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.
Shadows Of Society
Diana Ross and the Supremes Lyrics
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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
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
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