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.

Without a Song
The Supremes Lyrics

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Without a song the day would never end
Without a song the road would never bend
When things go wrong a man ain't got a friend
Without a song
That field of corn would never see a plow
That field of corn would be deserted now
A man is born but he's no good no how
Without a song

I got my trouble and woe but, sure as I know, the Jordan will roll
And I'll get along as long as a song, strong in my soul
I'll never know what makes the rain to fall
I'll never know what makes that grass so tall
I only know there ain't no love at all
Without a song
I've-a got my trouble and woe and, sure as I know, the Jordan will roll
And I'll get along as long as a song, strong in my soul
I'll-a never know what makes that rain to fall
I'll never know what makes the grass so tall

I only know there ain't no love at all
Without a song

Overall Meaning

The Supremes' song "Without A Song" showcases the importance of music in everyday life. The song explains that without music, life would be dull and monotonous. The lyrics suggest that music is more than just entertainment or a hobby; it's a fundamental aspect of human existence.

The song is about the power of music to connect people and provide comfort during difficult times. The line "When things go wrong a man ain't got a friend, without a song" suggests that music can provide solace when friends or family are not available to help. The song acknowledges that life is full of obstacles and challenges, but music can act as a constant source of strength.

The repeated line "I'll get along as long as a song, strong in my soul" reinforces the idea that music can help people overcome adversity. The song suggests that music can be a universal language that is understood by all, regardless of race, gender, or culture. It suggests that music can be a unifying force that brings people together.

Overall, "Without A Song" is a beautiful tribute to the power of music in our lives. It reminds us that even when everything else seems to fail, we can always turn to music for solace and strength.

Line by Line Meaning

Without a song the day would never end
A song gives the day its rhythm and brings it to a close

Without a song the road would never bend
A song adds variety and spontaneity to life's journey

When things go wrong a man ain't got a friend
When a man faces adversity, he can always rely on music to comfort and uplift him

That field of corn would never see a plow
Music motivates and inspires people to work hard and cultivate the land

That field of corn would be deserted now
Without music, people would lose their connection to the land and give up on farming

A man is born but he's no good no how
A person without music in their life lacks purpose and direction

I got my trouble and woe but, sure as I know, the Jordan will roll
Despite life's difficulties, music offers hope and faith for a better tomorrow

And I'll get along as long as a song, strong in my soul
Music provides strength and resilience to face life's challenges

I'll never know what makes the rain to fall
There are mysteries in life that cannot be explained, but music can still offer solace

I'll never know what makes that grass so tall
Even without understanding the mysteries of life, music offers comfort and joy

I only know there ain't no love at all
Love is essential to life, and music is one of its most powerful expressions

Lyrics © BMG Rights Management, Universal Music Publishing Group, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Songtrust Ave, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: Edward Eliscu, Billy Rose, Vincent Youmans

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind

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