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.
Never Say I Don't Love You
Diana Ross Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
I'm the restless kind
Seems like I'm always chasing time
But when I go, I know you'll miss me so
Even though I just can't help myself
Maybe you need someone else
To spend more time to ease your mind
Never say I don't love you
'Cause I do
Though I've got to be free
Never worry about me
'Cause I love you
You see, I've got the journey
And it's got me burning
To do the things I've never tried
But what you give to me
Is more than you'll ever see
'Cause when I leave your side
Your love goes with me
Never measure love by time
Let the doubt ones leave your mind
Everything is fine
And never say I don't love you, I do
Never say I don't love you
'Cause I do
Though I've got to be free
Never worry about me
'Cause I love you, I do
Never say I don't love, I do
Never say I don't love you
'Cause I do
Though I've got to be free
Never worry about me
'Cause I love you, I do
Never say I don't love you
I love you
Never say I don't love you
'Cause I do
These lyrics from Diana Ross's song "Never Say I Don't Love You" are about the struggle between the singer's desire for personal freedom and her love for her partner. The first lines of the song reveal that the singer is a restless person who is always chasing time. She acknowledges that her partner will miss her when she goes away, but she can't help the fact that she needs to be free. Despite this, she reassures her partner that she loves them and that they shouldn't worry about her.
The song is an expression of the tension that can exist in romantic relationships when one partner needs more independence than the other. The singer seems to be saying that even though they need space, they are committed to their partner and their love will endure despite the distance.
The lyrics also suggest that love should not be measured by time. Even though the singer may not be physically present with their partner all the time, they carry their love with them wherever they go. The song's message is ultimately one of reassurance and commitment, emphasizing that love can survive even when partners face challenges and obstacles.
Line by Line Meaning
You know that I
You're aware of my true nature
I'm the restless kind
I am constantly seeking more, never fully satisfied
Seems like I'm always chasing time
I feel like there is never enough time to accomplish everything
But when I go, I know you'll miss me so
I recognize that my absence will cause you pain
Even though I just can't help myself
Despite my desires to change, I am compelled to continue my journey
Maybe you need someone else
Perhaps you require someone who can fully commit to being present
To spend more time to ease your mind
To be with you more often to bring you peace
But never say I don't love you, I do
Despite everything, my love for you is genuine
Though I've got to be free
Although I must pursue my own path
Never worry about me
Please don't concern yourself with my safety
'Cause I love you
Because my feelings for you are sincere and unwavering
You see, I've got the journey
You understand that my path is my own
And it's got me burning
My passion for this journey is intense
To do the things I've never tried
To explore uncharted territory and challenge myself
But what you give to me
You offer me something invaluable
Is more than you'll ever see
It is difficult for you to fully comprehend the depth of my gratitude
'Cause when I leave your side
Although we are physically apart
Your love goes with me
Your love is always present and guides me
Never measure love by time
The length of time we spend together is not what defines our love
Let the doubt ones leave your mind
Do not allow those who doubt our love to influence your thoughts
Everything is fine
Our love will withstand any challenges
I love you
My feelings for you are strong and enduring
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: GREGORY WRIGHT, KARIN-DEN PATTERSON
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind