I guess I didn't make it
I may not have succeeded this time, but I'll keep trying.
But whether I'm the rose of sheer perfection
Regardless of how amazing or flawed I am,
A freckle on the nose of life's complexion
I'm still a part of life's diverse and beautiful fabric, even with my imperfections.
A Cinderella or a shine apple of an eye
Whether I'm a fairy tale character or someone's cherished treasure,
I gotta fly once
I have to take a leap of faith and try something new at least once in my life.
I gotta try once
I have to put myself out there and take risks, even if I fail.
Only can die once, right, sir?
I only have one life to live, so I won't let fear hold me back.
Ooh, life is juicy
Life is full of exciting and rewarding experiences.
Juicy and you see
And I'm going to make the most of it.
I gotta have my bite, sir
I need to experience and savor life's sweetness for myself.
Get ready for me love
Get ready for what I have to offer, world.
'Cause I'm a "comer"
Because I'm someone who's going places and making things happen.
I simply gotta march
I simply have to follow my heart and pursue my dreams, no matter what.
My heart's a drummer
My passion and inner drive compel me to keep moving forward and creating my own beat.
Nobody, no, nobody, is gonna rain on my parade!
No one can or will stop me from pursuing my dreams and living my best life.
Lyrics © Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: BOB MERRILL, JULE STYNE
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind