Stop! In The Name Of Love
Ross Diana & The Supremes Lyrics

Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴

Stop! In the name of love
Before you break my heart

Baby, baby I'm aware of where you go
Each time you leave my door
I watch you walk down the street
Knowing your other love you'll meet
But this time before you run to her

Leaving me alone and hurt
(Think it over) After I've been good to you
(Think it over) After I've been sweet to you

Stop! In the name of love
Before you break my heart
Stop! In the name of love
Before you break my heart
Think it over
Think it over

I've known of your
Your secluded nights
I've even seen her
Maybe once or twice
But is her sweet expression
Worth more than my love and affection
But this time before you leave my arms
And rush off to her charms
(Think it over) Haven't I been good to you
(Think it over) Haven't I been sweet to you

Stop! In the name of love
Before you break my heart
Stop! In the name of love
Before you break my heart
Think it over
Think it over

I've tried so hard, hard to be patient
Hoping you'd stop this infatuation
But each time you are together
I'm so afraid I'll be losing you forever

Stop! In the name of love
Before you break my heart
Stop! In the name of love

Before you break my heart
Stop! In the name of love

Overall Meaning

"Stop! In The Name Of Love" is a classic Motown song by The Supremes that talks about a woman pleading to her partner to stop being unfaithful to her. The chorus "Stop! In the name of love / Before you break my heart" repeats the title of the song, and it is a warning to the love interest not to hurt the woman who has been good and sweet to him. She is aware of his infidelity, as she says "Baby, baby I'm aware of where you go / Each time you leave my door".

The verses describe how the woman sees her partner walking down the street to meet his other love interest, and she asks him to "think it over" before he rushes off to her charms. She questions whether the other woman's sweet expression is worth more than her love and affection. The bridge expresses the woman's frustration and fear of losing her partner forever despite her efforts to be patient and understanding.

Line by Line Meaning

Stop! In the name of love
I need you to stop this behavior that is hurting me and our relationship.

Before you break my heart
I can't take any more pain from your actions.

Baby, baby I'm aware of where you go
I know when you leave my presence.

Each time you leave my door
I am well acquainted with your habitual behavior.

I watch you walk down the street
I observe your departure knowing what lies ahead.

Knowing your other love you'll meet
I am cognizant that you will be seeing your other lover.

But this time before you run to her
This time, I'm pleading with you to reconsider going to her.

Leaving me alone and hurt
I don't want to be left feeling lonely and upset again.

(Think it over) After I've been good to you
Please consider how much I've cared for you before making a decision.

(Think it over) After I've been sweet to you
Reflect on how I have treated you with kindness and affection.

I've known of your secluded nights
I am aware of the times you spend away from me.

I've even seen her Maybe once or twice
I have caught a glimpse of your other lover.

But is her sweet expression worth more than my love and affection
Is her fleeting affection greater than my consistent love and care?

But this time before you leave my arms
Before you head off to be with her, please listen to me.

And rush off to her charms (Think it over)
Don't be so quick to leave me for her, take some time to think.

Haven't I been good to you
Haven't I been an attentive partner?

Haven't I been sweet to you
Haven't I shown you kindness and tenderness?

I've tried so hard, hard to be patient
I have made an effort to be patient and understanding.

Hoping you'd stop this infatuation
I hoped you would come to your senses and end this fascination with the other person.

But each time you are together
Every time you two are together, I become anxious.

I'm so afraid I'll be losing you forever
I fear that you will choose her over me and we'll be over.

Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: Brian Holland, Edward Holland, Lamont Dozier

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind

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Most interesting comment from YouTube:

@PixelatedDiysOnYoutube

5y↑192

Stop! in the name of love
Before you break my heart
Baby, baby, I'm aware of where you go
Each time you leave my door
I watch you walk down the street
Knowing your other love you'll meet
This time before you run to her
Leaving me alone and hurt
(think it over) after I've been good to you ?
(think it over) after I've been sweet to you ?
Stop! in the name of love
Before you break my heart
Stop! in the name of love
Before you break my heart
Think it over
Think it over
I've known of your, your secluded nights
I've even seen her maybe once or twice
But is her sweet expression
Worth more than my love and affection?
But this time before you leave my arms
And rush off to her charms
(think it over) haven't I been good to you?
(think it over) haven't I been sweet to you?
Stop! in the name of love
Before you break my heart
Stop! in the name of love
Before you break my heart
Think it over
Think it over
I've tried so hard, hard to be patient
Hoping you'll stop this infatuation
But each time you are together
I'm so afraid I'll be losing you forever
Stop! in the name of love
Before you break my heart
Stop! in the name of love
Before you break my heart
Stop! in the name of love
Before you break my heart

All comments from YouTube:

@b.v4258

8y↑1.3K

My mother couldn't help but start singing this whenever she told my sisters' and I to "Stop!" doing whatever mischief we were doing as kids. It usually included the hand movements and a little hip action

@ubiergo1978

8y↑27

+NGC4622Spiral My respect for that memory. :)

@Bobnme910

8y↑13

+NGC4622Spiral > I do that too lol

@Bobnme910

8y↑15

+NGC4622Spiral > my wife does that too lol

@CheroLynnBSharp

7y↑10

I do that to my sister and family and my siblings don't have a clue what I'm singing

@acehamlet2844

7y↑15

Dude my mom would say stop and start singing that song that goes stop collaborate and listen ice is back with his brand new edition something

19 More Replies...

@badmanbinsuparman3448

2y↑147

No autotune
Just pure talent
Love it

@monsieursalamandre8105

1y↑4

No autune but a lot of autobahn, autoroute, highway..

@dubsallday8465

1y↑1

𝔽𝕣

@BixenteFabregas

47w

@@monsieursalamandre8105 Kraftwerk fan spotted

@worldhello1234

44w↑4

What is wrong with autotune? It doesn't make or break a good artist. Smart use of autotune can elevate a song even further. Praising a song for not having autotune is like praising a muscle car of the 50s for not having an airbag. 😂 BTW. this is a studio recording and they don't need autotune to improve the song with technical measures. 😉

@joejones9520

41w

@@worldhello1234 it's ignorance, theyve heard of autotune but dont understand what it really is and somehow they think autotune is the cause of today's music not being good, this is confused further by sutotune commonly used today for a vocal effect in the type songs that they also dont like but the effect is not why the song is not good to them but they dont realize this. They also think today's performers cant really sing but have been enabled to have singing careers because of autotune. I dont know how people can be so ignorant when all the knowledge is at our fingertips equally.

@brittanystanley3847

1y↑39

I'm 32 years old and I absolutely love this song.

@davesmith6815

7y↑2.4K

It's 1965, I'm 7 years old, watching my sister ratting her hair to look like the Supremes, listening to this, getting ready for her date. Then she and my dad get in a big fight because she's trying to wear a miniskirt to go out. Ah, the 60's!

@MasterWitchDoctor

7y↑97

lol my sister did the exact same thing and my dad went off

@sughrarizvi

7y↑177

I feel so left out because im 14 and literally no one from my age listens to old songs.

@chalice9004

7y↑33

ARTHURS FIST Same, the only person that I know that listens to this kind of music is my older sister but she's my sister so yeah. My dad got us both into oldies when we were in elementary school

@twistedtaipan3862

7y↑60

Yeah I'm 25 and I'm so tired of the rap loving whores. It's really hard to find a girl that actually appreciates this type of music.

@thisiskiyoshi

7y↑14

It's ok , join the club

78 More Replies...

@db60615

3y↑64

This song is often downplayed because of it's "poppy tune", but it's really a deep and heart crushing song the more and more you get into it. Diana is really softly singing her heart out!

@user-zx1ir7jt4c

1y↑7

I love it. It's their best....

@williamcole464

1y↑4

I agree, it made me a fan for life, one of our greatest groups of ever. Total got me into Motown, I became a life long fan. I was 16 years old when this song was new, I'm 74 now, and it still moves my sole to hear it today. #Timeless.

@msl5253

1y↑1

@db60615
Yeah. But the instrumentation, and vocal arrangements are on point!! That driving rhythm and those horns, juxtaposed with Diana's cool delivery, and thee chorus/background. So it doesn't matter on the "poppyness". LOL

@brookehanley3659

1y↑2

This song downplayed?? When? It was a huge hit for The Supremes.

@frankiehunter.

1y↑3

The famous, late composer Burt Bacharach wrote in his autobiography he wished he had written this song.

5 More Replies...

@yesterdayproductions1019

2y↑101

It's a shame that today no one can even come close to songs like this made back in the day.

@gaylaarcher4276

2y↑3

She's dead now, but give Amy Winehouse a listen.

@m.e.d.7997

2y↑4

@Gayla Archer No way does she come close to this talent

@salg6351

Never we’re all more connected to our phones the supremes they were connected to their souls…..❤

@ralphkramden2089

@@gaylaarcher4276 Amy was great, but has NOTHING to do with the Supremes. Why would you even make this comment here? 🙄

@craigwilson3532

Their too busy singing about their waps lol. This is great music

#Supremes

2 More Replies...

@gymrachel

3y↑167

RIP Mary Wilson a great musician 🎶🙏

@donaldnaffziger5429

3y↑3

So sad Rip

@826nj

da soul of da supremes RIP mary wilson

@windows0202

4y↑37

Their voices are amazing. I am a 17 year old girl and I really love these songs and love The Supremes!

@stevetilbrook3402

37w↑1

This era of love songs was about real love and it needs to come back.

@JinnaiT

22w

bruh you're 20 years old now, it's been so long

@amronfler

5y↑37

Three very lovely ladies with angelic voices, and a very melodious message that still plucks your heart strings 55 years later!

@scootergreen3

7y↑459

One of the best songs in history!

@MasterWitchDoctor

7y↑9

no doubt

@scootergreen3

7y↑10

Yes!

@RockPicard

6y↑6

Right On Michael !!!

@user-zv6ly7fu3w

5y↑2

OH WOW ! ! MICHAEL GREAT TO HEAR YOU SAY THAT !! I LOVE THE SUPREMES AND OF COURSE DIANA ROSS, I'VE MET HER AND JUST LOVED HER AND SHE IS BEAUTIFUL.....WHAT A THRILL!!!

@raymanbert740

5y↑1

You are right on Michael!!

7 More Replies...

@lindaeasley4336

5y↑16

This was one of 12 number 1 hits on the US Billboard Hot 100 chart for the Supremes from 1964 - 1969 . The most prolific American group in music history 👍 These ladies were amazing . So was every Motown group

@marblox9300

1y↑19

One of the greatest recordings in history.

@briankeenan4901

41w

Berry Gordy was a genius with a good ear. He never received the credit he deserved.

@DrDee-xv8bh

6y↑23

There's something magical about the old Motown sound. I'm grateful that no one ever tried to imitate it's authenticity but left it in a realm all it's own to be appreciated by one and all.

@eloisagarcia3300

7y↑42

This never will go out of style

@parkerwilliam6117

Eloísa García yes 😊😊😊I mean never ever

@maxauburn

9y↑956

I feel fortunate that I grew up hearing songs like this. :)

@snarfer5612

9y↑56

you got a pretty epic beard.

@bobmeyer854

9y↑15

Jack Wells Santa is that you?

@SBinKMedia

9y↑9

Bob Meyer why do you think he's satan? Oh wiat. im dstlyxiec

@IctivGoka

9y↑2

***** Would it ruin Jules Verne for you, if I pointed out that Nemo is close to Nero (To whom the entire Book of Revelations is a reference)? At that, would it ruin Pixar? Lots of things are almost this or that, no point in getting to bogged down.

@snarfer5612

9y↑2

Ictiv pretty sure he was just kidding.

37 More Replies...

@ThePaganSun

6y↑16

This song will always have a special place in my heart. When I was a teen, I would dance to this song in my room with my little sister who was 3 at the time. Now, I'm 32 and she's 21. 😌💕

@7ov9

4y↑2

I'm so glad that this song wasn't forgotten in the 60s.

@geeebuttersnap2433

51w

Classics such as this never go out of style.

@STEADY599

3y↑9

One of those songs you grew up hearing on the radio. And then you hear is many years later and realise...it is one of the greatest songs ever.

@lauraelisse2054

1y↑3

De las mejores canciones que he escuchado en mis 35 años 🎶💗

@romeoharmony7267

3y↑8

This is a masterpiece

@danieljakubik3428

5y↑13

Classic Supremes. High quality singing, melody and harmony. A distinctive sound.

@JeffreyWhittaker

4y↑107

This song is internationally loved.

@justinrs2678

3y↑7

Its songs like these where we all, no matter the race, religion or anything else come together and just vibe with eachother

@JohnA559

2y↑7

This song resonated with me so much when I was a child, especially the vibraphone in the background - pure genius from Motown. One of the greatest songs of all time

@Tarantulisimo

6y↑3

one of the greatest songs ever written. could & would be a number #1 hit today if released by any of the current singing divas.

@stevieslicknj3420

5y↑9

I always love this song!💙

@chelsabailey1018

2y↑4

As I write this, Lamont Dozier has passed away at age 81. My heart is heavy and I feel immense loss, but will be forever grateful for his beautiful songs and the mark that he left in the world of music. Rest on Lamont! They don't make 'em like you anymore!! Music wouldn't be the same without you!!!!

@hildasmithvisser5478

5y↑9

Love this song!

@theneonfreaks827

Hilda Smith Visser me too :)

@ramiltonbastossobral

1y↑1

Essas vozes são maravilhosas

@danielburns987

6y↑4

this song went to #1 on the pop charts in 1965!!!

@PeckPeckimapaycheck

46w↑1

There's a lot to like in this song. It's very well-recorded, and is also a very good stereo master. The drums are really punchy. Xylophone notes are really distinct, but also blend really well with the horns, organ /and/ the guitar. It all combines together with that magic melody and becomes this really nice 'bounce' of a song. It really grabs your attention with it's driven tempo, leads you in with the incredible recording, and then lingers with you by being full of catchy lyrics. And then at 2:38 Diana Ross comes in with a sublime little detour in the melody. It's the kind of stuff you catch yourself singing for DECADES. It's the birth of disco, and many more music genres to follow. I'm excited to hear where we're going next!

@SweetSoundOfStrings

4y↑11

The arrangements are so sweet! Especially on the verses.

@liampower48

2y↑6

My mum and dad were only 5 years old when this was released, but they both love this track..... It was music i grew up on, but it makes me think how much good music hung around for back then, so much more than stuff from recent times

@daytripper9222

5y↑3

Back in the 60's this was my first Supremes record. Still love it to this day.

@robbywarren7050

And cassette in the 1960s.

@PixelatedDiysOnYoutube

5y↑192

@adriennerobinson1180

5y↑3

OH YES

@skylar7720

5y↑4

Honestly the first two lines dont need to be included, we like all know it.

@timothymensik4494

5y↑3

Thank you

@SANE172

1y↑1

Think it over 💯✅

@chivita268

6y↑11

this song is magical her voice possees something that makes my emotions feel just perfect

@kurtsupreme

I do believe that you meant to say that THEIR voices possess something that make your emotions feel just perfect. There were 3 SUPREMES................ the most successful American vocal group in musical history. Knock off the Diane Ross revisionist history!

@danchambers6529

32w↑1

One of their best songs - out of so many great ones

@Elwrt455

2y↑7

Masterpiece!!

@ianmitchell7109

3y↑1

Listening to & thoroughly enjoying this masterpiece on Lamont Dozier's 80th birthday. Why can music of this calibre not be written nowadays?

@fredgendre66

7y↑7

A big emotion in the voice, a great song!

@mississippidude2653

7y↑18

My all time favorite Supremes song!!!

@ramongonzalez455

3y↑2

Hermosa canción!!!!!

@mjglover4013

The best song ever by this group! Sheer brilliance.

@19bielas

2y↑6

Masterpiece

@lexier5565

5y↑65

2019, I’m a 12 year old girl in 6th grade, but still and have always been in love with this song💛💛 - Lexie Rubincan

@sokkathebackbender2666

3y↑2

its 2021 im 10 an in 4th grade Bella D****

@cjmarshall0221

3y↑1

Honey, you have excellent taste!

@linabasilisk1955

3y↑1

Music can be enjoyed and loved by anyone of any age. You clearly have more taste than the 931 people who downvoted this.

@ericmathers2879

You got taste

@lethomtshali3529

2y↑1

14 year old here

1 More Replies...

@koadorea4985

6y↑2

This song has been stuck in my head all day!

@p.g.j6323

35w

A tune worm

@RainbowFlowerCrow

3y↑2

Forever in our hearts!💜💞😭💃🏻💔💃🏻💃🏻
RIP, Mary Wilson.. your voice will be a testament to your life forever 💞

@robertorosendomolinacastil2786

7y↑1

This celestial kind of music never will die.

@philipsmith3424

Always loved this...very catchy! Thank you Holland, Dozier, and the Supremes.

@AJR-zg2py

2y↑14

I'm a 35yo white dude from northern Canada... and I absolutely adore Motown music. I can thank my Grade 9 music teacher for exposing me to jazz, R&B and Motown and planting the seeds early. I'd regularly listen to groups from his catalogue of CDs and this song is one I played the most. LOVE The Supremes. The beefy bass on this track is just so good! :)

@williamlao1475

1y↑1

It breaks my heart that we dont have such beautiful songs and lyrics like thids today i'm 66 and i always loved motown since i was 10 yrs old loved playing the 45s

@brina2254

Im 30 and have the same story with my choir teacher. Crying and experiencing gratitude to have been exposed to this lovely music.

@geberoliveira4289

6y↑1

Sensacional. D++++++

@JonnyBGoode64

4y↑1

Good music is ageless and timeless!

@brucebacquie8115

4y↑5

I can't stop listening to the Supremes !!

@amandafreeny4568

6y↑1

Who else thinks this is so timeless?!? Love it!!!

@parkerwilliam6117

3y↑1

amanda freeny Yes yes I agree with you 😊😊am glad you love the song as much as I do too,but when last you play it??

@georgeburlington8473

1y↑1

In 1965 i was in the navy and this song will always bring me right back there, i am 78 now and love it.

@beebsw5399

4y↑3

I just want to know who in the world could possibly dislike this song. Ridiculous. 💕💕💕

@leilacorrea8623

4y↑1

maravilhosas!!!

@user-zd9jr2dj2s

5y↑3

One of the best songs in history!
I actually met Mary Wilson recently.

@andrayesantiago2212

Even i am millennial but i appreciate old songs so much because of its heavenly meaning 💖

@klaudenio

2y↑2

Cresci ouvindo, meus irmãos adoram, eu procuro raízes....

@mochi_pan2770

4y↑1

This song randomly pops into my head because my old school made the whole school perform this for a anti- violence video. I couldn't found this song for such a long time. This brings back so many memories of kindergarten.

@lethomtshali3529

2y↑7

I'm 14 and I feel lively with this kind of music, its so beautiful, my father said I've got an old soul, I believe so too, sadly not a lot of girls my age want to listen to 60year old songs

@dawn5422

I'm 36 & I love the 60s. I take after my Mum she was born in 1952

@projectx7453

Bruh I know how you feel

@projectx7453

I can grantee you that there’s a bunch of people that around the same age as you that listens to old songs. I used to think the same as you till I started my freshman year in 2017.

I always that I was one of the few people that liked old songs, but nope. There were a bunch people that listens to people like Freddie Mercury, Nirvana, David Bowie, and a bunch of other people from back then

@lethomtshali3529

That's so cool you guys, I'm not much of a trendy teen. Just do what's good, and feel it. Glad I'm not alone

@robertrockwell7581

clearly the best female singing group ever. have always loved them and always will.

@gwynnielsen5081

2y↑1

My musical sidekick and I will be covering this tune at a nursing home today. Rocking with the seniors is awesome, especially via this tune.

@TheCornCobbers

8y↑2

This song always makes me smile .. Straight Classic !

@doubleback2u

6y↑1

They were a class act ! Carefully packaged . So very well done!

@ArtFromEarth_2

34w

I’ll be 32 on Tuesday and honestly this song always brings me joy because these women are so talented 💙💙💙

@1958marky

9y↑9

This is good music -- I remember going through my stepsister's album collection in 1969 and saw a Supreme's Greatest Hits album and spun it on the turntable just to hear what it sounded like... this tune was first up and I was hooked after the first verse :)

@anazuniga6582

me encanta mucho esta musica

@edersoncleber8674

4y↑1

Linda música do The Supremes lembrando que essa música foi regravada dentre outros cantores

@kaileykriss1520

5y↑2

I'm 16 and I love this song and I grew up listening to this music and I one day will teach my children to appreciate this music as my parents have tought me !!! I love this song so much

@stevieslicknj3420

I love this song!💙
Good song!

@kielow90

9y↑2

I love this song 💗

@charlotteswincicki2226

8y↑3

Love it!!!!

@afredmathieu8828

5y↑2

C ' est tout simplement extraordinaire !!!

@tomcooke4135

9y↑20

Motown royalty at it's best here. A true classic that will live on for many years to come.

@lutianmurphy4280

Class, talent...just beautiful artist and music...in 1965 and still as beautiful in 2020 !

@jasonsterling4129

2y↑5

They were going hard on this track👍🏾

@DickDastardly365

Musica eterna ...

@mr.calderon7510

9y↑30

I love these kind of songs! I'm deffinatly born in the wrong time period

@samtrudgill1527

me too dude !!

@gozolino

9y↑1

Well, today you can find and download how many songs you like without paying anything, and can hear it anytime. Trust me, you were born at right time.

@thecarterdoll

9y↑1

me too! :(

@Corey300

Good stuff ;-D

@MonarC27818

Agreed

10 More Replies...

@ralphgracia4148

8y↑1

Greatest female group of all time. No other group comes close.

@kevincurtis6550

5y↑4

One of the greatest MoTown hits of the 1960's. When music was music.

@user-zx1ir7jt4c

1y↑1

This is pure 60s gold. Alot of this stuff I don't dig but this tune is just excellent...

@lolowrs6798

3y↑1

Très rythmé et une voie qui dépasse l'entendement..👍😚

@stevieslicknj3420

I love this song so much!!❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤

@emilyjade2207

8y↑3

i love this song amazing voice

@jameswoodliffe2286

One of my favourite songs. I love it when it comes on in the soul lounge in Barnsley.

@emiliaprosdocimo6734

Bellissima canzone❤

@birdleaf03

7y↑17

Omg my grandma would sing this all the time when I was little.. the years have flown by for sure.. (dies of nostalgia)

@enriquelaitano8311

3y↑1

This is liquid gold for our ears! For the soul! Mary Wilson!!
R.I.P. 2021 has taken you too!

@irollerblade89

This is the song my daughter is dancing to for her first dance recital. Her teacher picked a classic!

@keithmyers5328

3y↑3

RIP Mary Wilson, thanks for the great music

@markkelly7030

52w

The bass for a song from a song from this year is incredible... It rattles my car.😮

@endermalloy6397

Great memories at 15 years old!❤

@supremes1964

amazing voices .....and story teller by the Supremes!!

@starcitysstarcitysm9754

Love it!

@tiffaniesmith534

6y↑4

A beautiful song ❤️🎶👩🏾👩🏾‍✈️

@damienhowell3727

3y↑8

Just hearing this one of my mums favourite songs brings tears to my eyes miss her dearly r.i.p mum ♡

@SAS-ts1xg

3y↑4

May she rest in peace

@damienhowell3727

3y↑3

@SAS god bless u thank u

@antonioluna9916

Me encanta este tema

@marcocortes3103

Recodar mi juventud, me hizo sentir bien. Esta musica siempte estar en mi corazón.

@afonsosantos42

momentos inesquecíveis....

@manueltelechea5741

Bonita cancion

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