About The Song
“You Can’t Hurry Love” is a timeless classic by The Supremes, embodying the polished Motown sound that dominated the 1960s. Written and produced by the celebrated trio Holland-Dozier-Holland, the song captures the anticipation and patience required in love, set against an upbeat and infectious rhythm.
The track marked a triumphant return for the Supremes, following the immense success of their earlier hits. After a brief period where their singles, such as “My World Is Empty Without You,” peaked outside the top spot, “You Can’t Hurry Love” restored them to chart dominance. Within five weeks of release, it climbed to #1 on the Billboard Hot 100 and spent two weeks at the top. It also claimed the #1 spot on the R&B chart for a fortnight.
Background and Legacy
- The song was inspired by the gospel tune “(You Can’t Hurry God) He’s Right on Time”, lending it a spiritual undertone about trust and patience.
- Berry Gordy, the founder of Motown, was famously exacting in his standards, and the success of “You Can’t Hurry Love” underscored the label’s relentless pursuit of excellence.
- Featured on the album The Supremes A’ Go-Go, the song contributed to Motown’s unprecedented success and cemented The Supremes as one of the era’s defining acts.
Cultural Impact
“You Can’t Hurry Love” has become a cultural touchstone, covered by numerous artists, including a notable version by Phil Collins in 1982. Its catchy refrain and timeless message ensure its continued presence on oldies playlists and in popular media.
Lyrics
I need love, love to ease my mind
I need to find, find someone to call mine
But mama said you can’t hurry love
No you just have to wait
She said love don’t come easy
It’s a game of give and take
You can’t hurry love
No, you just have to wait
You gotta trust, give it time
No matter how long it takes
But how many heartaches must I stand
Before I find a love to let me live again
Right now the only thing that keeps me hanging on
When I feel my strength, yeah, it’s almost gone
I remember mama said
No, you just have to wait
She said love don’t come easy
It’s a game of give and take
How long must I wait? How much more can I take?
Before loneliness will ’cause my heart, heart to break
No, I can’t bear to live my life alone
I grow impatient for a love to call my own
But when I feel that I, I can’t go on
These precious words keeps me hanging on
I re member mama said
No, you just have to wait
She said love don’t come easy
It’s a game of give and take
You can’t hurry love
No, you just have to wait
She said trust, give it time
No matter how long it takes (gotta wait)
No love, love don’t come easy
But I keep on waiting, anticipating for that
Soft voice to talk to me at night
For some tender arms to hold me tight
I keep waiting, I keep on waiting (give and take)
But it ain’t easy, it ain’t easy when mama said
You can’t hurry love
No, you just have to wait
She said trust, give it time
No matter how long it takes
You can’t hurry love
No, you just have to wait
She said love don’t come easy
It’s a game of give and take
You can’t hurry love
No, you just have to wait
Mama said just give it timeAdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisement
