The Supremes and the Rise of Motown
Before diving into the song, it’s essential to understand the cultural context in which The Supremes rose to fame. Formed in Detroit in 1959, The Supremes originally started as The Primettes and consisted of Diana Ross, Mary Wilson, and Florence Ballard. They were discovered by Berry Gordy, founder of Motown Records, who signed them to his label in 1961. Gordy’s vision for Motown was to create music that could cross racial boundaries and appeal to both Black and white audiences during a time of significant social upheaval in America.
The Supremes would become the most successful Motown act of the 1960s, with a string of chart-topping hits that helped define the “Motown Sound”—a blend of pop, soul, and rhythm and blues. With their elegant style, polished performances, and timeless melodies, The Supremes became household names and paved the way for future generations of female artists.
“Come See About Me” was one of the key songs in this journey, released at a pivotal moment in the group’s career.
The Story Behind “Come See About Me”
“Come See About Me” was written and produced by the legendary songwriting and production team of Holland-Dozier-Holland, who were responsible for many of Motown’s biggest hits, including several of The Supremes’ most famous songs. The trio—composed of Brian Holland, Lamont Dozier, and Eddie Holland—had a gift for crafting catchy, emotionally resonant songs that appealed to a wide audience, and “Come See About Me” was no exception.
The song was recorded as part of The Supremes’ Where Did Our Love Go album, which was released in 1964. By this time, The Supremes were already enjoying success with hits like “Baby Love” and “Where Did Our Love Go,” and “Come See About Me” only added to their growing momentum.
Lyrically, the song tells the story of a woman who is feeling abandoned and heartbroken, pleading with her lover to come back to her. The chorus, “Come see about me,” is a direct plea for attention and affection, a simple but powerful expression of longing and vulnerability. The theme of love and heartbreak was a common one in pop music, but The Supremes and their songwriting team had a way of making these emotions feel both universal and deeply personal.
Musical Composition: The Motown Magic
Musically, “Come See About Me” is a perfect example of the polished, tightly produced sound that became Motown’s trademark. The song opens with a driving rhythm, courtesy of The Funk Brothers, Motown’s in-house band, whose work formed the backbone of countless hits. The bassline and tambourine create a sense of urgency, mirroring the emotional intensity of the lyrics.
Diana Ross’s lead vocals are soft but assertive, with just the right amount of vulnerability to convey the emotional weight of the song. Ross had a unique ability to sing about heartache without sounding overly dramatic, and this quality is on full display in “Come See About Me.” Her delivery is both understated and impactful, drawing the listener into the narrative of the song.
Mary Wilson and Florence Ballard provide tight harmonies that add depth to the track, especially in the chorus. Their voices blend seamlessly with Ross’s lead, creating the rich, layered sound that became synonymous with The Supremes. The harmonies, combined with the crisp instrumentation, give the song a fullness that makes it stand out, even among The Supremes’ other hits.
One of the most distinctive features of “Come See About Me” is its upbeat tempo, which contrasts with the more somber theme of the lyrics. While the song is about heartache, it has an infectious rhythm that makes it feel lively and danceable. This juxtaposition of sorrow and energy is part of what made the song so appealing—it was relatable, but also fun.
Lyrical Themes: A Cry for Love and Attention
At its core, “Come See About Me” is a song about longing and emotional need. The protagonist is pleading with her lover to return, emphasizing her feelings of loneliness and abandonment. The repeated line “I’ve been crying, baby, baby” is both an expression of her pain and a direct appeal for comfort and reassurance.
The lyrics paint a picture of vulnerability, but there’s also a sense of determination in the song’s tone. The woman isn’t giving up on her relationship—instead, she’s asking for what she needs, which is her partner’s presence and attention. This duality, the combination of vulnerability and strength, makes the song resonate with listeners on a deeper level. It’s not just a lament for lost love, but a plea for connection.
The simplicity of the lyrics is part of their power. The chorus is repetitive, but that repetition reinforces the emotional message of the song: the speaker’s desire for her lover’s return is unwavering and all-consuming.
Chart Success and Cultural Impact
“Come See About Me” was a massive commercial success, becoming The Supremes’ third consecutive number-one hit on the Billboard Hot 100 in the United States. The song solidified The Supremes’ position as one of the most popular acts in America and marked a period where the group could seemingly do no wrong, as hit after hit climbed the charts.
Beyond its chart performance, “Come See About Me” had a significant cultural impact. The Supremes were trailblazers, breaking down racial barriers in a segregated America. Their music appealed to a broad audience, and their polished image and glamorous style made them cultural icons. The success of “Come See About Me” and their other hits helped pave the way for Black artists to achieve mainstream success in the predominantly white pop music industry of the 1960s.
The song’s appeal was not limited to America, either. “Come See About Me” also charted internationally, reflecting The Supremes’ global reach and the universal appeal of their music.
Why “Come See About Me” Endures
Decades after its release, “Come See About Me” remains a beloved song, and for good reason. The combination of its catchy melody, tight production, and emotional depth has ensured its place as a timeless classic. The song speaks to the universal experience of love, heartache, and the desire for reconciliation, making it relatable to listeners of all ages and backgrounds.
Moreover, “Come See About Me” exemplifies the best of Motown: it’s a perfect blend of pop accessibility and soulful depth. The song is easy to sing along to, but its emotional undercurrent gives it lasting power. It’s a reminder of why The Supremes became one of the most important musical acts of the 1960s and why their influence continues to be felt today.
Conclusion
“Come See About Me” by The Supremes is a quintessential Motown hit that showcases the group’s incredible vocal talent, the songwriting brilliance of Holland-Dozier-Holland, and the timeless appeal of the Motown sound. It’s a song that captures the pain of longing and the hope for love’s return, all wrapped in an irresistible melody that has kept it relevant for generations.
As one of The Supremes’ signature hits, “Come See About Me” stands as a testament to the power of music to convey deep emotions and connect with listeners on a profound level. More than just a hit single, it’s a piece of pop history that continues to inspire and resonate with fans around the world.
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Lyrics
I’ve been crying (ooh, ooh)
‘Cause I’m lonely (for you)
Smiles have all turned (to tears)
But tears won’t wash away the fears
That you’re never ever gonna return
To ease the fire that within me burns
It keeps me crying, baby, for you
Keeps me sighin’, baby, for you
So won’t you hurry
Come on boy, see about me (come see about me)
See about your baby (come see about me)
I’ve given up my friends just (for you)
My friends are gone and you have too
No peace shall I find
Until you come back and be mine
No matter what you do or say
I’m gonna love you anyway
Keep on crying, baby, for you
I’m gonna keep sighin’, baby, for you
So come on hurry
Come on and see about me (come see about me)
See about your baby (come see about me)
Sometime’s up (up, ooh ooh)
Sometime’s down
My life’s so uncertain
With you not around
From my arms you may be out of reach
But my heart says you’re here to keep
Keeps me crying, baby, for you
Keep on, keep on crying, baby, for you
So won’t you hurry
Come on boy, see about me (come see about me)
See about your baby (come see about me)
You know I’m so lonely (come see about me)
I love you only (come see about me)
See about your baby (come see about me)
Hurry, hurry (come see about me)