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.
Drop the Mask
Diana Ross Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Where is the man that you used to be
When you turn off the world and turn down the lights
Do you ever wonder who you are tonight
I knew you then, I love you now
You can call me up when it gets you down
Behind the shades there's someone real
This is me talking to you
There's just one thing I'm asking you to do
You gotta drop the mask, be yourself
Drop the mask
Trust someone else
No one knows what you're going through
Whatever it is, I'll be there for you
If you drop the mask, be yourself
Drop the mask
Trust someone else
I was there when it all began
I still remember the boy within the man
I understand what it means to run and hide
There's so much that we're holding onto deep down inside
This is me talking to you
The only thing that I want you to do
You gotta drop the mask, be yourself
Drop the mask
Trust someone else
No one knows what you're going through
Whatever it is, I'll be there for you
When you drop the mask, be yourself
Drop the mask
Trust someone else
Drop the mask
Drop the mask
Let down your guard, open your heart
Unlose your chains, don't be afraid
Drop the mask
Be yourself
Be yourself
Trust someone else
You gotta drop the mask
Let down your guard, oh you gotta drop the mask
Trust someone else
You gotta drop the mask
In Diana Ross's song, "Drop the Mask," the lyrics reflect a message of self-acceptance and trust in others. The song begins with Ross asking the listener to look in the mirror and question who they see. The lyrics imply that the person may have lost touch with their true self or their inner child, as the song references the "boy within the man."
Ross recalls that she knew the person in their previous state and loves them just the same, but acknowledges that there may be a figurative mask they use to hide their true self. She communicates in the chorus that the person needs to let go of the mask and be themselves, trusting that someone else will accept them. The lyrics "No one knows what you're going through, whatever it is, I'll be there for you" demonstrate the unconditional love and support she is offering.
The song comes from a place of compassion and empathy, as Ross recognizes that many people have inner struggles and insecurities they hide from others. The song is meant to encourage people to let go of their fears and be genuine so that they can form deeper connections with others.
Line by Line Meaning
Look in the mirror, who do you see
Reflect on who you truly are and what you have become
Where is the man that you used to be
Think about the person you were before societal expectations and pressures changed you
When you turn off the world and turn down the lights
In moments of solitude, do you question your true identity?
Do you ever wonder who you are tonight
Do you still recognize yourself in this present moment?
I knew you then, I love you now
I remember and accept the true you, despite any changes or struggles you have faced
You can call me up when it gets you down
I am always here to support and listen to you when times are tough
Behind the shades there's someone real
There is a genuine person beneath the facade you present to the world
Behind your eyes I wonder how you feel
I am curious about the true emotions and thoughts you keep hidden
This is me talking to you
I want to have an honest conversation with you
There's just one thing I'm asking you to do
I have a simple request for you
You gotta drop the mask, be yourself
It is time to shed the fake persona and embrace your true self
Trust someone else
Have faith in others to accept and embrace the true you
No one knows what you're going through
Remember that you are not alone in your struggles
Whatever it is, I'll be there for you
I am committed to supporting you through thick and thin
I still remember the boy within the man
I remember the innocence and authenticity of the younger version of yourself
There's so much that we're holding onto deep down inside
We all carry baggage and layers of hidden emotions
Let down your guard, open your heart
Lower your defenses and allow yourself to be vulnerable
Unlose your chains, don't be afraid
Break free from the societal chains that have held you back and don't fear judgement
Be yourself
Embrace your true identity and personality
Trust someone else
Believe that others will accept and value you for who you really are
Contributed by Dylan L. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
Lou Rod
I was there when it all began
I still remember the boy within the man
I understand what it means to run and hide
There's so much that we're holding onto deep down inside....
This was written for MJ.
gmoneyhollywood
I like this groove. It goes to show how versatile Ms. Ross really is. No one does any better. This is truly a nice Groove.
Friend2FriendnMA
I LOVE this! It is so smoky and bluesy. I think the lyrics are right on the money. I bet this would have been better received with a different musical arrangement though.
Los
I am not a fan of hers but I REALLY like this tune and its lyrics!
gmoneyhollywood
This is the Groove! I agree as well. Ross was referring to Mike.
Mell Tel
I Love this song. I have the album EVERY DAY IS A NEW DAY however without this song.
Bryan O'Quinn Vevo
#DropTheMask2022🎵 takes on a whole new meaning 😷🙏🏼
theSUPREMEscene
i am so glad you enjoyed it!
GenerationYUI
Beautiful editing.
Anna Diomis
She wrote this for Michael Jackson