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.
When the Lovelight Starts Shining in His Eyes
Diana Ross and the Supremes Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
But I just passed him by
I treated him unkind
But he didn't seem to mind
I told him be on his way
But not a word did he say
He just stood there kind of bold
But when the lovelight starts shining through his eyes
Made me realize I should apologize
And when he placed a kiss upon my face
Then I knew, oh then I knew
That he won my heart
So I quickly apologized
Hoping he hadn't changed his mind
But not a word did he say
So I turned to walk away
But when the lovelight starts shining through his eyes
Made me realize how he felt inside
And when he placed a kiss upon my face
Then I knew, oh then I knew
That he won my heart
When he asked could he walk my way
I hoped sweet things he'd say
Instead he smiled kind of nice
As he held my hand kind of tight
But when the lovelight starts shining through his eyes
Made me realize how he felt inside
And when he placed a kiss upon my face
Then I knew, oh then I knew
That he won my heart
But when the lovelight starts shining through his eyes
Made me realize how he felt inside
And when he placed a kiss upon my face
The song "When the Lovelight Starts Shining Through His Eyes" by Diana Ross and the Supremes tells the story of a woman who initially didn't pay attention to a man who was interested in her. She treated him poorly and even told him to leave, but he persisted and remained kind to her. Eventually, she starts to notice the "lovelight" in his eyes, which makes her realize that she needs to apologize and show him kindness. After he kisses her and holds her hand tightly, she finally realizes that he has won her heart.
The lyrics are a reflection of the theme that love can be found in unexpected places and can often take time to develop. The woman in the song initially didn't see the potential for romance with the man, but as she got to know him better and saw the love in his eyes, she grew to appreciate him and eventually fell in love with him.
The song also conveys the idea that actions speak louder than words. The man doesn't say much to the woman, but his actions and kind gestures win her over. It reminds us that sometimes it's not what we say, but how we show someone we care that can make all the difference in a relationship.
Line by Line Meaning
He gave me the eye
He looked at me in a way that caught my attention
But I just passed him by
I ignored him and didn't show any interest
I treated him unkind
I was mean to him
But he didn't seem to mind
He didn't show any negative reaction to my behavior
I told him be on his way
I told him to leave
But not a word did he say
He didn't respond with any words or argument
He just stood there kind of bold
He waited and remained confident and self-assured
While I acted cold
I intentionally pretended to be disinterested and emotionless
Made me realize I should apologize
When I saw the affection in his eyes, I understood that I was wrong and needed to say sorry
And when he placed a kiss upon my face
His kiss showed me that he cared for me deeply
Then I knew, oh then I knew
At that moment, I understood my true feelings for him
So I quickly apologized
I said sorry as soon as I could
Hoping he hadn't changed his mind
I was concerned that he might have lost interest in me
So I turned to walk away
I tried to leave, expecting him to let me go
When he asked could he walk my way
He requested to accompany me
I hoped sweet things he'd say
I anticipated him to say kind and romantic words
Instead he smiled kind of nice
He didn't say anything, but he looked friendly and warm
As he held my hand kind of tight
He held my hand firmly and gently
Made me realize how he felt inside
When I saw the love and tenderness in his eyes, I understood his emotions
That he won my heart
I fell in love with him due to his genuine affection and kindness
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: JR., BRIAN HOLLAND, EDWARD HOLLAND, EDWARD, JR. HOLLAND, LAMONT DOZIER, LAMONT HERBERT DOZIER
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@anna-lisaharrington5634
He gave me the eye
But I just passed him by
I treated him unkind
But he didn't seem to mind
I told him be on his way
But not a word did he say
He just stood there kind of bold
While I acted cold
But when the lovelight starts shining through his eyes
Made me realize I should apologize
And when he placed a kiss upon my face
Then I knew, Oh then I knew
That he won my heart
So I quickly apologized
Hoping he hadn't changed his mind
But not a word did he say
So I turned to walk away
But when the lovelight starts shining through his eyes
Made me realize how he felt inside
And when he placed a kiss upon my face
Then I knew, Oh then I knew
That he won my heart
When he asked could he walk my way
I hoped sweet things he'd say
Instead he smiled kind of nice
As he held my hand kind of tight
But when the lovelight starts shining through his eyes
Made me realize how he felt inside
And when he placed a kiss upon my face
Then I knew, Oh then I knew
That he won my heart
But when the lovelight starts shining through his eyes
Made me realize how he felt inside
And when he placed a kiss upon my face
@peterroor6520
It was their first (small) hit, but regardless all their later super hits, I still think this is their best song ever.
@paulfisher5447
It was as huge hit on the Billboard R&B charts topping at #2
@adotintheshark4848
I agree! "Stop In The Name Of Love" was their breakout hit however.
@paulfisher5447
@@adotintheshark4848 they had three number one hits before "Stop ...."
@jacksonmorganfroghin4815
I concur.
@AngeBiampandou
@@adotintheshark4848 Nope, Where Did Our Love Go was
@stacyfrench2198
I was just a kid with a transistor radio attached to my head.. the electric magic of Motown lives forever... I am so fortunate to have been there at the beginning...I loved that radio... I fell asleep listening to all the talent of Motown!
@TheDonnalovesmusic
Me, too. The transistor and another small radio at bedside - was grateful to have music at our fingertips!
@DavidSelley49
That little radio was a really important part of our young teenage years in the 60s - great music and great memories.
@AnthonysDen
A terrific debut for Diana Ross & her Supremes in 1963…a debut that helped to launch a fantastic girl group band AND lead singer!