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.
Funny Girl
Diana Ross and the Supremes Lyrics
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Yeah, the guy said
"Honey, you're a funny girl"
That's me
I just keep them in stitches
Doubled in half
Though I may be all wrong for the guy
I guess it's not funny
'Cause life is far from sunny
When the laugh is over
And the joke's on you
A girl ought to have a sense of humor
That's one thing she really needs for sure
When you're a funny girl
The fellow said "A funny girl"
Funny, how it ain't so funny
Funny girl
Funny
Did you hear that?
The guy said I was funny
We'll wait 'till the laugh's over
And the joke's on you
That's me
I just keep them in stitches
Doubled in half
And though I may be all wrong for the guy
I'm good for a laugh
I may be all wrong for the guy
I'm good for a laugh
I guess it's not funny
'Cause life is far from sunny
When the laugh is over
And the joke's on you
A girl ought to have a sense of humor
That's one thing she really need for sure
When you're a funny girl
The fellow said "A funny girl"
Funny, how it ain't so funny
Funny girl
The lyrics of "Funny Girl" by Diana Ross and the Supremes reflect on the idea of being seen as a funny person, particularly from the perspective of a woman. The song begins with the singer being called a funny girl by a guy, which she acknowledges with pride. She claims to keep people entertained, always making them laugh and causing them to double over with laughter. Despite potentially not being the right match for the guy, she believes she is good for a laugh. However, as the song progresses, it becomes apparent that being funny is not always a source of happiness. Life is portrayed as far from sunny when the laughter dies down and the joke is on the funny girl. Being funny can bring temporary joy, but it doesn't necessarily lead to a fulfilling or meaningful life. The song ends with the affirmation that a girl needs to have a sense of humor, but the irony lies in the fact that being funny doesn't necessarily equate to a happy or fulfilling existence.
Line by Line Meaning
Funny, did you hear that? Funny!
Isn't it ironic and amusing? Can you believe what just happened?
Yeah, the guy said 'Honey, you're a funny girl'
Yes, the man called me humorous, like a joke or a source of entertainment.
That's me, I just keep them in stitches
That's who I am, I make people laugh uncontrollably.
Doubled in half
Causing extreme laughter to the point of bending over in fits of hilarity.
Though I may be all wrong for the guy, I'm good for a laugh
Even though I may not be compatible with the guy in other ways, I can still bring joy through humor.
I guess it's not funny, 'cause life is far from sunny
I suppose it's not truly amusing, as life is often difficult and lacks brightness.
When the laugh is over and the joke's on you
Once the laughter fades away, you realize that you're the one being made fun of or deceived.
A girl ought to have a sense of humor, that's one thing she really needs for sure
It's essential for a girl to possess the ability to appreciate and create humor, it's a vital quality.
Funny, how it ain't so funny, funny girl
Isn't it interesting how something that initially seemed amusing turns out to be the opposite? I, the funny girl, find it ironic.
Lyrics © Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: Bob Merrill, Jule Styne
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind