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.
Is This What Feeling Gets'
Diana Ross Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Feeling?
Feeling?
Swear to god this is more than I can deal with
Thinkin' back on that old song
Where did I go wrong by caring and sharing
Mean together no matter
Is this what feeling gets
A hope for happy endings?
Alone and scared
Something I don't want to be
What did he see when he looked inside of me?
If this is just a dream
How come I feel like screaming?
This is the real world
Gotta do what you must, girl
Well
Can i?
Can i?
Is this what feeling gets?
So is there a happy ending?
There's nothing here but the fear of
Will I try?
And can I stare it in the eye
Not ever knowing why?
Please
Please
Can someone tell me why?
The lyrics of Diana Ross’s song “Is This What Feeling Gets” contain a moving reflection on the difficulties that come with emotions, particularly heartbreak. The opening lines are an expression of feeling overwhelmed and almost hopeless in the face of the strong emotions the singer is experiencing. There is a sense of regret and confusion, as the lyrics revisit an old song that speaks to the idea of solidarity and togetherness but ultimately questions whether these things are worth it. The lyrics seem to be asking whether it is worth being vulnerable, kind, and generous with our emotions, given that it can lead to pain and fear.
The chorus of the song is particularly powerful, as it asks whether the pain of heartbreak and the fear of being alone are just an inevitable part of feeling. The singer questions whether there is any hope for happy endings, and reflects on the discomfort and fear that comes with being alone. There is a strong sense of vulnerability and fear throughout the song, as well as a desire for understanding and support.
Despite the sadness and difficulty expressed in the lyrics, there is also a sense of strength and resilience. The singer expresses a determination to face her emotions head-on and navigate her way through them. Ultimately, the lyrics of “Is This What Feeling Gets” are a testament to the power of emotions and the struggles that come with them.
Line by Line Meaning
Feeling?
Asking if anyone else is feeling the intense emotions that the singer is experiencing
Feeling?
Reiterating the question, emphasizing the overwhelming nature of the emotions
Swear to god this is more than I can deal with
Expressing the difficulty of dealing with such strong emotions
Thinkin' back on that old song
Reflecting on a past experience, possibly a romantic relationship
Where did I go wrong by caring and sharing
Questioning whether being open and vulnerable in a relationship was a mistake
Mean together no matter
Believing that the relationship should have remained strong regardless of any challenges
I can't stand not knowing
Feeling distressed by uncertainty about the future
Is this what feeling gets
Questioning whether experiencing emotions is worth the pain and difficulties that come with it
A hope for happy endings?
Wondering if there is a possibility of a positive outcome or resolution
Alone and scared
Feeling isolated and fearful
Something I don't want to be
Expressing a desire to overcome these negative emotions
What did he see when he looked inside of me?
Questioning what someone else thinks of the singer's vulnerability and openness
If this is just a dream
Wondering if the intense emotions and experiences are too good to be true
How come I feel like screaming?
Expressing the intense emotional turmoil and inner conflict
This is the real world
Realizing that the difficulties and pain are a part of reality
Gotta do what you must, girl
Encouraging oneself to be strong and do what needs to be done
Well
Signaling a transition to a new thought or idea
Can i?
Expressing uncertainty about a decision or action
Can i?
Repeating the question, emphasizing the uncertainty and fear
Is this what feeling gets?
Repeating the earlier question and expressing the realization that emotions can be both positive and negative
So is there a happy ending?
Searching for reassurance and hope
There's nothing here but the fear of
Realizing that the fear and uncertainty are overwhelming and consuming
Will I try?
Expressing doubt and hesitation about whether to take action
And can I stare it in the eye
Questioning whether the singer has the courage to face the difficulties head-on
Not ever knowing why?
Feeling confused and frustrated by the lack of answers and understanding
Please
Pleading for help or guidance
Please
Repeating the plea, showing desperation and vulnerability
Can someone tell me why?
Asking for an explanation or understanding of the situation
Contributed by Leah F. Suggest a correction in the comments below.