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.
This House
Diana Ross Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
On a foundation of love
This house is built
On a foundation of love
Our toys are in the attic baby
Pictures on the wall
We can see our memories
Down the hall, oh yeah
Our love will survive in our own little paradise
So inspired, so inspired
Palatial it may not be
But it's a home and a castle to me
A dream from a magazine
And we'll never give it up 'cause
This house is built
On a foundation of love
This house is built
On a foundation of love
I'll try to comfort you baby
You try to comfort me yeah
I know you love me
With all your heart, oh yeah
'Cause you say you do
You know that when you are sad
I'll be there in a flash
At the drop of a hat, oh yeah
'Cause I want you to feel love
And you don't have to say a thing
You don't have to ask, 'cause baby
This house is built
On a foundation of love
This house is built
On a foundation of love
Maybe we'll strike it rich
One day really make it big
And I know because our love is so strong
We'll always have a home
This house is built
On a foundation of love
This house is built
On a foundation of love
This house is built
On a foundation of love
This house is built
On a foundation of love
This house is built
On a foundation of love
This house is built
On a foundation of love
The lyrics of Diana Ross's song "This House" speak about a home built on a foundation of love. The love between two partners that binds them under one roof reflects in the walls, the pictures on the wall, and the memories the house holds. They both comfort each other in times of need without even having to ask for it. They are bound together by their common love, which is strong enough to make them feel that this is their own little paradise.
Although the house may not be grand or palatial, it is a castle and dream from a magazine to them. They pledge to never give up on it because it is built on a foundation of love. The chorus repeats itself several times to emphasize how this love is the glue that holds their home together. The last verse speaks of a possible fortune the couple might encounter, but the love is guaranteed to remain the foundation of their home, and they'll always have a place to call home.
Line by Line Meaning
This house is built
The foundation of this house is a deep and secure love that will never crumble.
On a foundation of love
The love that this house is built on is an unbreakable bond that exists between two people.
Our toys are in the attic baby
The objects that bring us joy and happiness are stored safely away, waiting for us when we need them most.
Pictures on the wall
Each picture hanging serves as a reminder of the beautiful moments we shared together.
We can see our memories
These cherished moments are more than just memories - they are tangible things that we can see and touch in our home.
From the days past in the mirror
Looking into the mirror is a reminder of all the precious times we've shared together and how far we've come as a couple.
Down the hall, oh yeah
These memories are preserved throughout the house, always within reach as we walk from room to room.
Our love will survive in our own little paradise
Our love exists in a beautiful and idyllic world that we've created for ourselves, a world where nothing can harm us.
So inspired, so inspired
Our love inspires us to be better and do better, and to cherish every moment together.
Palatial it may not be
Our home may not be grand or opulent, but it is filled with warmth, love, and joy.
But it's a home and a castle to me
Despite its humble size and appearance, our home is a fortress that keeps us safe, and a place where we feel secure and loved.
A dream from a magazine
Although our home may not look like the mansions in magazines, it is still a dream come true for us.
And we'll never give it up 'cause
No matter what happens, we will never abandon our love or our home.
I'll try to comfort you baby
As your partner, I will always be here to soothe your worries and make you feel better when you're feeling down.
You try to comfort me yeah
And I know you'll do the same for me, because that's just how deep our love runs.
I know you love me
I am secure in the knowledge that you love me deeply and unequivocally.
With all your heart, oh yeah
Your love for me is complete and unwavering, and I feel it every day.
'Cause you say you do
I know you love me because you express it so freely and often, and your actions speak even louder than your words.
You know that when you are sad
When you're feeling low, I am always here to lift you up and remind you that you're not alone.
I'll be there in a flash
I will come to your side immediately, without hesitation, because that's what true love is all about.
At the drop of a hat, oh yeah
I am always ready and eager to be there for you, no matter what.
'Cause I want you to feel love
My deepest desire is for you to feel loved and cherished at all times.
And you don't have to say a thing
You don't even have to ask - I will always be here for you, no matter what.
Maybe we'll strike it rich
Our circumstances may change, and we may become wealthy one day, but that won't change the foundation of our love.
One day really make it big
Despite the possibility of riches, our true wealth comes from the love we share.
And I know because our love is so strong
Our love is the driving force behind everything we do, and it will never falter or weaken.
We'll always have a home
No matter what happens, we will always have the sanctuary of our home and the love that fills it.
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: RODGERS
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
gmoneyhollywood
@LeimertDreamer, I don't think you are understanding me here. I never said this CD was beneath her. I said the Music Critics thought that this CD sounded too Hip Hop and that they didn't think it was a fit for her style. I clearly stated that Nile Rogers produced this Album and I actually think that it's one of her best body of works. This was Hip Hop and not your quote on quote Soul or Traditional R&B. It was made to capture the very young 18 to 35 crowd not the matured crowd like her other music she put out for Motown since her return and after the WO album.
Again, you are not understanding the politics of the music. I said that she was blackballed from American Radio because of the RCA business deal that took place when she first left Motown. Year by year, American Radio stations were not playing her music, period, but she was always getting good support overseas.
As far as age, don't even put Patti in the same class as Ross, yes same era, but not in the same class.
Patti has always been a Soul Singer, Ross never has. Patti has never recorded a Hip Hop CD either. Ross, is a Pop, Jazz, and Dance chart success that just so happen to have certain crossover hits that debut or done well on the R&B charts from time to time.
Also, if you remember in my earlier reply, I said that there is always an exception to the rule. I will stick with my earlier statement that most Female Entertainers are put on the shelf after 40. Also, how many actual female singers run their own business and make their own decisions and negotiate the way that they want to. Not many, but Ross has and is still in charge fully of her career decisions.
I am going to close the book on this subject regarding Ross.
She has always put out very good music. There is a lot of good music that does not get played on the airwaves or never see the time of day. If you define what's good music by commercial radio and what Billboard's dictates, than you are at a lost. The Music Industry gives airplay to whom they tell the radio stations to give airplay to, and for the last 30 years, it has yielded a lot of junk.
Also, you may be right about her burning some Bridges.
Nevertheless, I do respect your observation regarding the take on her career since the mid 80s.
Tyler Talks!
I'll never understand why people give the WO album so much flack. I personally love the album and it's one of my favorite albums. And this track is one of the many shining moments on the record.
Anubis Johnson
THEY CRITIQUE EVERYTHING DIANA DOES BECAUSE SHE'S ABSOLUTELY BEAUTIFUL😍 AND ONE OF THE GREATEST FEMALE PERFORMERS OF ALL TIME. SIMPLY JEALOUS AND HATE. I IGNORE THEM AND SHE DOES AS WELL LOL🤣 🌹
Vibeology
I love this album. I spin the vinyl on the regular. And yes this track is a highlight
gmoneyhollywood
Hey Tyler,
I agree 💯. Yes, it's one of my favorites as well. I always listen to all of the Workin OT bonus tracks from the CD as well. All the songs were pretty strong from this collection. Bottom Line, Bitter with the Sweet, Paradise, Just Say You Can, Stand Up and Stand Tall, Goin Thru the Motion, and this track. Heck, it was Poppin from top to bottom. I think they wanted to cast her in a boat of just love Ballard's. However, Ross has always been very versatile and cross and sing various of genres. Disco, Club/Dance, Pop, Soul, New Jack Swing, and Jazz. No one does it better! It's a reason why they call her the Boss. A career that has expanded strong for over 5.5 decades! You go Ross!
gmoneyhollywood
Tyler Talks! I completely agree with you man, you summed it up. I thought this was one of her top 4 best Body of Works. It comes in at #4 behind #3 Take Me Higher, #2 The Boss, and The Greatest of all her work, the#1 Diana LP with Upside Down and My Old Piano cuts on it. All 8 songs off that album were the Jams.Have Fun Again, Tenderness, Friend To Friend, I'm Coming Out, Now That You Are Gone, and Give Up were all rocket hits on the Diana LP.
derrick luke
A great masterpiece by Ms Ross.
synthpop
So happy this video is online once again, and in such great quality! One of my favorites from Miss Ross!
John Wulff
So true.
DianaRossTV
Thank you! Share it and suscribe! ;)
Chase Jackson
beautiful song and always one of my favs