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.
Time Changes Things
The Supremes Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Rearranges everything
For instance how could I have known
That you'd be the only one for me
When you wanted me I didn't want you
And time changes things its true
I want you
When you used to speak to me
I didn't give you a second look
'Cause I already had many guys
In my telephone book
But one day my heart spoke your name
My heart spoke your name
And time changes things its true
'Cause now I want you
I want you
Funny how times turns the tables
And left me yearning, my heart burning
For instance you just past me by passed me by
You didn't speak and I wanted to die
Now that I want you
You don't want me
And time changes things, it's true
You know I need you
And time changes things, it's true
I keep repeating, now
And time changes things, it's true
'Cause now I want you
It's so funny
Funny how time changes
Funny how time rearranges
It's so funny
It's so funny how I want you
The Supremes' song "Time Changes Things" is a poignant reflection on the impact that time can have on our perceptions and desires. The lyrics speak to the idea that time has a way of rearranging our lives and altering our priorities. The first verse sets the stage by acknowledging how unpredictable life can be. It suggests that we can never know for sure what the future will hold, even when it comes to matters of the heart. The second verse then chronicles a personal journey of growth and self-discovery. The singer admits that they were blind to the potential of a significant other who was interested in them at first. But as time went on, their heart changed, and they began to see this person in a new light. Finally, the third verse brings things full circle by acknowledging the irony of how timing can be cruel. The singer is now ready to pursue a relationship with this person, but they have moved on and are no longer interested. The song concludes with a simple acknowledgment of the power of time and the ways in which it can shape our desires and our lives.
One interesting fact about "Time Changes Things" is that it was written by Berry Gordy, the founder of Motown Records, along with Gwen Gordy and Billy Davis. Gordy wrote many of The Supremes' most famous songs, including "Baby Love" and "Stop! In The Name Of Love." Another interesting fact is that the song was released as a B-side to the single "Run, Run, Run" in 1964. Despite this, "Time Changes Things" became a fan favorite and remains one of the group's most beloved tracks. Additionally, The Supremes' version of the song features Diana Ross on lead vocals, and her delivery is both powerful and emotional, perfectly capturing the song's themes of longing and regret.
Other interesting facts about "Time Changes Things" include the fact that it was covered by several other artists, including Kim Weston and Mary Wells. The song has also been used in several films and television shows, including "The Sopranos," "Mad Men," and "Boogie Nights." Musically, the song features a simple melody that is driven by piano, strings, and Ross's vocals. The chord progression is relatively straightforward, consisting mainly of G, C, and D. The song's emotional impact comes from Ross's delivery and the heartfelt lyrics, which are universal in their appeal.
Chords: G, C, D
Line by Line Meaning
Funny how time changes
The transformation brought by time is amusing
Rearranges everything
It rearranges and changes everything.
For instance how could I have known
As an example, how would I have been able to predict
That you'd be the only one for me
That you were truly the one I needed
When you wanted me I didn't want you
When you were interested, I wasn't ready for you as a partner.
And time changes things its true
And certainly, it is true that time modifies things
'Cause now I want you
For the reason that now, I want you
When you used to speak to me
When you were used to addressing me
I didn't give you a second look
I did not pay any attention or regard to what you said.
'Cause I already had many guys
Since I had a list of many more men
In my telephone book
In the book where I kept all their phone numbers
But one day my heart spoke your name
But one day the depth of my heart uttered your name
'Cause now I want you
For the reason that now, I want you
Funny how times turns the tables
The way situations change with time is amusing
And left me yearning, my heart burning
And made me long for you with my heart burning
For instance you just past me by passed me by
As an example, you have just walked by without speaking to me.
You didn't speak and I wanted to die
You didn't utter even a word, making me feel so low.
Now that I want you
Presently, when I am badly desiring you
You don't want me
You have no interest in me.
And time changes things, it's true
And it's correct that time alters things
You know I need you
You are aware that I am in dire need of you
And time changes things, it's true
And it's accurate that time brings changes
I keep repeating, now
At present, I keep saying over and over again
'Cause now I want you
For the reason that now, I want you
It's so funny
It's quite amusing
Funny how time changes
Amusing how time alters things
Funny how time rearranges
Amusing how time shifts and changes things
It's so funny
It's quite amusing
It's so funny how I want you
It's so amusing how badly I want you now.
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: BRIAN HOLLAND, JANIE BRADFORD, LAMONT DOZIER, LAMONT HERBERT DOZIER
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Matt _
The harmony in the verses is gorgeous
Mason Martinez
Oh how I LOVED this song . . . my OLDER cousin bought LET ME GO THE RIGHT WAY (the "A" side), and I always played this side too . . . I loved Diana's high-nasal-sound . . . nobody sounded like Diana . . . her voice just cut through everything and was a perfect sound for the transitor radio sound. I loved Diana especially at 1:43 " for instance you just passed me BYYYYYYYYYY" . . . WUV IT.
R N
Yessss
Carlos Leon
Flo's pitch is perfection
james monroe
THE GREATEST SONG OF ALL TIME
Joe free
I always thought this was one of their best songs!!!! :)
rosecransblvd
OMG! I feel the same as you. That moment @ 1:43 still knocks me out. I first heard this in 1968 when it was B-side of "Forever Came Today." Thanks again theSUPREMEscene.
Shar Jamison
I first heard it in 1962 and I've loved it ever since. Can't understand why it was not a hit! It was the B side to "Let Me Go To The Right Way" too.
Graham Simpson
Diana and that beautiful unique Voice is just perfection
JohnnyM Fan
So cute. Along with A Breathtaking Guy, one of the few Supremes songs with a guitar solo. The backing was better on the early Motown recordings. There was a stronger sound to the drums.