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.
You Ain't Livin' Till You're Lovin'
Diana Ross and the Supremes Lyrics
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And you get all the action
But still you can't find no satisfaction
You specialize in playing the field
But now that the game
Has lost its appeal
You ain't livin' until you're lovin' babe
You ain't livin' until you're lovin' baby
Ooh until you fall you ain't livin' at all
At all
You like to kiss and run
And think that's where it is
'Cause somebody told you
Love was heartache and tears
You won't take a chance
On nobody else
You think you can make it
All by yourself
Baby try me and I'll make you see
You ain't livin' until you're lovin' babe
You ain't livin' until you're lovin' baby
Ooh until you fall you ain't livin' at all
At all
To be in love
I know it's not your ambition
So before you go
Think about my proposition
You may conquer the world
And be king of your throne
But you still ain't nobody babe
When you're sittin' all alone
You ain't livin' until you're lovin' babe
You ain't livin' until you're lovin' baby
Ooh until you fall you ain't livin' at all
At all
You ain't livin' until you're lovin' babe
You ain't livin' until you're lovin' baby
You ain't livin'
Ooh try me you ain't livin'
Ooh I'll make you see
You ain't livin'
Oh yeah how sweet
You ain't livin'
The lyrics of Diana Ross's song You Ain't Livin' Till You're Lovin' reflect the message that material success, fame, and conquests are not enough to experience true happiness and fulfillment in life. The song suggests that the singer, who appears to be a womanizer, is misguided in thinking that love is all about playing the field and avoiding commitment. The repetition of the phrase "You ain't livin' until you're lovin'" underlines the central theme of the song, that love is a necessary ingredient for a full and meaningful life.
The lyrics also critique the conventional wisdom that associates love with heartache and tears, suggesting that such a view is overly cynical and misguided. The singer is challenged to try a different approach by taking a chance on someone who can show them the joys of love. The line "Think about my proposition" highlights the confident and assertive tone of the song, as the singer appears to offer a challenge to their romantic target.
Overall, the song encourages the listener to pursue love as a source of genuine happiness and fulfillment. The energetic and upbeat melody, combined with Diana Ross's engaging vocal performance, reinforce the positive message of the lyrics.
Line by Line Meaning
You think you're so way out
You believe that you're very cool and trendy
And you get all the action
You're successful in getting attention from others
But still you can't find no satisfaction
You're not happy or content, despite your success
You specialize in playing the field
You focus on dating multiple people and avoiding commitment
But now that the game
But now that your approach to relationships
Has lost its appeal
Is no longer interesting or exciting
Baby try me I'll make you see
Give me a chance and I'll show you
You ain't livin' until you're lovin' babe
You're not truly experiencing life until you love someone
You ain't livin' until you're lovin' baby
You're not truly living until you love someone
Ooh until you fall you ain't livin' at all
You must risk falling in love in order to live a fulfilling life
At all
You like to kiss and run
You enjoy short-lived flings and casual intimacy
And think that's where it is
And believe that's where happiness lies
'Cause somebody told you
Because someone convinced you
Love was heartache and tears
That love inevitably leads to pain and sadness
You won't take a chance
You're not willing to take a risk
On nobody else
On giving someone else a chance
You think you can make it
You believe you can succeed
All by yourself
On your own, without romantic love
To be in love
Being in love
I know it's not your ambition
I understand that's not what you want
So before you go
Before you dismiss the idea
Think about my proposition
Consider what I'm suggesting
You may conquer the world
You may achieve great success
And be king of your throne
And be powerful and influential
But you still ain't nobody babe
But you're still not truly fulfilled without love
When you're sittin' all alone
When you're by yourself, without love
You ain't livin' until you're lovin' babe
You're not truly experiencing life until you love someone
You ain't livin' until you're lovin' baby
You're not truly living until you love someone
Ooh try me you ain't livin'
Give me a chance to show you what a fulfilling life can be
Ooh I'll make you see
I'll help you understand
You ain't livin'
You're not really alive
Oh yeah how sweet
It'll be such a wonderful experience
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: NICKOLAS ASHFORD, VALERIE SIMPSON
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind