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.
Penny Pincher
Diana Ross and the Supremes Lyrics
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Penny pincher but they tease him
Penny pincher 'cause he doesn't spend his money
A penny pincher that's what they say
So from him, other girls shy away
But I love him for what he is
All his love, he truly gives
He may not drive a car
But I love those walks through the park
A penny pincher, he may be
But oh, he means
He means the world to me
I don't care if he won't spend a dime
Just as long as I know he's mine
Let them tease him, call him cheap
But in my book he can't be beat
I love him for what is within
A tender loving trusting friend
I don't care if he won't spend a dime
Just as long as I know he's mine
A penny pincher, he may be
But his love means the world to me
A penny pincher, he may be
but he's rich in the things that matter to her. The lyrics of Penny Pincher are a celebration of a sweet and caring boyfriend who may not have much money to spend, but loves her in ways that are so much more important than material possessions. The song speaks to the idea that true love and happiness do not come from having a lot of money, but from being loved and cared for by someone who truly means the world to you.
The chorus of the song repeats the phrase "A penny pincher, he may be, but his love means the world to me", emphasizing the central message of the song. Even though others may judge her boyfriend for being frugal, she knows that his love is priceless and that's all that matters. She doesn't need expensive gifts or lavish dates - all she needs is his love and affection.
Line by Line Meaning
I've got a boy sweet as honey
I am in a relationship with a guy who is sweet and nice to me.
Penny pincher but they tease him
He is called a penny pincher by others, and they make fun of him for not spending money.
Penny pincher 'cause he doesn't spend his money
He is called a penny pincher because he chooses not to spend his money.
A penny pincher that's what they say
He is commonly known as a penny pincher among people.
So from him, other girls shy away
Other girls do not show interest in him because he is not willing to spend money.
But I love him for what he is
I love him for who he is, regardless of his financial decisions.
All his love, he truly gives
He is very loving and caring towards me despite not spending much money.
He may not drive a car
He does not own a car to drive around.
But I love those walks through the park
But I enjoy walking with him in the park instead of driving a car.
A penny pincher, he may be
He may be considered a penny pincher.
But oh, he means
But he means so much to me.
He means the world to me
He is very important and valuable to me.
I don't care if he won't spend a dime
I am not bothered by the fact that he does not spend money.
Just as long as I know he's mine
As long as I am with him, I am happy and content.
Let them tease him, call him cheap
Others can make fun of him and call him cheap, but it doesn't affect my feelings for him.
But in my book he can't be beat
In my opinion, he is the best and cannot be replaced.
I love him for what is within
I love him for his personality rather than his financial status.
A tender loving trusting friend
He is a gentle, caring, and trustworthy friend to me.
A penny pincher, he may be
He is still thought of as a penny pincher by people.
But his love means the world to me
Nevertheless, his love is priceless and means everything to me.
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: JR., BRIAN HOLLAND, EDWARD HOLLAND, EDWARD, JR. HOLLAND, LAMONT DOZIER, LAMONT HERBERT DOZIER
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind