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.

Put On A Happy Face
The Supremes Lyrics

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(Adams/Strouse)

Gray skies are gonna clear up
Put on a happy face
Wipe of the clouds and cheer up
Put on a happy face

Take of the gloomy mask of tragedy

It's not your style
You'll look so good that you'll be glad
That you decided to smile

Pick out a pleasant outlook
Stick out that nobel chin
Wipe off that full-of-doubt look
Snap on a happy grin

Spread sunshine all over the place
And just put on a happy
Put on a happy face

Gray skies are gonna clear up
Put on a happy face
Wipe of the clouds and cheer up
Put on a happy face

Take of the gloomy mask of tragedy
It's not your style
You'll look so good that you'll be glad
That you decided to smile

Pick out a pleasant outlook
Stick out that noble chin
Wipe off that full-of-doubt look
Snap on a happy grin

Spread sunshine all over the place

And just put on a happy
Put on a happy face

Overall Meaning

The Supremes's song "Happy" is a classic feel-good tune that reminds listeners to put on a happy face despite any troubled times. The lyrics offer an optimistic outlook with lines such as "gray skies are gonna clear up" and "spread sunshine all over the place." The message is clear: even though life may be tough, it's important to stay positive and keep a smile on your face.

The first verse sets the tone for the rest of the song, encouraging listeners to wipe away their sorrows and embrace happiness. The lyrics suggest that putting on a happy face can have a freeing effect, as it liberates the individual from their inner struggle. It also states that one should discard the "gloomy mask of tragedy," because it is not a reflection of their true self.

The second verse doubles down on this idea, urging listeners to adopt a "pleasant outlook" and "noble chin." Here, the lyrics also suggest that putting on a happy face can be contagious, as it encourages others to do the same. The final line - "spread sunshine all over the place" - is a powerful call to action that suggests even a small act of kindness or positivity can have a ripple effect and brighten someone's day.

Line by Line Meaning

Gray skies are gonna clear up
Things may be tough right now, but they won't stay that way forever

Put on a happy face
Choose to be positive despite your circumstances

Wipe off the clouds and cheer up
Let go of sadness and find reasons to be happy

Take off the gloomy mask of tragedy
Stop seeing yourself as a victim and find a way to move forward

It's not your style
Being unhappy isn't who you are

You'll look so good that you'll be glad
Being positive will make you feel better and look better

That you decided to smile
Happiness is a choice that you can make

Pick out a pleasant outlook
Choose to see the good in things

Stick out that noble chin
Be proud of who you are and stand tall

Wipe off that full-of-doubt look
Believe in yourself and your abilities

Snap on a happy grin
Smile and be joyful

Spread sunshine all over the place
Radiate positivity and joy to those around you

And just put on a happy
Be happy!

Put on a happy face
Choose to be happy and let it show

Gray skies are gonna clear up
Things will get better

Put on a happy face
Be joyful!

Wipe off the clouds and cheer up
Don't let sadness bring you down

Put on a happy face
Choose to be positive and happy

Lyrics © DistroKid, Universal Music Publishing Group, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: Charles Strouse, Lee Adams

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind

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