Shadows Of Society
Diana Ross and the Supremes Lyrics


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Rich man and poor, beggar and thief
Searching in the darkness
For a light to show the way
Each seeking his identity

Protect me from my brother please
They pray
Afraid and so alone
Tell me where have all the loving people gone

They're lying here with you and me
Buried in the shadows of society

Young mothers' faces filled with shame
It's not enough to give her baby life, they say
Each child must have a proper name
Or they'll never be allowed to see the light of day

Wrong, right or wrong
Tell me where has understanding gone

Where have all the loving people gone
Where has understanding gone
Here they are with you and me
Buried in the shadows of society

Once someone said
'Let there be light'
What good is light
If we've forgotten how to see

It's gone
The light is gone
Where is the light of love
To lead us on

As I rush through the shadows
Seeking me
May the torch of love
Light my way

Where have all the loving people gone
Where has understanding gone

Once someone said
'Let there be light'
What good is light
If we've forgotten how to see

It's gone
The light is gone
Where is the light of love
To lead us on

As I rush through the shadows
Seeking me




May the torch of love
Light my way

Overall Meaning

The song, "Shadows of Society" by Diana Ross and the Supremes, speaks of the societal problems, struggles, and fears that the rich and the poor share, such as the search for identity, longing for love and understanding, and protecting oneself from harm. The lyrics describe different people from different walks of life who look for light in the darkness to lead them to the right path. However, despite their efforts to find their way, they feel lost, alone, and overwhelmed by the chaos and confusion around them.


The song emphasizes how love, understanding, and togetherness can make a significant difference in people's lives, but unfortunately, these things seem to be vanishing from society, leaving everyone buried in the shadows as if they don't exist. The lyrics ask questions about the absence of love and of the light that guides people towards positivity and hope. The repeated line "Where have all the loving people gone?" seems to suggest that people need each other to survive and thrive, and that only through connectivity and mutual support can society prosper and grow.


Line by Line Meaning

Rich man and poor, beggar and thief
People from all walks of life


Searching in the darkness
Looking for answers


For a light to show the way
Seeking guidance


Each seeking his identity
Trying to find oneself


Protect me from my brother please
Asking for protection from someone who should love and care for them


They pray
Seeking help from a higher power


Afraid and so alone
Feeling scared and isolated


Tell me where have all the loving people gone
Wondering where the kind and compassionate people are


They're lying here with you and me
Acknowledging that they are a part of society


Buried in the shadows of society
Forgotten and overlooked by society


Young mothers' faces filled with shame
Shameful and difficult circumstances for young mothers


It's not enough to give her baby life, they say
Society expects more than just giving birth


Each child must have a proper name
Children need to have a legitimate identity


Or they'll never be allowed to see the light of day
They will be ignored and rejected by society


Wrong, right or wrong
Ideas of right and wrong


Tell me where has understanding gone
Wondering where empathy and understanding have gone


Here they are with you and me
Those empathetic and understanding people exist within society


Once someone said
Referencing a quote


'Let there be light'
Calling out for clarity and guidance


What good is light
What is the point of clarity and guidance


If we've forgotten how to see
If we are blinded by our own shortcomings


It's gone
The clarity and guidance is lost


The light is gone
The idea of hope or guidance is lost


Where is the light of love
Wondering where the idea of love and support has gone


To lead us on
To guide us towards a better tomorrow


As I rush through the shadows
Struggling through life's difficulties


Seeking me
Looking for one's own identity and purpose


May the torch of love
The idea of love and support


Light my way
Guide and support me towards a brighter future




Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: FIELDS WALTER, IVY JO HUNTER, JACK GOGA

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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