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.
Stormy
Diana Ross and the Supremes Lyrics
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Whenever you smile
But I call you stormy today
All of a sudden that old rains fallin' down
And my world is cloudy and gray
You've gone away
Stormy, ooh stormy
Yesterday's love was like the warm summer breeze
But like the weather, you change
Now things are dreary baby
And it's windy and cold
And I stand alone in the rain
Calling your name
Ooh stormy, ooh stormy
Bring back that sunny day
Bring 'em back, bring 'em back
Ooh stormy, ooh stormy
Bring back that sunny day
Bring 'em back, bring 'em back
Bring back that sunny day
Stormy, stormy
The song "Stormy" by Diana Ross & The Supremes talks about a sudden change in a relationship. The singer compares her partner to sunshine, representing their love and happiness together. However, all of a sudden, the rainfall starts pouring down, and the world becomes cloudy and gray. This sudden change refers to the breakup, and the singer is left standing alone in the rain, calling for her loved one. The lyrics express a deep sense of yearning and the desire to get back to the happy times. The chorus "Bring back that sunny day" emphasizes the theme of nostalgia and the hope to rekindle the relationship.
The use of contrasting weather metaphors throughout the song creates a vivid picture of the emotional turmoil of a breakup. The lyrics are relatable to anyone who has experienced the sudden change in a relationship and understands the feeling of loss and confusion. Similarly, the song's melody is a blend of soul and pop, complementing the lyrics' somber tones.
Line by Line Meaning
You were the sunshine baby
You brought light and warmth into my life
Whenever you smile
Your smile always made everything better
But I call you stormy today
But today, you've brought a storm, a sense of chaos and turmoil
All of a sudden that old rains fallin' down
Everything was going well until now, when everything seems to be falling apart
And my world is cloudy and gray
My world has become dark and gloomy
You've gone away
You've left, and I'm feeling lost without you
Stormy, ooh stormy
This new sense of chaos is overwhelming
Bring back that sunny day
I long for the happiness and light that you once brought into my life
Yesterday's love was like the warm summer breeze
Our love used to feel easy and carefree like a gentle breeze in the summertime
But like the weather, you change
But like the weather, our love has changed suddenly and drastically
Now things are dreary baby
Now everything seems dull and lifeless without you
And it's windy and cold
The world feels harsh and unforgiving
And I stand alone in the rain
I'm left alone to face the turmoil without you
Calling your name
Hoping that you'll hear me and come back to me
Bring 'em back, bring 'em back
I'm begging for the happiness and light to return
Bring back that sunny day
I'm longing for the time when things were good and we were happy
Ooh stormy, ooh stormy
The chaos and emptiness I feel without you is overwhelming
Bring back that sunny day
I need you to return and bring that sunshine back into my life
Bring 'em back, bring 'em back
I'm pleading for the happiness and light we once shared
Bring back that sunny day
I'm longing for the time when we were happy and in love
Stormy, stormy
I'm consumed by this storm of sadness and loneliness without you
Lyrics © CONCORD MUSIC PUBLISHING LLC, Peermusic Publishing
Written by: Buddy Buie, James B. Cobb Jr.
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Sanders RA
Fantastic arrangement and one of Diana Ross' best vocal showings. She's singing in her real voice here. And the only background vocalists on this track are Mary Wilson and Cindy Birdsong. Monster tune.
Mike King
Great song, great singing!!
Shaun Barrett
First heard this at the original soul in the sun must have been 20yrs ago still absolutely love it to this day 😎
Caroline Coffey
Love it 😍
Steven Treadaway
Absolutely love this song
Mark Scholfield
Lovely song 🧡
Graham D
Diana Ross sounding very cool and laid back. Perfect!
Robert Ellam
Diana Ross at her very Best - Great Northern Soul Track
Primitive1960
What a fantastic job!!!!!
Nevets Gnil
Pure class ❤️