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.
He Means The World To Me
The Supremes Lyrics
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Or maybe touch my hand
I'd bow down and tell him
His every wish is my command
My nights are so lonely
I'm thinking of him only
Oh how can I make him see
My friends all tell me that I'm silly
That my love for him he'll never see
But I, I can't help it
He means the world to me
He means the world to me
World to me
My friends say I'm silly, silly, silly
But I really care
I'm here to tell you
That he means the world
I really care
The Supremes' song He Means The World To Me is a celebration of a love that is not reciprocated. The lyrics begin with a plea for the object of the singer's affection to notice her, to touch her hand even, so that she could fulfill his every wish. The singer is plagued with loneliness, thinking only of her love for him. She longs for him to see that he means the world to her, even though her friends tell her that her love is unrequited.
The lyrics are simple but they convey a deep feeling of unrequited love that is relatable to many listeners. The singer's vulnerability is laid bare as she confesses her feelings, even though they are not reciprocated. The repetition of the phrase "He means the world to me" reinforces the intensity of her feelings for this person.
Throughout the song, the singer's strength and determination shine through. Even though her love is not reciprocated and her friends call her silly, she boldly declares her feelings, indicating that her love for him is sincere and real.
Line by Line Meaning
If he'd just take one look at me
If only he would give me a chance to show him my love
Or maybe touch my hand
Even a small gesture from him would mean the world to me
I'd bow down and tell him
I am willing to do anything to make him happy
His every wish is my command
I would go to great lengths to fulfill his every desire
My nights are so lonely
Without him, I feel incomplete and alone
I'm thinking of him only
My thoughts are consumed by him and him alone
Oh how can I make him see
I am desperate for him to understand my feelings
He means the world to me
He is my everything, my reason for living
My friends all tell me that I'm silly
Others may not understand the depth of my love for him
That my love for him he'll never see
They don't believe he will ever reciprocate my feelings
But I, I can't help it
Despite their doubts, I can't control the way I feel
He means the world to me
Once again, emphasizing his importance in my life
My friends say I'm silly, silly, silly
Although I value their opinion, I know they just don't get it
But I really care
My love for him is genuine and unwavering
I'm here to tell you
I want the world to know how strongly I feel
That he means the world
And once again, I am reaffirming his significance to me
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: NORMAN WHITFIELD, NORMAN J. WHITFIELD
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Lena Chavez
I was about 4 yrs old when my mother had this album which is no longer in print the songs are the greatest. Brings back many good memories! Thank you
Jade Martin
Memories of my mom playing this album from childhood.....come right back....amazing.
robert miller
I always loved this song this was the album Where Did Our Love Go that took the Supremes to the very top 3 #1s the whole album was potential singles this takes me back to my childhood the best memories 💃🏻🕺🏻🎉😂life was so sweet and simple the good old days
sheila britt
Love the....Supremes....he does mean the world 2 me....
Glenn Johnson
Glenn Johnson The B side to "Where did our love go.Brilliant.More from the full album,please.
sweetnuts
this song takes me way back
Ron Rossmore
I dare you to blast this out on some JBL's with deep bass, some 15 X's and tell ME you do not think this jam is the baddest MO FO you have EVER heard in your life! Police Volume, okay?! AND TRY not to sing right along with Miss Ross, AND her Supremes!!
Cas82958
I agree. Sounds great. Such a clear classic soul groove
Cynthia La Nini Diaz
dam bad ass rolas.. reminds me of my moms & carnala Teresa toscano.. i love u guys..