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.
His Eye Is On The Sparrow
Diana Ross and the Supremes Lyrics
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Why should the shadows come
Why should my heart feel lonely
And long for heaven and home?
When jesus is my portion
My constant friend is he
His eye is on the sparrow
His eye is on the sparrow
I know he watches me
I sing because I'm happy
I sing because I'm free
His eye is on the sparrow
I know he watches me
His eye, his eye is on the sparrow
I know he watches
I know he watches
I know he watches me
I sing because i'm happy
I sing because i'm free
His eye is on the sparrow
I know, i know, i know he watches over
He watches over me
Diana Ross's song His Eye is On The Sparrow is a powerful and uplifting anthem about the strength of faith and the comfort it can bring during difficult times. In the first stanza, the singer questions why they should feel discouraged or lonely when they have Jesus as their constant friend and their portion. The second stanza then reveals the source of the singer's hope - they know that no matter what happens, God is watching over them like he watches over the sparrows. The final stanza repeats the assurance that the singer's faith in God brings them happiness and freedom, as they joyfully proclaim that God is always watching over them.
The metaphor of the sparrow is very important in this song. In the Bible, sparrows are often used as a symbol of God's love and concern for even the smallest and most insignificant creatures in the world. Jesus himself references sparrows when he tells his followers not to worry about their needs, saying "Are not two sparrows sold for a penny? Yet not one of them will fall to the ground apart from the will of your Father" (Matthew 10:29). By invoking the image of the sparrow, this song emphasizes the idea that no matter how small or overlooked we may feel, God still cares for us deeply and is always watching over us.
Overall, His Eye is On The Sparrow is a beautiful ode to the power of faith and the comfort it can bring during difficult times. By reminding the listener that God's eye is always on them, even in their darkest moments, the song provides hope and encouragement to keep moving forward.
Line by Line Meaning
Why should i feel discouraged
Why should I allow myself to be disheartened
Why should the shadows come
Why should I let darkness overshadow my life
Why should my heart feel lonely
Why should I allow myself to be isolated
And long for heaven and home?
And yearn for a place of comfort and security?
When jesus is my portion
When Jesus is my source of fulfillment
My constant friend is he
He is my unwavering companion
His eye is on the sparrow
His attention is even on the smallest bird
I know he watches me
I am aware that He is constantly observing me
I sing because I'm happy
I express my joy through singing
I sing because I'm free
I celebrate my freedom through singing
His eye is on the sparrow
Even the little bird is not forgotten by Him
I know he watches me
I am convinced that He is looking out for me
His eye, his eye is on the sparrow
The sparrow has His full attention
I know he watches
I am certain that He observes
I know he watches
I am assured that He is watching
I know he watches me
I have the confidence that He is always keeping an eye on me
I sing because i'm happy
I am filled with joy, hence I sing
I sing because i'm free
Being free, I express myself through singing
His eye is on the sparrow
His attention is on the little bird
I know, i know, i know he watches over
I am certain, very certain, that He is watching over me
He watches over me
He keeps me under His watchful eye
Lyrics © Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: C.D. MARTIN, CHARLES GABRIEL, GENE BARTLETT
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind