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.
Beginning Of The End
Diana Ross and the Supremes Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
That once came easy
Now seems strained and insincere
Could this be the beginning
The beginning of the end
You don't tell me that you love me
And your kisses seem untrue
The beginning of the end
My heart oh, my love
My everything has always
Been just for you
Now I pray every day
Each and every day
This coldness I find is only in my mind
Now you swear
You still love me
I longer feel you need me near
Could this be the beginning
I believe it's the beginning of the end
The beginning
The beginning of the end
The lyrics to Diana Ross and the Supremes' song, The Beginning of the End, speaks to the changes in a relationship that signal the start of its end. The singer expresses how the tender words and easy love that had been a hallmark of the relationship now seem strained and insincere. She goes on to question the authenticity of her partner's kisses and the depth of his love for her, wondering if this could be the start of the end of their relationship.
The singer's fears are confirmed when her partner's declarations of love do not match the actions he takes towards her. She no longer feels wanted or needed and realizes that this is the beginning of the end for their relationship. The lyrics convey a sense of sadness and regret at the loss of what had once been a beautiful love.
Line by Line Meaning
Tender words of love
That once came easy
Now seems strained and insincere
Could this be the beginning
The beginning of the end
The affectionate words of love that we used to exchange so easily now feel forced and fake. Is this the start of an impending end to our relationship?
You don't tell me that you love me
And your kisses seem untrue
Could this be the beginning
The beginning of the end
You no longer express your love for me verbally or physically, and the gestures that were once full of sincerity now seem lacking. Is this where it all begins to fall apart?
My heart oh, my love
My everything has always
Been just for you
Now I pray every day
Each and every day
This coldness I find is only in my mind
My heart and everything I have is dedicated solely to you, but now I find myself hoping and praying that the distance between us is all in my head and not a sign of what's to come.
Now you swear
You still love me
I longer feel you need me near
Could this be the beginning
I believe it's the beginning of the end
The beginning
The beginning of the end
Although you claim to still have love for me, I can no longer sense the same closeness and dependency we used to share. I am convinced that this is the start of the end, a beginning to our inevitable separation.
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: DAVE HIGGS
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Edgar Soberón Torchia
I have always loved this song since it was released. Great bass line, too.
Hammy Cats69
I agree it is my favourite DRATS songs and actually has only Mary, Cindy and guest Syreeta Wright on backing no dull Andantes. 🤩🤩
Cord Ryden / Tommy Song Club
I was singing the chorus to this song, in my head tonight, and I just had to find it! Great job with this!! Excellent sound, and great images! The Supremes rule!! Thanks for posting! Have a great week! Peace, Cord
Gérald Montreuil
So did I. I just had to listen to it this morning. Thinking of Putin and all the mess he is creating worldwide.
Let's pray God to help solve this nightmare with Ukraine.
Syd Hawdon
This song came into my head today, had to come along and have a listen, twice. Great song ❤️
JohnnyM Fan
Underappreciated. One of their all time best. Thats Mary and Cindy on this too
Hammy Cats69
Mary, Cindy and Syreeta, just awesome. 🤩🤩
theSUPREMEscene
i'm so glad you enjoyed it!
Hammy Cats69
My favourite DRATS song by far and it is just Diana, Mary, Cindy and Syreeta Wright, and no Andantes, yay! 👍
Cindy and Mary are so audible on this, so beautiful. 🥺
By way Syreeta steps in at 1.40 - 1.43
MotownMaster
The Supremes & Syreeta, love this song