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.

Stop Look & Listen
The Supremes Lyrics

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Stop, look and listen
I've played this game of love before
So take your time, don't go too fast
Make it last

You're not the first boy to give me that same old lie

Stop, look and listen

You're the boy I've been dreaming of
So don't pretend you love me now
Just to show me how
You can stop love before it has a chance to begin

Every love affair
Should start on as friends
Yes, every love affair
Should have a chance to grow before it can end
So, stop look at me

Am I the girl that you want to love eternally?

Stop, look and listen
You know how I'm weak 'cause I love you so
Just walk me home and hold my hand
Please understand
'Cause you know that I'll love you
With all my heart

Yes, you know that I love you
You know that I need you
You know that I am yours to death, it was hard, yeah yeah

You know that I love you
You know that I need you

Overall Meaning

The lyrics to The Supremes' song "Stop Look & Listen" convey a message about the importance of taking things slow and building a strong foundation in a relationship. The singer, who has experienced the game of love before, advises the subject to not rush into things and to make the love last. She acknowledges that she has heard the same old lies from previous suitors, implying a sense of caution and skepticism.

However, the singer also recognizes that the subject is someone she has been dreaming of, indicating a genuine desire for a lasting connection. She warns the subject not to falsely profess love just to prove a point, as it can stop love from blossoming naturally. The lyrics emphasize the need for friendship and allowing the love to grow before potentially coming to an end.

Stop Look & ListenThe Supremes Lyrics

Stop Look & Listen
The Supremes Lyrics