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.
The Christmas Song
Diana Ross and the Supremes Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Ringing out the first Noel
Joyous chimes ring loud and clear
Spreading word the Saviour's here
Humble men kneel down to pray
On this very special day
Wise men bearing gifts of love
No come on kids, I want you to gather around me, and fold your legs on the floor
And we're gonna tell the story about the first Christmas
Alright, Chico, open your book
Joy, Berry, Terry, everybody open your book and we're gonna sing the song
And when I say ding and dong, I want you to say the same with me
Alright, ready?
Aaha now, open your books
Good, let's go, yeah, now
Ding dong, ding dong, hear the bell
Ringing out the first Noel
Joyous chimes ring loud and clear
Spreading word the Saviour's here
Humble men kneel down to pray
On this very special day
Wise men bearing gifts of love
Following a star above
Very good, now darlings
And now we're gonna sing ding dong to all the children around the world,
And wish them a very merry Christmas, alright, ready?
Ding dong, ding dong, hear the bell
Ringing out the first Noel
Joyous chimes ring loud and clear
Spreading word the Saviour's here
Humble men kneel down to pray
On this very special day
Wise men bearing gifts of love
Following a star above
Ding dong, ding dong
Ding dong, ding dong
Merry, merry Christmas everybody
Merry Christmas everybody
Merry Christmas everybody
Ding dong, ding dong
Ding dong, ding dong
The song "The Christmas Song" by Diana Ross and the Supremes is a beautiful and festive song that speaks about the essence of Christmas. The lyrics revolve around the joyous chimes of bells ringing out the first Noel, spreading the word that the Savior is here. The humble men kneel down to pray on this very special day, and wise men bearing gifts of love follow a star above. In the end, the song culminates with a joyful chorus of ding dongs ringing out to wish everyone around the world a very Merry Christmas.
The lyrics of the song capture the essence of the Nativity story, highlighting the significance of the birth of Jesus Christ. The humble and wise men signify the universal appeal of Christmas, where people from all walks of life come together to celebrate the occasion. The powerful message of love, joy, and unity is what makes this song a timeless classic, loved by people of all ages, cultures, and religions.
Line by Line Meaning
Ding dong, ding dong, hear the bell
Let us listen to the sound of the ringing bell.
Ringing out the first Noel
The bell is ringing to tell us about the first Christmas.
Joyous chimes ring loud and clear
The chimes we hear are cheerful and bright.
Spreading word the Saviour's here
These sounds are spreading the news that the Saviour is here.
Humble men kneel down to pray
There are men who are trying to be humble and are praying at this time.
On this very special day
This is a remarkable day for everyone.
Wise men bearing gifts of love
We have wise men coming with gifts of love.
Following a star above
They are following a star shining above.
Ding dong, ding dong, hear the bell
Again, let us listen to the sound of the ringing bell.
Ringing out the first Noel
Once again, the bell is ringing to tell us about the first Christmas.
Joyous chimes ring loud and clear
The chimes are still ringing with joy and brightness.
Spreading word the Saviour's here
Again, these sounds are spreading the news that the Saviour is here.
Ding dong, ding dong
Let us continue to listen to the bell ringing.
Merry, merry Christmas everybody
Let's all wish each other a very happy Christmas.
Ding dong, ding dong
Once more, let us listen to the sound of the ringing bell.
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: HARVEY FUQUA, ISABELLE FREEMAN
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Angelo Watters
I love this song I was a little Boy when it came out it brings back so many memories
Micaï. Claude.
Diana Ross ++++++
Eli Malot
This was released 1965