Introduction:
“Someday We’ll Be Together,” released in 1969, is a poignant and enduring ballad by the iconic girl group, The Supremes. The song stands out as the final number one single for the group on the Billboard Hot 100 chart, a remarkable feat that capped off a decade of unprecedented success for the trio and for Motown Records itself.
Composed by the songwriting team of Johnny Bristol, Jackey Beavers, and Harvey Fuqua, “Someday We’ll Be Together” departed from the upbeat and optimistic tone that characterized many of The Supremes’ earlier hits. The song instead explored themes of heartbreak, longing, and perseverance through hardship. Diana Ross, the group’s lead singer, delivered a powerful and soulful vocal performance, imbuing the lyrics with an undeniable sincerity that resonated with listeners.
The production of “Someday We’ll Be Together” was overseen by Johnny Bristol, a former Motown artist turned producer. Bristol’s work on the song eschewed the more elaborate arrangements that had become a hallmark of Motown in the late 1960s. Instead, he opted for a sparser and more intimate soundscape, featuring piano, strings, and understated percussion that placed the focus squarely on Ross’s vocals and the emotional core of the song.
“Someday We’ll Be Together” was released in December of 1969, a time of great social and cultural upheaval in the United States. The song’s message of hope and resilience struck a chord with many listeners who were facing their own challenges. The song quickly ascended the charts, reaching number one on the Billboard Hot 100 and the Billboard R&B charts in early 1970. It also achieved significant international success, becoming a top ten hit in several countries.
“Someday We’ll Be Together” holds a special significance because it coincided with the departure of Diana Ross from The Supremes. Ross had announced her intention to pursue a solo career in late 1969, and “Someday We’ll Be Together” became an unintended farewell anthem for both the group’s original lineup and a pivotal era for Motown Records.
The song’s enduring popularity is a testament to its timeless themes and its powerful delivery. “Someday We’ll Be Together” has been covered by numerous artists over the years, and it continues to be a beloved favorite among fans of soul music and pop music alike.
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Lyrics:
I say it, say it, say it, say it again(Someday, we’ll be together)Oh, yeah, oh, yeah
You’re far away from me my loveAnd just as sure my, my babyAs there are stars aboveI wanna say, wanna say, wanna say
Yes we will, yes we will(Say, someday, we’ll be together) Some sweet dayI know, I know, I know, I know
My love is yours, babyOh, right from the startYou, you, you possess my soul now, honeyAnd I know, I know you own my heartAnd I wanna say
Some sweet dayOh, yes we will, yes we will(Someday, we’ll be together) Tell everybodyYes we will, yes we will
Long time ago, my, my sweet thingI made a big mistake, honeyI, I, I say, I said, goodbyeOh, oh, baby, ever, ever, everEver, ever and ever since that dayAll I wanna do, all I wanna do was cry, cry, oh
Hey, hey, heyI long for you every, every nightOoh, just to kiss your sweet, sweet lips, babyHold you ever, ever so tightAnd I wanna say
Someday we’ll be togetherYes we will, yes we willSomeday we’ll be togetherYes we will, yes we willSomeday we’ll be togetherSomeday we’ll be togetherYes we will, yes we will