Song of the Week: The Supremes

Yes, Dreamgirls does have some elements in common with the chronos associated with The Supremes, but it is not the fictionalized story of The Supremes. It has a lot to say about Crossover Rhythm 'n' Blues and the history of Popular Music in The United States of the mid-20th century. There is something that Pop Music historians are fond of referring to as the Girl Group Sound, which in reality was much more than that. However one wishes to define that era in American Pop Music, it is definitely something that fell in the wake of not only the so called British Invasion but also in the wake of the ascendancy of Motown and Atlantic Record's eclectic R'n'B. The Dreams represent the story of many a performer who was also the stellar result of production, songwriting and marketing in addition to raw talent. The Supremes and The Dreamettes are very different. Effie is not Florence Ballard, yet, as different as they are, so many parallels can be drawn and the fictionalized version does draw on the similarities no matter how much protest there is.

Before delving into too many intricate details, it will suffice to let you know that The Song of the Week comes from what is arguably the best of the albums recorded by the original Supremes before the group became a vehicle for Diana Ross' stardom. Goin' Down for the Third Time is quite different from what is usually associated with their sound, but it is a rousing piece of music. It might have been more appropriate for a grittier lead vocalist -- perhaps Florence, or even Martha Reeves -- but Ross gives it her all. It is also obviously a recording that uses all three women rather than stand-ins.

It is rather a song that Effie and the Dreams might have given an even better rendition, but that's a forum for another day.

Save me! Save me, save me!
Save me! Save me, save me!

I'm going down, down for the third time
I'm going down, down for the third time
Drowning in tears from my heart that's hurting
Drowning in tears from a love that's uncertain.

I'm lost in a world without love, a sea of emptyness
The love we knew is being washed away
Don't think I can last, my heart is sinking fast.

I'm going down, down for the third time
Trying to hold on to a love that's gone
Drowning in the love that keeps me breathing
Drowning in the fear that my arms you're leaving.

Bring back that love we knew
Darling let me live again
A little tenderness to me start showing
Fill my heart with love till it's overflowing.

I'm going down, down for the third time
Trying to hold on to a love that's gone
I'm going down, down for the third time
So won? you save this heart of mine.

Going down, down for the third time
Going down, down for the third time
I'm like a ship all alone on a raging sea
You got me tossing and a-turning
And I can't get free.

Reach out your hand for me
Darling, save what's left of our love
I'll forgive your lies and alibies
If you'll wipe my crying eyes.

I'm going down, down for the third time
So won't you save this heart of hime
I've loved too long, I love too strong
Now little boy you know you're doing me wrong
Come on and save me
Come on and save me
Come on and save me
I'm going down, down for the third time.

(Brian Holland/Lamont Dozier/Edward Holland, Jr.)