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.
Santa Claus Is Coming to Town
Diana Ross and the Supremes Lyrics
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Stopped off at the North Pole to spend a holiday
I called on dear old Santa Claus
To see what I could see
He took me to his workshop
And told his plans to me, so
[Chorus]
Better not pout, I'm telling you why
Santa Claus is comin' to town
He's making a list and checking it twice
Gonna find out who's naughty and nice
Santa Claus is comin' to town
He sees you when you're sleepin'
He knows when you're a wake
He knows if you've been bad or good
So be good for goodness sake
Oh! You better watch out, you better not cry
Better not pout, I'm telling you why
Santa Claus is comin' to town
With little tin horns and little toy drums
Rooty toot toots and rummy tum tums
Santa Claus is comin' to town
And curly head dolls that toddle and coo
Elephants, boats, and kiddie cars too
Santa Claus is comin' to town
Then kids in Girl and Boy land will have a jubilee
They're gonna build a Toyland all around the Christmas tree
So! You better watch out, you better not cry
Better not pout, I'm telling you why
Santa Claus is comin' to town
Now Santa is a busy man, He has no time to play
He's got millions of stockings to fill on Christmas day
You'd better write your letter now
And mail it right away
Because he's getting ready
His reindeer's and his sleigh. So
[Chorus]
With little tin horns and little toy drums
Rooty toot toots and rummy tum tums
Santa Claus is comin' to town
And curly head dolls that toddle and coo
Elephants, boats, and kiddie cars too
Santa Claus is comin' to town
Then kids in Girl and Boy land will have a jubilee
They're gonna build a Toyland all around the Christmas tree
So! You better watch out, you better not cry
Better not pout, I'm telling you why
Santa Claus is comin' to town
The song "Santa Claus Is Coming to Town" by Diana Ross and the Supremes is a classic Christmas song that captures the anticipation of Santa Claus's arrival. The lyrics describe the singer's journey to meet Santa at his workshop in the North Pole, where Santa tells her about his plans for Christmas. The chorus warns listeners to be on their best behavior because Santa is coming to town and keeping an eye on who's been naughty and nice. The verses list the toys that Santa will bring, including little tin horns, dolls, elephants, boats, and kiddie cars.
The lyrics effectively convey the excitement and wonder of Christmas while emphasizing the importance of good behavior. The line "He sees you when you're sleeping, he knows when you're awake" serves as a reminder that Santa Claus is always watching and encourages children to always do their best. The melody is catchy with playful instrumentation, and the chorus is easy to sing along to. It's no wonder that "Santa Claus Is Coming to Town" has become a beloved holiday classic that has been covered by countless artists.
Line by Line Meaning
I just came back from a lovely trip along the Milky Way
I've just returned from a wonderful journey through the galaxy
Stopped off at the North Pole to spend a holiday
I took a break at the North Pole to enjoy a vacation
I called on dear old Santa Claus
I visited the beloved Santa Claus
To see what I could see
To observe and experience what I could
He took me to his workshop
He brought me to his workplace
And told his plans to me, so
And shared his intentions and ideas with me
You better watch out, you better not cry
Be careful and don't cry
Better not pout, I'm telling you why
Don't be sulky because I'm going to tell you why
Santa Claus is comin' to town
Santa Claus is arriving in the city
He's making a list and checking it twice
He's creating a checklist and reviewing it twice
Gonna find out who's naughty and nice
He'll determine who's mischievous and well-behaved
He sees you when you're sleepin'
He observes you while you're sleeping
He knows when you're awake
He's aware of when you're conscious
He knows if you've been bad or good
He's knowledgeable of whether you've acted improperly or admirably
So be good for goodness sake
So act well for the sake of goodness
Oh! You better watch out, you better not cry
Oh! Be careful and don't cry
With little tin horns and little toy drums
With small trumpets and miniature percussion instruments
Rooty toot toots and rummy tum tums
Making sounds such as 'rooty toot toots' and 'rummy tum tums'
And curly head dolls that toddle and coo
And dolls with curly hair that stroll around and make cooing sounds
Elephants, boats, and kiddie cars too
As well as elephants, boats, and small cars
Then kids in Girl and Boy land will have a jubilee
Then children in the land of boys and girls will revel and celebrate
They're gonna build a Toyland all around the Christmas tree
They're going to construct a Toyland surrounding the Christmas tree
Now Santa is a busy man, He has no time to play
Now, Santa is a hardworking individual who doesn't have time for leisure
He's got millions of stockings to fill on Christmas day
He must fill millions of stockings on Christmas day
You'd better write your letter now
It would be wise to compose your message now
And mail it right away
And send it immediately
Because he's getting ready
Because he's preparing
His reindeer's and his sleigh. So
For his reindeer and his sleigh. Therefore
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Songtrust Ave
Written by: John Coots, Haven Gillespie
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind