The Supremes – The Happening: A Pop Anthem Captures the Swinging Sixties
Ah, The Supremes. The very name conjures images of shimmering gowns, flawless harmonies, and a sound that defined an era.
Nestled amongst their treasure trove of hits, “The Happening” stands out as a vibrant snapshot of the swinging sixties, a pop confection that seamlessly blends infectious energy with a touch of social commentary.
Background
Released in 1967, “The Happening” marked a pivotal moment in The Supremes’ trajectory. They were transitioning from the songwriting trio of Holland-Dozier-Holland, who had penned many of their earlier successes, towards a more diversified sound.
However, this single still bore the hallmarks of their signature style – Diana Ross’ soaring vocals taking center stage, backed by the ever-supportive Florence Ballard and Mary Wilson.
Interestingly, the song wasn’t originally intended for The Supremes. It was written for the film of the same name, a quirky comedy starring Anthony Quinn and Faye Dunaway.
The film itself wasn’t a major success, but the song, with its catchy melody and optimistic spirit, resonated with audiences.
The lyrics, co-written by Brian Holland, Lamont Dozier, Eddie Holland, and film composer Frank DeVol, capture the youthful exuberance and carefree spirit of the times. Lines like “There’s a brand new beat in the street” and “Let the good times roll” evoke a sense of excitement and anticipation for what the future holds.
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Lyrics
🎵 Let’s sing along with the lyrics! 🎤
Hey, life, look at meI can see the reality‘Cause when you shook me, took me out of my worldI woke upSuddenly I just woke up to the happeningWhen you find that you left the future behind‘Cause when you got a tender loveYou don’t take care ofThen you better beware of the happening
One day you’re up, then you turn aroundYou find your world is tumbling downIt happened to me, and it can happen to you
I was sure, I felt secureUntil love took a detourYeah, riding high on top of the worldIt happened, suddenly it just happenedI saw my dreams fall apartWhen love walked away from my heartAnd when you lose that precious love you needTo guide youSomething happens inside you, the happening
Now I see life for what it isIt’s not all dreams, ooh, it’s not all blissIt happened to me and it can happen to you
OnceOoh, and then it happenedOoh, and then it happenedOoh, and then it happenedOoh, and then it happened
Is it real, is it fakeIs this game of life a mistake?‘Cause when I lost the love I thought was mineFor certain, suddenly I started hurtingI saw the light too lateWhen that fickle finger of fateYeah, came and broke my pretty balloonI woke upSuddenly I just woke up to the happening
So sure, I felt secureUntil love took a detour‘Cause when you got a tender love you don’tTake care of, then you better beware of