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.
Little Bright Star
Diana Ross and the Supremes Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
When he was born long ago on Christmas night
Above his head a little star was shining bright
The wise men followed that light above
Little bright star lead us today to his love
Little church bells keep ringing
Little church bells keep ringing
Little church bells ringing out at Christmas time
Reminding us that the star of love still shines
Not just at Christmas but every day
Little bright star, you're there to show us the way
Little bright star keep shining
Little bright star keep shining
Oh, little star shining over every land
Just keep on glowing so the world can understand
The joy of Christmas comes from within
Little bright star, please keep on shining for all means
Keep on shining, keep on shining
Little bright star, keep shining
Keep on shining, keep on shining
The song "Little Bright Star" by Diana Ross and the Supremes is an uplifting Christmas song that talks about the star that shone brightly above the manger when Jesus Christ was born. The lyrics call on the star to continue shining, leading people to the love of Jesus Christ. The little church bells ringing also remind us that the star of love still shines, not just at Christmas but every day, and encourage us to let the joy of Christmas come from within.
The song is a hopeful and inspirational call to action, reminding us to never forget about the love of Jesus Christ and to let it guide us throughout our lives. The star symbolizes the light and hope that Christ brought to the world and serves as a reminder to always strive to be better and to spread love and kindness to others.
Overall, "Little Bright Star" is a beautiful and uplifting holiday song that encourages us to keep the spirit of Christmas alive and let the love of Christ shine within us.
Line by Line Meaning
Little bright star, keep shining
Continue to shine brightly and guide us towards the meaning of Christmas.
When he was born long ago on Christmas night
Referring to Jesus's birth on Christmas night.
Above his head a little star was shining bright
A star appeared in the sky above Jesus's birthplace on Christmas night, signifying his significant birth.
The wise men followed that light above
The three wise men followed the star to find Jesus's birthplace and pay their respects.
Little bright star lead us today to his love
Help us find our way to experiencing the love and meaning of Christmas through the guidance of the star.
Little church bells keep ringing
The bells of the church are ringing on Christmas time, calling us to celebrate the birth of Christ.
Little church bells ringing out at Christmas time
The bells are a symbol of the celebration of Christ's birth, ringing to remind everyone of the joy of this season.
Reminding us that the star of love still shines
The bells remind us that the love that was present on Jesus's birth still exists today, during this season of joy and peace.
Not just at Christmas but every day
The love represented by the star is not limited only to Christmas. It exists throughout the year and should be cherished every day.
Little bright star, you're there to show us the way
The star symbolizes the light that guides us towards the true meaning of Christmas, which is love and peace.
Oh, little star shining over every land
The star shines above every land and reaches all people, no matter their race or background, inviting everyone to celebrate the joy of christmas together.
Just keep on glowing so the world can understand
May the star keep shining and illuminating the path towards the love and peace represented by Christmas so everyone can understand what it truly means.
The joy of Christmas comes from within
The essence of Christmas is not about consumerism, but rather the joy and love that we find within our hearts, through doing good for others
Little bright star, please keep on shining for all means
May the star continue to shine and inspire people with the spirit of Christmas, a spirit of love and compassion for all.
Keep on shining, keep on shining
A repetition of the central message of the song: may the star continue to shine and guide us towards the true meaning of Christmas.
Little bright star, keep shining
The refrain of the song, repeating the ask for the star to keep shining and leading us towards the love and joy of the Christmas season.
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: ALLAN CAPPS, ALLEN CAPPS, MARY DEAN-LAURIA
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
ChrisDutch
Great song from one of the really great albums of the sixties. I requested this song on WFUV in New York some years back and they dug it up and played it.
clouseau186
I love this song and play it every year around the Christmas Season. NOthing beats the Supremes MOtown Christmas album. I grew up with it from the early 70's and is awesome.
Jay Johnson
I've always loved hearing this song around the holidays
westphillysoul
I believe they would love it! Keep on playing that album! Happy Holidays =)
Matt Bryant
I have been listening to the "Merry Christmas, The Supremes" Christmas album since I was a kid, and I'm 48 now. So many memories of listening to this while decorating the tree as a kid. Now it's my tradition to make this the first Christmas album I listen to EVERY year !!! And I'm a WHITE dude !!! Wonder what Diana and the Supremes would think about that !!!!
clouseau186
I am a white dud and am 42 and I too have a tradition since the early 70's of listening to the Diana Ross and Supremes Motown Album. You can't beat it. It is always Christmas to me. You have great taste. Happy Holidays to you.
kurtsupreme
This song is from the 1965 album "Merry Christmas" by the legendary trio.
JUST FOR YOU
Lovely memories. Thank you and Merry Christmas!
shmuli9
It was the Supremes that made "My Favourite Things" a Christmas song... If you remember, in "the Sound of Music", that song was done during a SUMMER thurnderstorm...
westphillysoul
Yes, originally and it is also in the album stated above.