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.
Let Me Go The Right Way
Diana Ross and the Supremes Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Don't you know that I done fell for you
I want to know, baby
Tell me what cha gonna do
You took my love
All my love
Don't lead me astray
My heart, baby
Is all weak for you
So please
Be careful and treat me true
'Cause you're my life
I want to be a wife
Don't lead me astray
Let me go the right way
Let me go the right way
Where you lead me
Where you lead me
I'll follow you
What you tell me
What you tell me
That's what I'll do
'Cause baby I'm your's
Don't you know that I done fell for you
I want to know, baby
What cha gonna do
You took my love
All my love
Don't lead me astray
Let me go the right way
Don't you lead me astray
The song "Let Me Go the Right Way" by Diana Ross and the Supremes is a plea to a lover to be treated with care and respect. The songwriter is expressing her deep feelings for the person who has captured her heart, but also conveying her fear of being led astray. She wants to be led in the right direction, to a future filled with love and happiness. The lyrics are emotional, heartfelt and vulnerable, reflecting the universal experience of falling in love and hoping for a happy ending.
The song is also about establishing boundaries in a relationship. The singer is making it clear that she will not tolerate being treated poorly or taken advantage of. She wants to be respected and loved in equal measure. The song is a call for mutual understanding and a shared commitment to building a healthy, fulfilling relationship.
Line by Line Meaning
I'm your's
I belong to you and am committed to our relationship
Don't you know that I done fell for you
I have fallen deeply in love with you and cherish our relationship
I want to know, baby
I desire to understand your intentions and plans for our future together
Tell me what cha gonna do
Please communicate your intentions and plans to me so I can be prepared and supportive
You took my love
You have captured my heart and affection
All my love
I have given you my entire heart and love
Don't lead me astray
Please do not mislead me or cause me to question your commitment to our relationship
Let me go the right way
Please guide me in the right direction towards a fulfilling and successful path for us
My heart, baby
My deepest emotions and feelings are devoted to you
Is all weak for you
I am vulnerable and open to you, trusting you with my heart and emotions
So please
I implore you to be considerate and attentive to my needs and feelings
Be careful and treat me true
Please be mindful and honest in your actions and words towards me, acting with care and respect
'Cause you're my life
You are the center and purpose of my life and existence
I want to be a wife
I desire to commit to a lifelong partnership with you through marriage
Let me go the right way
Please lead me down the right path towards a future of happiness and fulfillment together
Where you lead me
I will follow your lead and trust your guidance
What you tell me
I will listen to and obey your words and wishes
That's what I'll do
I am committed to following your lead and building a successful future together
Don't you lead me astray
Please stay true to our relationship and do not cause me any doubts or concerns
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: BERRY GORDY JR, BERRY JR GORDY
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Linda Dee
I actually had this 45 back in '62. I always felt it was a really good tune, especially for the times. Don't know why it never really went anywhere --- it still sounds pretty darn good to me.
Tracy Walker
Definitely better then the crap out there now
Amazing Offer 4U
Didn't make a hit because Florence was the one that recorded this version and of course, Diana had something to say about that. Of course, there's a lot more to the story.
Darius Daguerre
Just discovered this today—it really is a good song.
CydnotCharrise1
The definitive version I remember listening to in 1963 while walking to my freshman year in high school on a 9 Volt transistor radio.
Travis Jazzman
I was a sophomore in high school when that song came out. Those were some of the happiest times in my life
Fernando Loara
This song has alot of meaning in how you feel. A good hit of 1962.
Amazing Offer 4U
You go Supremes. Love it!
Larry Smith
surprising that THIS one did not get the rating that it deserved, on the charts , back in the day !!!!
Ayşe Beyza Ünal
When they're recording this song in studio they were so happy. I could swear about that.