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.
When the Lovelight Starts Shining Through His Eyes
The Supremes Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
But I just passed him by
I treated him unkind
But he didn't seem to mind
I told him be on his way
But not a word did he say
He just stood there kind of bold
But when the lovelight starts shining through his eyes
Made me realize I should apologize
And when he placed a kiss upon my face
Then I knew, oh then I knew
That he won my heart
So I quickly apologized
Hoping he hadn't changed his mind
But not a word did he say
So I turned to walk away
But when the lovelight starts shining through his eyes
Made me realize how he felt inside
And when he placed a kiss upon my face
Then I knew, oh then I knew
That he won my heart
When he asked could he walk my way
I hoped sweet things he'd say
Instead he smiled kind of nice
As he held my hand kind of tight
But when the lovelight starts shining through his eyes
Made me realize how he felt inside
And when he placed a kiss upon my face
Then I knew, oh then I knew
That he won my heart
But when the lovelight starts shining through his eyes
Made me realize how he felt inside
And when he placed a kiss upon my face
The Supremes's song "When The Lovelight Starts Shining Through His Eyes" is a story about a woman who initially rejects the advances of a man who expresses romantic interest in her. She is unkind to him and asks him to leave, but he remains persistent despite her cold behavior. Eventually, the woman realizes that her initial impression of the man was wrong, and she should have been kinder to him. Her change of heart comes when she sees the "lovelight" shining in the man's eyes, and he places a kiss on her face, which finally wins her heart.
The lyrics suggest that the woman's initial rejection of the man was not based on his personality or character but rather on her own fears and insecurities. She was perhaps afraid of getting hurt or rejected herself and, therefore, pushed the man away. However, she eventually discovers that the man is caring, kind, and persistent, and he is worthy of her affection. The song highlights the importance of giving people a second chance, and the idea that initial impressions are not always accurate.
Line by Line Meaning
He gave me the eye
He looked at me with interest
But I just passed him by
I ignored him
I treated him unkind
I wasn't nice to him
But he didn't seem to mind
He wasn't bothered by my behavior
I told him be on his way
I told him to leave
But not a word did he say
He didn't respond to my request
He just stood there kind of bold
He remained confident
While I acted cold
I was distant and unfriendly
Made me realize I should apologize
His loving demeanor helped me see I was wrong and should say sorry
Then I knew, oh then I knew that he won my heart
After he kissed me, I realized I had feelings for him
So I quickly apologized
I said sorry right away
Hoping he hadn't changed his mind
I was worried he may not forgive me
But not a word did he say
He didn't say anything to indicate he wasn't interested
So I turned to walk away
I started to leave
When he asked could he walk my way
He requested to join me on my walk
I hoped sweet things he'd say
I was looking forward to hearing romantic words from him
Instead he smiled kind of nice
He looked at me affectionately
As he held my hand kind of tight
He took my hand firmly
Made me realize how he felt inside
His loving gestures made me understand his true feelings
That he won my heart
He captured my love and affection
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: JR., BRIAN HOLLAND, EDWARD HOLLAND, EDWARD, JR. HOLLAND, LAMONT DOZIER, LAMONT HERBERT DOZIER
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@anna-lisaharrington5634
He gave me the eye
But I just passed him by
I treated him unkind
But he didn't seem to mind
I told him be on his way
But not a word did he say
He just stood there kind of bold
While I acted cold
But when the lovelight starts shining through his eyes
Made me realize I should apologize
And when he placed a kiss upon my face
Then I knew, Oh then I knew
That he won my heart
So I quickly apologized
Hoping he hadn't changed his mind
But not a word did he say
So I turned to walk away
But when the lovelight starts shining through his eyes
Made me realize how he felt inside
And when he placed a kiss upon my face
Then I knew, Oh then I knew
That he won my heart
When he asked could he walk my way
I hoped sweet things he'd say
Instead he smiled kind of nice
As he held my hand kind of tight
But when the lovelight starts shining through his eyes
Made me realize how he felt inside
And when he placed a kiss upon my face
Then I knew, Oh then I knew
That he won my heart
But when the lovelight starts shining through his eyes
Made me realize how he felt inside
And when he placed a kiss upon my face
@peterroor6520
It was their first (small) hit, but regardless all their later super hits, I still think this is their best song ever.
@paulfisher5447
It was as huge hit on the Billboard R&B charts topping at #2
@adotintheshark4848
I agree! "Stop In The Name Of Love" was their breakout hit however.
@paulfisher5447
@@adotintheshark4848 they had three number one hits before "Stop ...."
@jacksonmorganfroghin4815
I concur.
@AngeBiampandou
@@adotintheshark4848 Nope, Where Did Our Love Go was
@stacyfrench2198
I was just a kid with a transistor radio attached to my head.. the electric magic of Motown lives forever... I am so fortunate to have been there at the beginning...I loved that radio... I fell asleep listening to all the talent of Motown!
@TheDonnalovesmusic
Me, too. The transistor and another small radio at bedside - was grateful to have music at our fingertips!
@DavidSelley49
That little radio was a really important part of our young teenage years in the 60s - great music and great memories.
@AnthonysDen
A terrific debut for Diana Ross & her Supremes in 1963…a debut that helped to launch a fantastic girl group band AND lead singer!