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.
Stranger In Paradise
Diana Ross and the Supremes Lyrics
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Exchanging glances
Wandering the night (wandering the night)
What were the chances
We'd be sharing love
Before the night was through
Something in your eyes (something in your eyes)
Something in your smile 9
Was so exciting
Something in my heart
Told me I must have you
Strangers in the night
Two lonely people
We were strangers in the night
Up to the moment
When we said our first hello
Little did we know
Love was just a glance away
A warm embracing dance away
Ever since that night (ever since that night)
We've been together
Lovers at first sight (lovers at first sight)
In love forever
It turned out so right
For strangers in the night
Strangers in the night
Two lonely people
We were strangers in the night
Up to the moment
When we said our first hello
Little did we know
Love was just a glance away
A warm embracing dance away
Ever since that night (ever since that night)
We've been together
Lovers at first sight (lovers at first sight)
In love forever
It turned out so right
For strangers in the night
"Strangers in the Night" by Diana Ross and the Supremes is a song about two strangers who meet one night and fall in love. The lyrics describe how they exchanged glances, wandered the night, and shared love before the night was through. The singer mentions that there was something in the other person's eyes and smile that was inviting and exciting. The singer's heart told her that she must have this person. After saying hello, they fell in love and have been together ever since.
The song's lyrics are simple, but they capture the essence of falling in love at first sight. The idea that two strangers can meet and have an instant connection is timeless and universal. The lyrics also suggest that fate or destiny played a role in bringing these two people together. Despite being strangers before that night, they were meant to be lovers forevermore.
Overall, "Strangers in the Night" is a sweet and romantic song that celebrates the power of love and the magic of chance encounters.
Line by Line Meaning
Strangers in the night
Two unknown individuals walking along the street at night, who have never met before
Exchanging glances
Eye contact made between two people who are sharing a moment
Wandering the night
Roaming and aimlessly walking around during the late hours
What were the chances
What were the odds of our paths crossing and falling in love tonight?
We'd be sharing love
Both of us would end up being romantically involved before the night was over
Before the night was through
Before the night came to an end
Something in your eyes
I could sense something genuine and alluring in your gaze
Was so inviting
It made me feel welcome to come closer to you
Something in your smile
Your smile was so delightful and charming
Was so exciting
It made me feel exhilarated to be near you
Something in my heart
I felt an overwhelming urge or desire deep within me
Told me I must have you
I knew in my heart that I needed to make you mine
Two lonely people
Two individuals who were feeling isolated or alone before meeting each other
Up to the moment
Leading up to the point in time when
When we said our first hello
The first words spoken to each other, the beginning of their story
Little did we know
Neither of us could have guessed or anticipated
Love was just a glance away
Romantic feelings and affection were just a brief, casual look between them
A warm embracing dance away
All it took was a romantic dance for them to express their feelings and desires for each other
Ever since that night
From that evening on
We've been together
We have been romantically involved
Lovers at first sight
We were immediately attracted and began to love each other from the first moment we met
In love forever
Our love for each other will last as long as we live
It turned out so right
The outcome was truly wonderful
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: Bert Kaempfert, Charles Singleton, Eddie Snyder
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind