About the song
“Love Child” by The Supremes is a song that became a powerful anthem of its time, resonating with audiences across generations. Released in 1968, it was part of the album Love Child, which became one of the most successful records for the legendary girl group. The song’s release marked a significant moment in The Supremes’ career, representing not only a musical evolution but also a shift in the group’s social relevance.
The track was written by R. Dean Taylor, Frank Wilson, and Pam Sawyer, and produced by Berry Gordy and the Motown team. Its raw, emotional lyrics and socially conscious themes stand in stark contrast to the sugary, love-drenched hits that characterized The Supremes’ earlier years. Instead of focusing on romantic love, “Love Child” dives into the complex and often painful realities of being born out of wedlock. The song’s narrator is a young woman who speaks to her child about the struggles of growing up without a father and the shame of being labeled a “love child.”
The song’s central theme revolves around the stigma faced by children born outside of marriage. In “Love Child,” the narrator addresses the hardships and social discrimination of being the child of a single mother, living in poverty, and longing for a better life. The emotional depth and societal commentary embedded in the lyrics made the song particularly striking for its time, as it tackled taboo subjects like unwed motherhood, societal judgment, and the desire for a better future.
Musically, “Love Child” marks a departure from the polished pop sound The Supremes were known for in the early to mid-1960s. It’s driven by a dramatic, gospel-infused arrangement and a distinctive Motown beat. The use of a simple yet haunting melody gives the song a sense of urgency and importance. Diana Ross’s vocal delivery, with its blend of vulnerability and strength, captures the desperation and hope expressed in the lyrics. The emotionally charged chorus—“Love child, never meant to be”—echoes with the listener, cementing its place in the social consciousness of the era.
The song had a profound cultural impact. In the late 1960s, social issues such as race, gender, and family structures were topics of intense conversation in America, and “Love Child” became a reflection of the shifting social landscape. It brought to light the realities faced by children born out of wedlock, and by extension, shed light on the challenges of marginalized communities. In a time of great civil unrest and social upheaval, “Love Child” served as an artistic expression of the intersection between personal struggles and societal expectations.
From a commercial perspective, “Love Child” was a major success for The Supremes, reaching No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100, and it became one of their most significant and memorable hits. The song’s success marked the culmination of The Supremes’ transition into a more mature and socially conscious group. It not only reflected the cultural and political climate of the 1960s but also helped elevate The Supremes into an even greater level of artistic recognition.
“Love Child” remains a timeless classic, a song that continues to resonate today. Its exploration of societal judgment, personal hardship, and the desire for a better life speaks to listeners of all ages and backgrounds. The song’s ability to tackle serious social issues with such honesty and emotional depth has solidified its place in music history.
In conclusion, “Love Child” is much more than a pop hit—it is a socially conscious anthem that dared to address the stigmas and struggles faced by many in society. Its success, both musically and culturally, reflects the power of music to challenge the status quo and elevate important conversations. As The Supremes’ transition from pop icons to socially aware artists, “Love Child” became a symbol of their ability to merge entertainment with social change, leaving a lasting legacy in the process.
Video
Lyrics
Started my life in an old, cold, rundown tenement slumMy father left, he never even married momI shared the guilt my mama knewSo afraid that others knew I had no nameYou think that I don’t feel loveWhat I feel for you is real loveIn other’s eyes I see reflected a hurt, scorned, rejectedLove child, never meant to beLove child, born in povertyLove child, never meant to beLove child, take a look at meStarted to school in a worn, torn, dress that somebody threw outI knew the way it felt to always live in doubtTo be without the simple thingsSo afraid my friends would see the guilt in meThis love we’re contemplating, is worth the pain of waitingWe’ll only end up hating the child we may be creatingLove child, never meant to beLove child, societyLove child, always second bestLove child, different from the restHold on, whoa (Mmm baby)Hold on, whoa (Mm-mmh baby)Let me be proudWhat you wishing for means so much with a ring on my handWe’ve come this far, please try your best to understandIf we throw away what we have todayThere’ll be nothing left, no self-respectWhat a price to payDon’t think that I don’t need youDon’t think I don’t want to please youNo child of mine will be bearing the name of shame I’ve been wearin’Love child, love child, never quite as goodAfraid, ashamed, misunderstoodI’ll always love youI’ll always love youI’ll always love youI’ll always love youNever meant to beLove child, take a look, take a lookTake a look at meI’ll always love youI’ll always love youTake a look, take a lookTake a look at meLove child, love childI’ll always love youI’ll always love you