You Can’t Hurry Love – The Supremes

About the Song

Ah, “You Can’t Hurry Love”, a song so infectious it practically bursts from the speakers. This 1966 Motown gem by the legendary Supremes is more than just a toe-tapping tune; it’s a timeless anthem about love’s natural rhythm and the futility of forcing its pace.

Written and produced by the legendary Holland-Dozier-Holland team, “You Can’t Hurry Love” captured the youthful energy and independent spirit of the mid-60s. The Supremes, with their powerhouse vocals and undeniable charisma, delivered a message that resonated with young women yearning for love on their own terms.

The song opens with a playful declaration: “Baby, baby, baby, love isn’t something you can buy.” This sets the stage for a lighthearted but firm message – love develops organically and can’t be rushed. The Supremes, particularly the lead vocals of Diana Ross, seamlessly weave playful teasing with a touch of impatience, urging a potential love interest to let things unfold naturally.

“You Can’t Hurry Love” isn’t just about waiting for love to blossom; it’s a celebration of self-worth and knowing your value. The lyrics, delivered with the signature Supremes sass, remind us that true love will come when the time is right, and settling for anything less simply isn’t an option.

Musically, the song is a quintessential Motown masterpiece. The driving beat, courtesy of the famed Funk Brothers, keeps your feet moving, while the sparkling instrumentation and the signature Supremes harmonies create a joyous soundscape that perfectly complements the message.

“You Can’t Hurry Love” transcended its time. It topped the Billboard Hot 100 chart in 1966 and has become a cultural touchstone. Covered by countless artists and featured in countless films and TV shows, it remains a favorite for weddings (a reminder that good things come to those who wait) and breakups (a gentle nudge that forcing something isn’t the answer).

The Supremes’ “You Can’t Hurry Love” is a timeless classic that continues to resonate with listeners today. It’s a reminder that love has its own rhythm, and sometimes the best things in life are worth waiting for.

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Lyrics: “You Can’t Hurry Love”

I need love, love
To ease my mind
I need to find, find someone to call mine
But mama saidYou 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
[repeat and fade]