About The Song
Emerging from the vibrant tapestry of 1960s Motown, The Supremes stand as a beacon of soulful harmonies and timeless melodies. Among their enduring gems, “You Can’t Hurry Love” radiates with a poignant tenderness that has captivated listeners for generations. This 1966 masterpiece, penned by the songwriting duo of Lamont Dozier and Brian Holland, encapsulates the complexities of love’s blossoming stages, offering a soothing balm for the impatient heart.
As the song’s opening notes gently caress the ears, Diana Ross’s honeyed vocals weave a tapestry of anticipation, her voice delicately poised between eagerness and acceptance. The lyrics, imbued with a wisdom that belies the singers’ youthful age, paint a vivid portrait of love’s unhurried progression. “Love is like a flower,” Ross croons, “You can’t make it grow,” a metaphor that encapsulates the essence of the song’s message.
The Supremes’ harmonies, a hallmark of their enduring appeal, intertwine seamlessly throughout the track, creating a sonic tapestry that mirrors the song’s emotional depth. Mary Wilson’s soaring soprano complements Ross’s lead vocals, while Cindy Birdsong and Barbara Levias provide a rich, supportive foundation. Together, their voices blend effortlessly, creating a sonic tapestry that perfectly complements the song’s message of patience and understanding.
The song’s instrumentation, characterized by its understated elegance, further enhances the mood of tender anticipation. The gentle strumming of the guitar provides a rhythmic backbone, while the subtle accents of piano and strings add depth and warmth. The overall effect is one of understated sophistication, perfectly complementing the song’s introspective lyrics.
“You Can’t Hurry Love” stands as a testament to the enduring power of Motown’s signature sound, a blend of soulful melodies, heartfelt lyrics, and impeccable harmonies. The song’s message of patience and understanding resonates deeply with listeners of all ages, offering a comforting reminder that love, like a delicate flower, should be allowed to blossom in its own time. As Ross concludes with the tender affirmation, “Baby, love will come along,” we are left with a profound sense of hope and reassurance, enveloped in the warm embrace of The Supremes’ harmonious embrace.
Video
Lyrics
🎵 Let’s sing along with the lyrics! 🎤
I need love, love
To ease my mind
I need to find, find someone to call mine
But mama said
You can’t hurry love
No, you just have to wait
She said love don’t come easy
It’s a game of give and take
You can’t hurry love
No, you just have to wait
You got to trust, give it time
No matter how long it takes
But how many heartaches
Must I stand before I find a love
To let me live again
Right now the only thing
That keeps me hangin’ on
When I feel my strength, yeah
It’s almost gone
I remember mama said:
You can’t hurry love
No, you just have to wait
She said love don’t come easy
It’s a game of give and take
How long must I wait
How much more can I take
Before loneliness will cause my heart
Heart to break?
No I can’t bear to live my life alone
I grow impatient for a love to call my own
But when I feel that I, I can’t go on
These precious words keeps me hangin’ on
I remember mama said:
You can’t hurry love
No, you just have to wait
She said love don’t come easy
It’s a game of give and take
You can’t hurry love
No, you just have to wait
She said trust, give it time
No matter how long it takes
No, love, love don’t come easy
But I keep on waiting
Anticipating for that soft voice
To talk to me at night
For some tender arms
To hold me tight
I keep waiting
I keep on waiting
But it ain’t easy
It ain’t easy
But mama said:
You can’t hurry love
No, you just have to wait
She said to trust, give it time
No matter how long it takes
You can’t hurry love
No, you just have to wait
She said love don’t come easy
It’s a game of give and take