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.
What Becomes Of The Broken Hearted )
Diana Ross and the Supremes Lyrics
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I have visions of many things.
Love's happiness is just an illusion filled with sadness and confusion.
What becomes of the brokenhearted who had love that's now departed?
I know I've got to find some kind of peace of mind.
Maybe, the fruits of love grow all around
but for me they come a tumblin' down.
I can't stand this pain much longer.
I walk in shadows, searching for light,
cold and alone, no comfort in sight.
Hoping and prayin' for
Someone to care, always movin' and goin' nowhere.
What becomes of the brokenhearted who had love that's now departed?
I know I've got to find some kind of peace of mind.
Maybe, I'm searching though I don't succeed,
but someone look, there's a growing need.
Oh, he is lost, there's no place for beginning;
all that's left is an unhappy ending.
What becomes of the brokenhearted who had love that's now departed?
I know I've got to find some kind of peace of mind.
I'll be searching ev'rywhere just find someone to care.
I'll be looking ev'ry day;
I know I'm gonna find a way.
Nothing's gonna stop me now;
I'll find a way some how.
I'll be searching ev'rywhere just find someone to care.
I'll be looking ev'ry day;
I know I'm gonna find a way.
Nothing's gonna stop me now;
I'll find a way some how.
The lyrics of Diana Ross and the Supremes' hit song, "What Becomes of the Broken-hearted," communicate the aftermath of heartbreak and loss. The singer is walking around with shattered dreams and a heavy heart, unable to find any positive emotions in the midst of the sorrow and confusion she faces. The feeling of happiness that was once a reality is now gone, but the memories remain. She asks, "What becomes of the brokenhearted who had love that's now departed?" feeling helpless and questioning how to find peace of mind.
The singer feels as though the fruit of love is not flourishing for her. Rather, it seems to constantly tumble down and shatter any hope for happiness. The pain of heartache keeps growing stronger, and she can't bear it anymore. She walks in the shadows, searching for light but finding none, left to hope and pray that someone will care for her. She feels lost and alone, without any comfort in sight.
The chorus of the song repeats the question of what happens to those whose love is now departed, highlighting the singer's search for comfort and answers. Her hope never fades, and despite the pain and sorrow, she continues to search for someone to care. The lyrics suggest that despite the unhappy ending, there is still a way to heal and find love once again.
Line by Line Meaning
As I walk this land with broken dreams
As I journey through life with unfulfilled aspirations
I have visions of many things.
I imagine a multitude of possibilities
Love's happiness is just an illusion filled with sadness and confusion.
The euphoria of love is a mirage masking sorrow and bewilderment
What becomes of the brokenhearted who had love that's now departed?
What happens to those who loved but are now left heartbroken?
I know I've got to find some kind of peace of mind.
I am aware that I need serenity and calmness
Maybe, the fruits of love grow all around but for me they come a tumblin' down.
Possibly, love is abundant for others, but for me, it is a source of constant disappointment
Ev'ry day heartaches grow a little stronger; I can't stand this pain much longer.
Each day, the agony becomes more intense, and I am reaching my limit
I walk in shadows, searching for light, cold and alone, no comfort in sight.
I traverse in obscurity, seeking enlightenment, depressed and isolated with no comfort in sight
Hoping and prayin' for someone to care, always movin' and goin' nowhere.
Wishing and beseeching for someone to show empathy, but always moving without progress
Maybe, I'm searching though I don't succeed, but someone look, there's a growing need.
It may seem like I am searching in vain, but someone should examine the dire situation I am in
Oh, he is lost, there's no place for beginning; all that's left is an unhappy ending.
He is adrift without a starting point, and the conclusion will be sorrowful
I'll be searching ev'rywhere just find someone to care. I'll be looking ev'ry day; I know I'm gonna find a way. Nothing's gonna stop me now; I'll find a way somehow.
I will explore every corner to find a compassionate person. I will search daily, confident that I will figure out a solution. No obstacles will impede me; I will find a resolution.
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: James Dean, Paul Riser, William Weatherspoon
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Mark Herron
Happy Birthday to Jimmy Ruffin REST IN POWER Blessings and Hugs 💖💕💕💕💕💕💕💕💕💕💕💕💕💕💕💕💕💕💕💕💕💕💕💕💕💕💕💕💕💕💕💕💕💕💕💕💕💕💕💕💕💕💕💕!
Roy Cobb
The Supremes, this is okay! But I think Jimmy Ruffin had a better version of this song! But the Supremes came out clear on this one!