The Supremes were a hugely successful Motown all-female singing group active from 1959 until 1977, performing at various times doo-wop, pop, soul, Broadway showtunes, psychedelia and disco. Second only to The Beatles in terms of records sales and chart success, The Supremes were the most successful American musical act of the 1960s, delivering twelve #1 hits between 1964 and 1969, many of them written and produced by Motown's main songwriting and production team, Holland-Dozier-Holland.
Founded in Detroit, Michigan in 1959, The Supremes began as a quartet called The Primettes. Founding members Florence Ballard, Mary Wilson, Diana Ross, and Betty McGlown, all from the Brewster-Douglas public housing project in Detroit, were the sister act to The Primes (later The Temptations). In 1960, Barbara Martin replaced McGlown, and the group signed with Motown in 1961 as The Supremes.
Martin left at the end of 1961, and Ross, Ballard, and Wilson carried on as a trio. After they achieved success in 1964 with Ross as the lead singer, Motown president Berry Gordy renamed the group Diana Ross and the Supremes in 1967. Ballard left the group that same year because of personal differences and was replaced by Cindy Birdsong.
Diana Ross left the group for a history-making solo career in 1970 and was replaced by Jean Terrell. After 1972, the lineup of The Supremes changed frequently, with Lynda Laurence, Scherrie Payne, and Susaye Greene all becoming members before the group ended its eighteen-year existence in 1977.
Baby Doll
Diana Ross and the Supremes Lyrics
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He's my baby doll
He's good to me
So true to me
He's all right for me
You know I'm gonna love him forever
And give my life to him completely
He's my baby doll
He's so sweet
So handsome all the girls they envy me
Talking about my baby doll
When they see me holding his arm
Walking down the street
You should see me hold my head up high
It's a feeling I can't explain
Just proud to be walking with my baby doll
He's sugar to my taste
He's got sweet kisses
And a warm embrace
He's my baby doll, ooh baby doll
Please say he'll always be mine
From this day please tell me you'll love me
'Till the end of time
You know I'm gonna love him forever
And give my life to him completely
I belong to my baby doll
He's my baby doll, yeah
He's so right for me, yeah
The girls, they envy me, yeah
Ooh, baby doll
The song "Baby Doll" by Diana Ross and the Supremes is a sweet and soulful tribute to a significant other. The lyrics describe the singer's unwavering love and devotion to her partner, whom she affectionately calls "baby doll." The song begins with the repetition of the phrase "baby doll" which is a term often used to describe a cute or attractive toy, but in this context, it's a term of endearment towards her lover.
She expresses how good he is to her and how true he is, indicating that he is an ideal partner for her. The singer emphasizes her commitment to her partner by stating that she'll love him forever and give her life to him completely. She feels proud to be walking with him and holding his arm while walking down the street.
The lyrics also describe the physical attributes of her partner, stating that he is handsome and that all the girls envy her for being with him. Yet, what makes him special to her is not his looks, but the sweetness and warmth of his affection. In the end, she pleads for him to say that he loves her and that he'll always be hers.
Overall, "Baby Doll" is an intense love song that celebrates a relationship based on true love and constant devotion.
Line by Line Meaning
Oh, baby doll, baby doll
Addressing the lover, expressing affection and endearment.
He's my baby doll
Affirming the lover's position and significance as the singer's darling.
He's good to me
The lover treats the singer well, showing kindness and caring.
So true to me
The lover is faithful and sincere towards the artist.
He's all right for me
The lover is perfect and suitable for the artist, satisfying her needs and wants.
You know I'm gonna love him forever
The singer affirms her commitment and devotion to the lover, promising eternal love.
And give my life to him completely
The singer is willing to sacrifice and dedicate everything to the lover, making him the center of her universe.
I belong to my baby doll
The artist asserts that she is exclusively and proudly the lover's possession and partner.
He's so sweet
The lover is affectionate, charming, and pleasant, making the artist feel loved and happy.
So handsome all the girls they envy me
The lover is physically attractive and desirable, making others jealous of the artist's luck and happiness.
Talking about my baby doll
The singer likes to brag and boast about her lover, sharing her happiness and love with others.
When they see me holding his arm
The artist proudly displays her affection and attachment to the lover, declaring their relationship to others.
Walking down the street
The singer enjoys showing off her lover and herself, presenting their love and happiness to the world.
You should see me hold my head up high
The singer feels confident and proud of herself, expressing her self-esteem and happiness.
It's a feeling I can't explain
The singer's emotion and joy are too intense and deep to be described, beyond words.
Just proud to be walking with my baby doll
The artist is honored and grateful to be together with the lover, feeling blessed and lucky.
He's sugar to my taste
The lover is delightful and satisfying to the artist, like sugar that makes her life sweeter.
He's got sweet kisses
The lover is passionate and tender, expressing his love and affection through kisses.
And a warm embrace
The lover is comforting and affectionate, hugging the singer tightly to show his love and care.
Please say he'll always be mine
The artist expresses her desire and hope that the lover will always belong to her, staying loyal and faithful.
From this day please tell me you'll love me
The artist makes a plea for the lover to express his love and commitment to her, reassuring her of his feelings.
'Till the end of time
The artist wants the lover's love to be eternal and never-ending, lasting forever.
He's so right for me, yeah
The lover is the perfect match and mate for the singer, fitting her needs and preferences.
Ooh, baby doll
The artist repeats her endearment and affection for the lover, emphasizing their intimacy and closeness.
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: TED EUGENE HULL, CLARENCE O. PAUL, STEVIE WONDER
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind