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.
For Better Or Worse
Diana Ross and the Supremes Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
For better or worse
I'll say yes in that little church
Will you marry me boy?
For better or worse.
We can't find a home
Just a room without any view
But least I'll have you.
[Chorus]
I see the priest standing before you and me
In my mind's eye I can see how it will be.
When he says to you:
For better or worse
Do you take this girl for your wife?
I'll say yes, yes I do for all of my life.
For better or worse
I'll make you love every new day
Bringing breakfast to your bed
I'll spoil you that way.
I can't hardly wait for a boy
Baby, can you?
I know he'll be cute
Cause he'll be like you.
[Chorus: x2]
The lyrics in Diana Ross & The Supremes's song For Better Or Worse depict the commitment and devotion two people have towards each other, despite going through tough times. The song revolves around a couple who cannot find a place to live together, but they are still determined to tie the knot in a small church. The lines, "For better or worse, I'll say yes in that little church. Will you marry me boy? For better or worse," illustrate their willingness to vow their lives to one another, regardless of any hardships they may face.
The second verse, "We can't find a home. Just a room without any view. We'll walk our favorite march. But least I'll have you," showcases the obstacles they encounter in finding a place to stay, indicating they are struggling financially. However, they prefer to focus on the comfort they provide each other and not the material things they lack. The song's chorus reflects the confident thought that the singer has, projecting the future that they will share together.
Overall, For Better Or Worse by Diana Ross & The Supremes portrays the enduring love and unwavering support that a couple can offer each other, regardless of their situations.
Line by Line Meaning
For better or worse
No matter what happens, good or bad
I'll say yes in that little church
I will agree to marry you in a simple ceremony
Will you marry me boy?
Do you want to spend the rest of your life with me?
We can't find a home
We are having trouble finding a place to live
Just a room without any view
The place we can afford is not very nice
We'll walk our favorite march
We will continue on together despite our struggles
But least I'll have you
At least we have each other to lean on
I see the priest standing before you and me
I imagine our wedding ceremony in my mind
In my mind's eye I can see how it will be
I can vividly picture our wedding day
When he says to you:
During the wedding ceremony, when the priest asks you:
Do you take this girl for your wife?
Will you commit to being this woman's partner for life?
I'll say yes, yes I do for all of my life
I will gladly and whole-heartedly commit to being with you forever
I'll make you love every new day
I will do everything I can to ensure you enjoy each and every day
Bringing breakfast to your bed
I will make you breakfast in bed as a little treat
I'll spoil you that way
I will pamper and treat you well
I can't hardly wait for a boy
I'm excited to have a son
Baby, can you?
Do you feel the same way?
I know he'll be cute
I'm sure our son will be adorable
Cause he'll be like you
Because he will be like his father
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: HINTON JOE, JOE HINTON, PAMELA JOAN SAWYER
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@rioboy13
This song literally brings tears to my eyes, it's so beautiful! The lyrics and of course the vocals...SUPERB!!!!
@RockPicard
Perfection !!!
@rioboy13
1:37 sends CHILLS down my body!
@MrPistolMason
And yet ANOTHER FAVE!!!!! One of the best tracks / vocal by Diana on the TOGETHER recordings. She sounds excellent . . . not at all hoarse like most of the other tracks. And I love the strings!! And Eddie . . .well, he's EDDIE!!
@jeed2924
+Mason Martinez, it's Otis Williams not Eddi