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.
Sing A Simple Song
Diana Ross and the Supremes Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
I'm talking, talking, talking, talking, talking, talking in my sleep
I'm walking, walking, walking, walking, walking in the street
Time is passing, I grow older, things are happening fast
All I have to hold on to is a simple song at last.
Let me hear you say ya, ya, ya, ya, ya, ya
Let me hear you say ya, ya, ya, ya, ya, ya
Sing a simple song, you gotta try a little
Do-re-mi-fa-so-la-ti-do, do-re-mi-fa-so-la-ti-do
Ya, ya, ya, ya, ya, oh yeah, oh yeah.
I'm living, living, living life with all its ups and downs (you too?)
I'm giving, giving, giving love and smiling at the frowns (me too!)
You're in trouble when you find it's hard for you to smile
A simple song will make it better for a little while.
Let me hear you say ya, ya, ya, ya, ya
Let me hear you girls: yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah
I'm talking, talking, talking, talking
I'm walking, walking, walking, walking
I'm living, living, living, living
I'm giving love and so much love
Everybody sing together
Ya, ya, ya ya, ya, oooo
Let me hear you say ya, ya, ya ya, ya
Time for you ladies to do your thing.
The lyrics to "Sing a Single Song" by Diana Ross and the Supremes express the struggles and joys of life, and the power of a simple song to lift one's spirits. The singer reflects on the passage of time and growing older, and finds solace in the simplicity of a song. The repetition of the phrases "talking" and "walking" in the first verse speaks to the restlessness that comes with time passing, yet the singer finds comfort in the act of singing. The chorus, with its catchy "ya, ya, ya" refrain, invites everyone to join in singing together to find a little bit of happiness.
The second verse continues with the theme of life's ups and downs, asserting the power of love to combat the difficulties. The line "You're in trouble when you find it's hard for you to smile" is particularly poignant, as it acknowledges the challenges of maintaining a positive outlook in the face of adversity. Once again, the singer's solution is to sing a simple song, to find a moment of joy in the midst of hardship.
Overall, the lyrics to "Sing a Single Song" encourage the listener to find power in music and community, to come together in song in order to weather life's storms. It's a simple but powerful message that has resonated with audiences over the decades since the song's release.
Line by Line Meaning
Yeah, yeah, yeah, oh yeah
Expressing excitement and enthusiasm
I'm talking, talking, talking, talking, talking, talking in my sleep
I can't keep my thoughts from pouring out, even in sleep
I'm walking, walking, walking, walking, walking in the street
I am wandering aimlessly trying to figure things out
Time is passing, I grow older, things are happening fast
Life is moving quickly and I am trying to keep up
All I have to hold on to is a simple song at last.
Amidst the chaos, music is my solace
Let me hear you say ya, ya, ya, ya, ya, ya
Asking for confirmation and agreement
Sing a simple song, you gotta try a little
Encouraging to find joy in the little things
Do-re-mi-fa-so-la-ti-do
Referencing a musical scale
Ya, ya, ya, ya, ya, oh yeah, oh yeah.
Expressing excitement and enthusiasm
I'm living, living, living life with all its ups and downs (you too?)
Navigating through the highs and lows of existence and asking if others can relate
I'm giving, giving, giving love and smiling at the frowns (me too!)
Spreading positivity and love to those around me, despite their troubles
You're in trouble when you find it's hard for you to smile
Implying that sadness can be an obstacle in life
A simple song will make it better for a little while.
Advising that sometimes music can ease sadness, even if briefly
Let me hear you girls: yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah
Asking for agreement from a specific group
Everybody sing together
Asking for a collective effort in singing
Time for you ladies to do your thing.
Encouraging a specific group of people to take action and do their part
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: SYLVESTER STEWART
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind