Founded in Detroit, Michigan, United States 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 the mid-1960s with Ross as the lead singer, Motown president Berry Gordy renamed the group Diana Ross & the Supremes in 1967, and replaced Ballard with Cindy Birdsong. Ross left the group for a 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.
All I Know About You
The Supremes Lyrics
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I heard long ago about you
They say you're mighty fast
You've got a wicked past
Ooo, all I know about you.
You'll never get my heart
Won't be upsetting my heart
I'm just too well in bond
Ooo, all I know about you.
And if you think that you
can steal my heart a word
Why don't you try, I dare you to try
If you play you're gonna lose the game
'Cause I will never take my guard away
Come on and try
Though I'm nice I'll be cold as ice
Cause I know all about you.
Baby, I know all about you
There's nothing slow about you
Kiss me and then you'll see
Wonder within of me
Ooo, all I know about you.
Baby, I'm mad about you
I'm so glad about you
One little kiss and wow
I'm a believer now
Ooo, all I know about you, babe.
I'm so wild about you
I feel like a child about you
It felt like this before
I want to kiss ya more
Ooo, all I know about you, babe.
I know all about you
And I like what I know about you
One little kiss and wow
I'm a believer now
Ooo, all I know about you.
The Supremes' song "All I Know About You" is a playful yet defiant track that showcases the group's ability to blend their trademark Motown sound with a classic girl group theme. The lyrics detail a woman's knowledge of a man's wild and reckless past, and her subsequent decision to guard her heart against him while still allowing herself to indulge in a little bit of romantic fun. The verses are filled with warnings about the man's bad reputation and the risks involved in becoming involved with him, but the chorus reveals a more vulnerable side to the singer's feelings. She admits to being "mad about" the man and "wild" for him, contradicting her earlier claims that he could never win her over.
The lyrics of "All I Know About You" are rooted in the girl group tradition of female empowerment and independence, with the female protagonist declaring her refusal to be won over by a charming yet dangerous man. The song's catchy melody and upbeat tempo juxtapose well with the somewhat cynical lyrics, allowing the listener to enjoy the track while also contemplating the implications of the woman's decision to pursue a relationship with someone she knows may ultimately hurt her.
Line by Line Meaning
Baby, I know all about you
I am aware of your background, reputation and character
I heard long ago about you
I have heard rumors and stories about you in the past
They say you're mighty fast
You are known to be quick and agile
You've got a wicked past
You have a history of engaging in wrongdoing or immoral behavior
Ooo, all I know about you.
Overall, my knowledge about you is limited and based on hearsay
You'll never get my heart
I am not interested in a romantic relationship with you
Won't be upsetting my heart
I will not allow you to cause emotional distress to me
I'll never treat you, won't
I will not give you any special treatment or favoritism
I'm just too well in bond
I have a strong emotional connection with someone else
And if you think that you can steal my heart a word
If you believe you can win my affection by speaking sweetly, think again
Why don't you try, I dare you to try
You can attempt to pursue me, but it will be in vain
If you play you're gonna lose the game
You will not succeed in winning my heart
'Cause I will never take my guard away
I will always remain cautious and guarded towards you
Come on and try
Feel free to make an effort, but it will not lead to anything
Though I'm nice I'll be cold as ice
While I am kind, I will not allow myself to be easily swayed
Baby, I know all about you
I still maintain my previous knowledge about you
There's nothing slow about you
You are quick and efficient in your actions
Kiss me and then you'll see
If you try to be romantic with me, you will realize the futility of your attempts
Wonder within of me
There are many aspects of my personality that you are not familiar with
Baby, I'm mad about you
I have developed strong feelings of affection towards you
I'm so glad about you
I am happy to have you in my life
One little kiss and wow
A single kiss from you has had a profound effect on me
I'm a believer now
I now fully believe in the possibility of a romantic relationship with you
I'm so wild about you
My desire and passion for you is intense
I feel like a child about you
My emotions towards you are pure, innocent and unbridled
It felt like this before
I have experienced similar feelings of love and excitement in the past
I want to kiss ya more
I am eager to continue exploring my feelings for you
And I like what I know about you
As I get to know you better, I am liking your character and personality more and more
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: JR., BRIAN HOLLAND, EDWARD HOLLAND, EDWARD, JR. HOLLAND, FRANK DE VOL, LAMONT DOZIER, LAMONT HERBERT DOZIER
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind