About the song
Released in 1968, “The Composer” is a standout track from one of the most influential and beloved groups of the 1960s, The Supremes. The song appeared on their album Reflections, which is notable for showcasing the group’s shift from the earlier, more pop-driven sound to a more mature, introspective style. With “The Composer”, The Supremes, led by the iconic Diana Ross, delve into themes of love, longing, and the emotional complexities that accompany romantic relationships. The song marks a unique moment in the group’s discography, reflecting the growing sophistication of both their sound and lyrical content as they navigated a changing musical landscape.
The song was written by Smokey Robinson, one of Motown’s legendary songwriting and producing talents. Known for his ability to craft deeply emotional and poetic lyrics, Robinson’s influence is immediately felt in “The Composer”, where the narrator speaks of a man whose emotions and feelings are so profound that they are compared to a musical composition. The metaphor of the “composer” becomes a symbol for someone whose life and love are deeply intertwined with their creative and emotional expression. It’s a song about love that is as complex as a symphony, with every gesture, word, and feeling adding to the composition.
In terms of meaning, “The Composer” explores the idea of love as an art form. The narrator sees their lover as a composer, carefully orchestrating each moment of their relationship, with the highs and lows being part of a grand emotional score. The song speaks to the complexities of love, with its ups and downs, its passion, and its quiet moments of reflection. The narrator acknowledges that the “composer” is not always in control, but that the composition of their relationship is always evolving, a beautiful and sometimes chaotic symphony of emotions.
Musically, the track blends the rich, lush harmonies for which The Supremes were known with a more soulful, orchestral arrangement. The lush string section and the sophisticated production provide a perfect backdrop for Diana Ross’s vocal performance, which is both tender and powerful. The emotive quality of Ross’s voice, in particular, brings a depth to the song, imbuing it with a sense of longing and melancholy that mirrors the song’s themes.
“The Composer” is also significant for its social context. Released in the late 1960s, the song reflects the changing dynamics of Motown and American pop music as a whole. By this point, The Supremes had already established themselves as one of the most successful and iconic acts of the 1960s, but with “The Composer,” they were shifting towards a more sophisticated, introspective sound that reflected the complexities of the time. This was a period when the world was changing, politically and socially, and music was increasingly used to express deeper, more nuanced emotions.
The song’s release came at a time when The Supremes were facing increasing pressure to evolve and remain relevant. Their earlier hits like “Baby Love” and “Stop! In the Name of Love” were pop classics, but the group was ready to explore new musical territory. With “The Composer”, they proved that they could do more than just catchy pop tunes—they could deliver a song with emotional depth and complexity. This track foreshadowed a more mature sound that would come to define the later years of The Supremes.
“The Composer” also had an impact on the evolving role of women in popular music. The Supremes, led by Diana Ross, were not just a vocal group—they were cultural icons who represented the growing power and independence of women during the 1960s. The song’s themes of emotional complexity and introspection gave voice to a more empowered and self-aware woman, one who understood the emotional intricacies of love and relationships.
In conclusion, “The Composer” remains one of The Supremes‘ most intriguing and underrated tracks. It is a song that blends the group’s signature style with a more sophisticated, soulful sound, and its themes of love and emotional complexity resonate just as strongly today as they did in 1968. The song not only reflects the artistic growth of The Supremes, but also captures a moment in time when Motown was pushing boundaries and exploring new emotional depths. Whether you are drawn in by the beautiful harmonies, the powerful vocals of Diana Ross, or the timeless message of the song, “The Composer” stands as a testament to the lasting impact of The Supremes and their contribution to the American musical landscape.
Video
Lyrics
You may not know howTo make words rhymeCarry a tune or a clap on time nowYou may have no knowledge of musical thingsBut deep down inside of meYou have created a melodyYou’re the composer of the songThat my heart singsYou may not whatQuarter notes areOr what I mean by Four to the Bar nowSuch musical terms may be Greek to your earsBut deep down inside of meYou have created a melodyYou’re the composer of the songThat my heart hearsNow it’s a tender songIt’s like a rhapsody, a symphonyThis song I find in this heart of mineAnd it’s begging youLet nothing keep us apartOh, my darlingCause you put a song in my heartNow this song that I find in my heart for youEvery lyric and lineI swear it’s trueThe number one song on my personal chartDeep down inside of meYou have created a melodyYou’re the composer of the songThat’s in my heartDeep down inside of meYou have created a symphonyYou’re the composerYou put a song in my heartYou’re the composerYou put a song in my heartYou’re the composerYou put a song in my heart