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.
Young Folks
Diana Ross and the Supremes Lyrics
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Looking so alive
They're here for business
But it's all none of your jive
Brighter tomorrows are in their eyes
You'd better make way for the young folks
Oh, yeah yeah yeah yeah
They say yes and you say no
They ask you why and you close the door
My old friend I thought you knew by now
You can't do that to the young folks
Oh, no no no no
You might not like it but I've got to tell you
Gotta tell you
You'd better make way for the young folks
Oh, yeah yeah yeah yeah
They're marching with signs
They're standing in lines (yeah)
Protesting your right to turn out the light
In their lives
Here's the deal
Accept it if you will
They're coming on strong
It's their time to live
My old friend I thought you knew by now
You gotta make way for the young folks
Oh, yeah yeah yeah yeah
You may not like it but I've got to tell you
Gotta tell you
Woh
You'd better make way
You gotta make way
You'd better make way
For the young folks
(oh yeah)
You may not like it but I've got to tell you
Gotta tell you
Woh
You'd better make way
You gotta make way
You'd better make way
For the young's folks
(Oh, oh yeah)
The Young Folks by Diana Ross and The Supremes is a soulful track that speaks of the uprising of the younger generation. The song sets the scene by describing the energetic arrival of the young folks, who are full of ideas and ambition. They are not to be taken lightly, given that they are here to succeed - and nothing can get in their way. The Young Folks sing about the eye-catching brightness that the future holds, alluding to the next generation's potential to achieve greatness. As they charge forward, they demand that the older generation move aside.
The underlying message of the song is straightforward and clear: younger people are now taking charge, and they are determined to make a positive impact on the world. Diana Ross delivers the song's message with urgency and passion, ensuring that the listener understands the importance of acknowledging and supporting the next generation's aspirations for a better future. The song's chorus is simple but powerful, with Ross repeating that the older generation needs to "make way" for the young folks.
Overall, The Young Folks urges the listener to embrace the changing times and recognize the potential of the younger generation. The future is bright, and it is up to us all to empower the next leaders, as they step boldly into the spotlight.
Line by Line Meaning
Here they come
The young folks are making their way forward
Looking so alive
Their energy and enthusiasm are palpable
They're here for business
They have a serious purpose
But it's all none of your jive
Don't try to dismiss or mock them
Brighter tomorrows are in their eyes
They have a vision of a better future
You'd better make way for the young folks
They're coming and you can't stop them
Oh, yeah yeah yeah yeah
Their presence and power are undeniable
They say yes and you say no
They're challenging the status quo
They ask you why and you close the door
You're not willing to engage with their questions
My old friend I thought you knew by now
You should have learned this lesson already
You can't do that to the young folks
You can't ignore or oppress them
Oh, no no no no
Don't underestimate their determination
You might not like it but I've got to tell you
You may be resistant, but I have to speak the truth
You'd better make way for the young folks
They're the future and they're not going away
They're marching with signs
They're using peaceful protest to make their voices heard
They're standing in lines (yeah)
They're organized and committed to their cause
Protesting your right to turn out the light
They're challenging your authority and control
In their lives
They want to shape their own destiny
Here's the deal
Let me spell it out for you
Accept it if you will
You can either get on board or get out of the way
They're coming on strong
They have the momentum and the passion
It's their time to live
They're ready to take on the world
You gotta make way for the young folks
They're demanding their rightful place
You may not like it but I've got to tell you
You may be uncomfortable, but reality demands action
Woh
(vocalization of emphasis)
You'd better make way
There's no room for obstruction or resistance
For the young's folks
They're the present and the future
(Oh, oh yeah)
(vocalization of emphasis)
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: Allen Story, George Gordy
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind