At the… Read Full Bio ↴This track was originally from the album The Supremes (1975).
At the time of its recording, The Supremes comprised founding member Mary Wilson, with the other two members making up the group then being Cindy Birdsong and Scherrie Payne as the new co-lead singer (sharing the lead with Wilson) who maintained the role until the group officially disbanded at a concert in London at the Theatre Royal, Drury Lane on Sunday 12th June 1977.
It's All Been Said Before
The Supremes Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Never conceive the right from the wrong
Prisoner of love am I
Caught in the web of tenderness tempting me
Doing the things you say willingly
Even your pain not bear for a sign you care
But it's never there
Say no more (say no more)
'Cause it's all been said before
In the memory of my mind (of my mind)
Your reflection's all I find
I'm a slave (I'm a slave)
At your door (at your door)
But with all been said before
And the sadless thing I do
I'm just keep on loving you
Candlelight, a glass of wine
Feeling your beating heart close to mine
Hold back the hands of time
Don't like tomorrow at my feet haunting me
Only the strong survive easily
I never seen the lies hiding in your eyes
And it's no surprise
I'm a fool (I'm a fool)
Say no more (say no more)
'Cause it's all been said before
In the memory of my mind (of my mind)
Your reflection's all I find
I'm a slave (I'm a slave)
At your door (at your door)
But with all been said before
And the sadless thing I do
I'm just keep on loving you
The Supremes's song "It's All Been Said Before" is about being in love with someone who doesn't reciprocate the same feelings. The lyrics suggest that the singer is a "prisoner of love," trapped in a relationship where she is doing everything her partner says willingly, despite her pain not being acknowledged. She knows that she's a fool for continuing to love someone who doesn't love her back, but she can't help it because of the strong emotions she feels. The candlelight and the glass of wine only add to the sensuality and vulnerability that the singer is feeling, creating an intimate moment that she wants to last forever. Even though she knows that she's been down this road before, she can't help but keep on loving this person.
The song speaks to the universal experience of being in love with someone who is not right for us, yet we continue to hold onto the hope that they will change. This is a common theme in many love songs, but The Supremes bring a unique perspective to it with their soulful and emotionally powerful music. The lyrics and melody capture the pain and longing that comes with loving someone who doesn't love you back.
Line by Line Meaning
In your arms safe and warm
I feel protected and comforted when I am with you
Never conceive the right from the wrong
I can never tell if I am doing the right thing or not when I am with you
Prisoner of love am I
I feel trapped by my love for you
Caught in the web of tenderness tempting me
Your kind and gentle ways make me want to stay with you, even if it's not the best thing for me
Doing the things you say willingly
I am willing to do anything you ask of me
Even your pain not bear for a sign you care
Even if you are in pain, you don't show it, which makes me question whether you really care about me
But it's never there
Despite my love for you, I feel like something is missing or not quite right in our relationship
I'm a fool (I'm a fool)
I know that my love for you may not be wise, but I can't help it
Say no more (say no more)
I don't need any more convincing or reasoning behind my love for you
'Cause it's all been said before
I know that others have warned me about the risks of loving you, but I choose to ignore them
In the memory of my mind (of my mind)
In my own thoughts and memories, you are always on my mind
Your reflection's all I find
When I look within myself, I see only your influence on me
I'm a slave (I'm a slave)
I feel controlled by my emotions for you
At your door (at your door)
I am drawn to you, even if it means putting myself in a vulnerable position
And the sadless thing I do
The most unfortunate thing about my situation is that I am unable to stop loving you, despite the pain it may bring me
I'm just keep on loving you
No matter what happens, my love for you persists and I am unable to let go
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: BRIAN POTTER, DENNIS EARLE LAMBERT
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@Branner
There was some great stuff on this album, particularly Mary's ballads. But it was Scherrie's huge voice that breathed all kinds of new life into the Supremes. And then Cindy's return brought back some of the legacy from the 60s. Some people hate to hear it (tough), and believe me I love the original trio, but vocally this was the strongest Supremes.