About the song
“Where Did Our Love Go” stands as an enduring anthem of the 1960s, immortalized by the powerhouse trio, the Supremes. Released in 1964 under the Motown label, this track marked a pivotal moment not just in the group’s career but also in the trajectory of American popular music.
Crafted by Motown’s famed production team Holland-Dozier-Holland, the song was originally intended for another group but found its perfect fit with the Supremes. Despite initial reservations from the group members, who felt it lacked the punch of their previous hits, the track showcased a softer, more soulful side that would captivate audiences worldwide.
Led by the unmistakable voice of Diana Ross, whose delivery in a lower register was a departure from her usual style, the song’s production was meticulous. Backed by Mary Wilson and Florence Ballard, whose harmonies added depth and texture, the Supremes transformed the track into a poignant reflection on love lost.
Upon its release, “Where Did Our Love Go” swiftly ascended the charts, claiming the number one spot on the Billboard Hot 100 and the Cash Box R&B singles chart. Its success was not just commercial; it resonated culturally, earning a place in the National Recording Registry for its profound impact.
The song’s timing was serendipitous, arriving amidst a period of societal upheaval in the United States, including the aftermath of John F. Kennedy’s assassination and the Civil Rights Act of 1964. Its infectious rhythm and melancholic lyrics struck a chord with listeners, becoming a beacon of hope and reflection during turbulent times.
Beyond its initial acclaim, “Where Did Our Love Go” has endured through countless covers and accolades. From its inclusion in the Supremes’ album of the same name to being transmitted into space during the Gemini 5 mission, its legacy continues to resonate.
With its blend of soulful vocals, masterful production, and timeless lyrics, “Where Did Our Love Go” remains a testament to the Supremes’ influence on music history. It not only defined an era but also paved the way for the group’s unprecedented string of chart-toppers and cemented their status as icons of Motown and beyond.
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Lyrics
Baby, baby
Baby don’t leave me
Ooh, please don’t leave me
All by myself
I’ve got this burnin’, burnin
Yearnin’ feelin’ inside me
Ooh, deep inside me
And it hurts so bad
You came into my heart (Baby, baby)
So tenderly (Where did our love go?)
With a burning love (Baby, baby)
That stings like a bee (Baby, baby)
(Ooh baby, baby)
Now that I surrender (Baby, baby)
So helplessly (Where did our love go?)
You now wanna leave (Baby, baby)
Ooh, you wanna leave me (Baby, baby)
Ooh, baby, baby (Baby, baby)
Where did our love go?
Ooh, don’t you want me? (Baby, baby)
Don’t you want me no more? (Baby, baby)
Ooh, baby (Ooh baby, baby)
Baby, baby
Where did our love go?
And all of your promisses (Baby, baby)
Of a love forever more (Baby, baby)(Ooh baby, baby)
I’ve got this burnin’, burnin’ (Baby, baby)
Yearnin’ feelin’ inside me (Where did our love go?)
Ooh, deep inside me (Baby, baby)
And it hurts so bad (Baby, baby)(Ooh baby, baby)
Before you won my heart (Baby, baby)
You were a perfect guy (Where did our love go?)
But now that you got me (Baby, baby)
You wanna leave me behind (Baby, baby)
Ooh, baby, baby (Baby, baby)
Baby don’t leave me (Where did our love go?)
Ooh, please don’t leave me (Baby, baby)
All by myself (Baby, baby)
Ooh, baby, baby (Baby, baby)
Where did our love go?