About the song
“You Can’t Hurry Love” is a landmark song, not just for The Supremes, but for Motown Records and the entire landscape of popular music. Released in 1966, the song captured the hearts of listeners with its infectious melody, relatable lyrics, and powerful vocals by Diana Ross.
This wasn’t just another teen pop tune for The Supremes. “You Can’t Hurry Love” marked a turning point, showcasing their evolving sound towards a more mature style. The song offered a message of patience and hope for love, with a young woman yearning for a special someone while her mother reminds her, “You can’t hurry love / You just have to wait.” This sentiment, deeply rooted in gospel music tradition, resonated with audiences across generations.
Composed by the legendary Motown production team Holland-Dozier-Holland, “You Can’t Hurry Love” became an instant classic. It topped the Billboard Hot 100 chart in the United States and became one of The Supremes’ signature songs. The song’s success extended beyond the US, reaching the top five in the UK and the top 10 in Australia.
The enduring popularity of “You Can’t Hurry Love” is further evidenced by Phil Collins’ successful cover in 1982, which reached number one in the UK. Both versions of the song have been recognized for their cultural significance, with The Supremes’ original included in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame’s prestigious list of 500 Songs that Shaped Rock and Roll.
“You Can’t Hurry Love” is more than just a catchy song; it’s a timeless message about love, patience, and the power of hope. From the soulful vocals and instrumentation to the relatable lyrics, this song continues to resonate with listeners today.
Video
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 gotta 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 hanging on
When I feel my strength, yeah, it’s almost gone
I remember mama said
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 hanging on
I remember mama said
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 (gotta wait)
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 (give and take)
But it ain’t easy, it ain’t easy when mama said
You can’t hurry love
No, you just have to wait
She said 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
You can’t hurry love
No, you just have to wait
Mama said just give it time