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.
Honey Bee
Diana Ross and the Supremes Lyrics
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Honey bee, keep on stingin' me
When I first saw you standin' there
Temptation filled your smile
I had to hold on to my heart
But you were so persistent
You wore down my resistance, now
Honey bee, you're such a part of me
Honey bee, you stung the heart of me
Honey bee, keep on stingin' me, mm
You started a fever burnin' deep inside of me
Since you stung me with your sweet love
My whole life is rearranged
My heart looks like love has changed
Honey bee, you're such a part of me
Honey bee, you stung the heart of me
Honey bee, keep on stingin' me
Into my life like a breath of spring
Came your love like the sunshine
To stop the rain
Dried all my tears
Darlin' I've been blessed
With your honey sweet love
And I must confess
Our love's dear, ooh, baby
Honey bee, keep on stingin' me
Honey bee, keep on stingin' me
This taste of honey you're givin' me
Has sweetened all my bitterness
And finally pushed my fears aside
In return I'll send in your direction
All my sweet lovin' affection
Honey bee, you're such a part of me
Honey bee, you stung the heart of me
Honey bee, keep on stingin' me
Honey bee, you're such a part of me
Honey bee, keep on stingin' me
Honey bee, you stung the heart of me
The song "Honey Bee" by Diana Ross and The Supremes is about a love that stings but is irresistible. The lyrics suggest that the singer was initially hesitant to fall in love, but the object of her affection persisted until she gave in. The repeated refrain of "Honey bee, keep on stingin' me" conveys a sense of being addicted to the love even though it hurts. The lyrics compare the love to a fever, rearranging the singer's life, and sweetening bitterness. The song ends with a pledge of devotion and a promise to return the love that has been given.
The song was released in 1966 as a single and later appeared on the album "I Hear a Symphony." It was written by Holland-Dozier-Holland, the songwriting and production team responsible for many of The Supremes' hits. "Honey Bee" reached number 20 on the US Billboard Hot 100 chart, but it was not as successful as some of their other singles.
Line by Line Meaning
Honey bee, keep on stingin' me
I want you to continue to love me passionately, even if it causes me pain
Honey bee, keep on stingin' me
I enjoy the intensity of our love, even if it hurts me sometimes
When I first saw you standin' there
I was drawn to you from the moment we met
Temptation filled your smile
Your attractive smile made it hard to resist you
I had to hold on to my heart
I was cautious not to get too involved with you too quickly
But you were so persistent
You pursued me relentlessly, despite my reservations
You wore down my resistance, now
Your persistence paid off, and I fell in love with you
You started a fever burnin' deep inside of me
Your love ignited a passion within me that I can't control
Since you stung me with your sweet love
Your love had a powerful effect on me
My whole life is rearranged
My life has been transformed by our love
My heart looks like love has changed
My heart has been opened up by our love
Into my life like a breath of spring
Your love came into my life and brought new life to me
Came your love like the sunshine
Your love has brightened up my life
To stop the rain
Your love has ended my sadness and pain
Dried all my tears
Your love has healed my broken heart
Darlin' I've been blessed
I feel lucky to have you in my life
With your honey sweet love
Your love is so sweet and fulfilling
And I must confess
I want to tell you how much I love you
Our love's dear, ooh, baby
Our love is precious and valuable to me
This taste of honey you're givin' me
Your love is sweet and satisfying
Has sweetened all my bitterness
Your love has taken away my sadness and pain
And finally pushed my fears aside
Your love has helped me overcome my fears
In return I'll send in your direction
I want to give you back some of the love you've given me
All my sweet lovin' affection
I want to give you all of my love and affection
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: DEBBIE DEAN, DEKE RICHARDS, DENNIS LUSSIER, JANIE BRADFORD
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind