The Supremes were a very successful Motown all-female singing group active … Read Full Bio ↴The Supremes were a very successful Motown all-female singing group active from 1959 until 1977, performing at various times doo-wop, pop, soul, Broadway showtunes, psychedelia, and disco. One of Motown's signature acts, The Supremes were the most successful African-American musical act of the 1960s, recording twelve #1 hits between 1964 and 1969, many of them written and produced by Motown's main songwriting and production team, Holland-Dozier-Holland. The crossover success of the Supremes during the mid-1960s paved the way for future black soul and R&B acts to gain mainstream audiences both in the United States and overseas.

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.

Penny Pincher
The Supremes Lyrics

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I've got a boy sweet as honey

Penny pincher but they tease him

Penny pincher 'cause he doesn't spend his money

A penny pincher that's what they say

So from him, other girls shy away

But I love him for what he is

All his love, he truly gives

He may not drive a car

But I love those walks through the park

A penny pincher, he may be

But oh, he means

He means the world to me

I don't care if he won't spend a dime

Just as long as I know he's mine

Let them tease him, call him cheap

But in my book he can't be beat

I love him for what is within

A tender loving trusting friend

I don't care if he won't spend a dime

Just as long as I know he's mine

A penny pincher, he may be

But his love means the world to me

A penny pincher, he may be

Overall Meaning

The Supremes' song "Penny Pincher" is a love song about a boy who is considered a tightwad by others because he doesn't spend his money. Despite his penny-pinching ways, the singer of the song professes her love for him and declares that his love means the world to her. The lyrics suggest that while some may shy away from him because of his frugality, the singer sees a tender, loving, and trustworthy friend in him.

The song can be interpreted as a commentary on societal values that place greater importance on material possessions over the authentic love and connection that can be achieved between two people. The singer is challenging the notion that true love and happiness can only be obtained through the acquisition of material goods. In the end, she affirms that love, respect, and trust are what matter most in a relationship.

Overall, "Penny Pincher" is a beautiful and heartfelt song that celebrates the true meaning of love and the value of a genuine connection between two people.

Penny PincherThe Supremes Lyrics

Penny Pincher
The Supremes Lyrics