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.
If
The Supremes Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Every day would be
The first day of Spring
Every heart would have
A new song to sing
And we'd sing of the joy
Every morning would bring
Every man would be
As free as a bird
Every voice would be
A voice to be heard
Take my word
We would treasure each day
That occurred
My world would be
A beautiful place
Where we would weave
Such a wonderful dream
My world would wear
A smile on its face
Like the man in the moon
When the moon beams
If I ruled the world
Every man would say
The world was his friend
There'd be happiness
That no man could end
No my friend
Not if I ruled the world
Every head
Would be held up high
There'd be sunshine
In everyone's sky
If day ever dawned
When I ruled the world
If I ruled the world
The Supremes's song If, released in 1965, is a song that expresses the singer's vision of a perfect world in which they are in charge, a place where everyone is free and happy. In the song, the main character is looking to create a world in which every day is the first day of spring and every heart sings a new song. In this world, every man would be as free as a bird and every voice would be heard to spread joy and happiness. The dreamer imagines a place that is beautiful and happy, with everyone wearing smiles on their faces.
The song has a positive and hopeful tone, with the main character's dream being one of universal freedom and love, without any sign of conflict or struggle. The lyrics, simple and direct, bring a positive message and encouragement to the listener. The rhythm of the melody is upbeat, and the vocal harmonization of the Supremes adds an extra vibrant layer. The song is an optimistic reminder that it still is possible to create a world of peace and love.
Line by Line Meaning
If I ruled the world
If I had total control and power over everything.
Every day would be
Every single day without exception.
The first day of Spring
The season of new beginnings, growth, and hope.
Every heart would have
Every individual, regardless of who they are.
A new song to sing
A fresh and inspiring outlook to life.
And we'd sing of the joy
And we'd celebrate the happiness.
Every morning would bring
Every new day would bring.
Every man would be
Everyone, regardless of gender.
As free as a bird
Completely free to do as they please.
Every voice would be
Every individual would have a voice that deserves to be heard.
A voice to be heard
Their opinions, beliefs, and idea should be taken seriously.
Take my word
Believe me, this is true.
We would treasure each day
We would appreciate every moment and take nothing for granted.
That occurred
That happens, every single day.
My world would be
The world that I envision.
A beautiful place
A place full of beauty, hope, and love.
Where we would weave
Where we would create, imagine, and dream.
Such a wonderful dream
A vision so fantastic it is almost impossible to achieve.
My world would wear
The world that I created would have, as a characteristic.
A smile on its face
A happy and grateful disposition.
Like the man in the moon
Like the face that we see on the moon because of the craters and other elements that created it.
When the moon beams
During the time when the moon is shining its light.
Every man would say
Every single person, would announce and declare that.
The world was his friend
They believe the world was their ally, protector, and supporter.
There'd be happiness
The feeling of joy, satisfaction, and contentment.
That no man could end
That could not be taken away or ruined by anybody.
No my friend
Unfortunately for your benefit, this would not be the case.
Every head
Every individual.
Would be held up high
Would stand tall, strong, and proud.
There'd be sunshine
There would be brightness, warmth, and happiness.
In everyone's sky
In every single person's outlook on life.
If day ever dawned
If there was a time in which.
When I ruled the world
I had absolute control over everything in the world.
Lyrics © Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: CYRIL ORNADEL, LESLIE BRICUSSE
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
TWTR4EVER
oceanbound222 "YOU'RE SO JADED" We know you well as a Diane Ross "rabid" devotee! Here Ms. Jean Terrell clearly proves that she can leave Diane Ross in the dust as a vocalist! THE SUPREMES (Mary Wilson, Cindy Birdsong & Jean Terrell) THE BEST LINEUP THE GROUP EVER HAD, NO DOUBT! MARY & CINDY SHINE WITH THEIR VOCALS ALSO!
Bananadiva1
I love this song. Especially Cindy's wonderful soaring voice at the end of the song. Her voice, like Jean's, is pure gold!
Jermaine Johnson
I love the new supremes sound.....and THAT BRIDGE
hazelman
Jean and Levi had a vocal marriage made in Heaven!!!!!
Branner
Actually, Terrell is in great voice here--but the beauty is in the Supremes' background harmony.
Jermaine Johnson
The best of all their songs
theSUPREMEscene
i'm so glad you enjoyed it!
Mia Brannon
I didn't know they remade IF...Nice
Micaï. Claude.
Tamla Motown=Number One in The World.
Excellent Jean Terrell.
GordonFS
i am so very forturnate this survives! to have it all again!