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.
If We Hold On Together
Diana Ross and the Supremes Lyrics
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With each passing day
You've come so far
Don't throw it away
Live believing
Dreams are for weaving
Wonders are waiting to start
Live your story
Hold to the truth in your heart
If we hold on together
I know our dreams will never die
Dreams see us through to forever
Where clouds roll by
For you and I
Souls in the wind
Must learn how to mend
Seek out a star
Hold on to the end
Valley, mountain
There is a fountain
Washes our tears all away
Words are swaying
Someone is praying
Please let us come home to stay
If we hold on together
I know our dreams will never die
Dreams see us through to forever
Where clouds roll by
For you and I
When we are out there in the dark
We'll dream about the sun
In the dark, we'll feel the light
Warm our hearts, everyone
If we hold on together
I know our dreams will never die
Dreams see us through to forever
As high as souls can fly
The clouds roll by
For you and I
The lyrics to Diana Ross's "If We Hold On Together" are about perseverance and hope. In the face of difficult times, the singer encourages the listener to keep moving forward, to live believing that there are wonders waiting to start. The words "Don't lose your way / With each passing day / You've come so far / Don't throw it away" are a reminder that even when it feels like things are falling apart, progress has been made and it's important to keep pushing forward. The line "Live your story / Faith, hope and glory / Hold to the truth in your heart" reminds the listener that their life is their own, and that in order to succeed, they need to hold onto their own beliefs and convictions.
The chorus of the song is a message of hope. "If we hold on together / I know our dreams will never die / Dreams see us through to forever / Where clouds roll by / For you and I" reminds the listener that anything is possible if they hold on, and that their dreams will see them through even the roughest of times. The words "Souls in the wind / Must learn how to mend / Seek out a star / Hold on to the end" suggest that the journey may be difficult, but that finding a guiding light is key to success.
The song is ultimately about finding the hope and strength to continue forward, no matter what obstacles may arise. The imagery of mountains, valleys, and stars all suggest that there is something greater out there, waiting to be found, and that success is possible with determination and persistence.
Line by Line Meaning
Don't lose your way
Stay focused and don't lose sight of your goals
With each passing day
Every day is a step closer to achieving your goals
You've come so far
You've made progress and accomplished a lot
Don't throw it away
Don't waste all the effort and hard work you've put in
Live believing
Have faith and believe that you can achieve your dreams
Dreams are for weaving
Your imagination can help create your reality
Wonders are waiting to start
Exciting things are on the horizon
Live your story
Be true to yourself and the path you want to take
Faith, hope and glory
Believe in yourself, your future, and your legacy
Hold to the truth in your heart
Stay true to your values and beliefs
If we hold on together
Together, we can overcome any obstacle
I know our dreams will never die
As long as we stay committed, our dreams will never fade
Dreams see us through to forever
Our aspirations guide us through life
Where clouds roll by
Through the ups and downs of life
For you and I
Our dreams are personal and unique to us
Souls in the wind
People who are wandering and searching for answers
Must learn how to mend
They need to repair their hearts and minds during times of struggle
Seek out a star
Look for hope and inspiration in difficult times
Hold on to the end
Stay committed to your goals until the end
Valley, mountain
Life has its ups and downs
There is a fountain
A source of renewal and refreshment
Washes our tears all away
Heals our emotional wounds
Words are swaying
Words have the power to inspire and motivate
Someone is praying
People are asking for guidance and support
Please let us come home to stay
Hope for a sense of belonging and stability
When we are out there in the dark
During times of uncertainty and fear
We'll dream about the sun
We can find hope and positivity in our dreams
In the dark, we'll feel the light
We can find strength and comfort in difficult times
Warm our hearts, everyone
Spread positivity and hope to others
As high as souls can fly
We can achieve great things when we have the courage to try
The clouds roll by
The challenges we face are temporary
For you and I
Our dreams and hopes are personal and precious
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group, Royalty Network
Written by: Will Jennings, James Horner
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind