The Supremes – You Can’t Hurry Love

About the song

There are songs that capture a moment in time, and there are songs that transcend time. “You Can’t Hurry Love,” originally performed by the iconic Motown group The Supremes, undeniably falls into the latter category. Released in 1966, this soulful ballad has become a timeless classic, resonating with audiences across generations.

Penned by the legendary songwriting trio Holland-Dozier-Holland, “You Can’t Hurry Love” offers a timeless message about the complexities of romantic relationships. The lyrics, filled with longing and patience, perfectly encapsulate the universal experience of falling in love. The song’s infectious melody and the Supremes’ harmonious vocals made it an instant hit, topping the Billboard Hot 100 chart and solidifying the group’s status as one of the most successful female vocal groups of all time.

The enduring appeal of “You Can’t Hurry Love” was further cemented when Phil Collins released his cover version in 1982. Collins’ rendition, with its updated production and heartfelt vocals, injected new life into the song and introduced it to a new generation of listeners. The cover reached number one on the UK Singles Chart and became a significant hit in the United States as well, proving that the song’s message was as relevant as ever.

Decades after its initial release, “You Can’t Hurry Love” continues to be celebrated as a musical masterpiece. Its inclusion in numerous “best of” lists, including Billboard’s 100 Greatest Girl Group Songs of All Time, is a testament to its lasting impact. The song’s enduring popularity can be attributed to its relatable lyrics, catchy melody, and the timeless quality of its message. Whether you’re a longtime fan of Motown or a newcomer to the genre, “You Can’t Hurry Love” is a song that will undoubtedly leave a lasting impression.

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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

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
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 remember mama said

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
She said trust, give it time
No matter how long it takes

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
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 can’t