About the Song

“Come See About Me” by The Supremes isn’t just a catchy pop song; it’s a quintessential example of 1960s soul music, brimming with infectious energy and heartfelt emotion. Released in 1964, the song became a runaway hit, showcasing the group’s signature sound and propelling them to even greater stardom. But what exactly makes “Come See About Me” such a timeless masterpiece?

Let’s delve into the song’s magic:

  • Catchy Melody: The song opens with a fade-in, a pioneering technique at the time, that sets the stage for the instantly recognizable melody. The upbeat tempo and driving rhythm section create an irresistible groove that practically begs you to move.

  • Powerful Vocals: The Supremes, featuring the legendary Diana Ross, were known for their flawless harmonies and soaring vocals. “Come See About Me” is a prime example of their talent. Each verse and chorus explodes with energy, with Ross’ powerful lead perfectly complemented by the sweet harmonies of Florence Ballard and Mary Wilson.

  • Heartfelt Lyrics: While seemingly simple on the surface, the lyrics of “Come See About Me” capture the universal yearning for love and attention. The narrator, a young woman, expresses her desire for her lover to come see her, hinting at a growing affection and a need for connection. Lines like “Why don’t you call me? Don’t you need me?” are delivered with a playful urgency that resonates with anyone who has ever felt the pangs of young love.

  • Motown Production: “Come See About Me” is a masterclass in Motown production. The legendary “Funk Brothers” rhythm section lays down a solid foundation, while the horns add bursts of playful energy. The overall sound is polished yet raw, perfectly capturing the youthful spirit of the Supremes and the Motown era.

  • Enduring Legacy: “Come See About Me” wasn’t just a hit in 1964; it remains a timeless classic. The song continues to be played on oldies stations, featured in movies and television shows, and sampled by modern artists. Its infectious energy and relatable message ensure that it will continue to capture the hearts of listeners for generations to come.

“Come See About Me” is more than just a song; it’s a cultural touchstone. It represents a time of musical innovation, youthful exuberance, and the undeniable power of Motown soul. So, the next time you hear this iconic song, take a moment to appreciate the flawless vocals, the infectious melody, and the timeless message of love and longing that continues to resonate with listeners today.

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Lyrics: Come See About Me

I’ve been crying (ooh, ooh)
‘Cause I’m lonely (for you)
Smiles have all turned (to tears)
But tears won’t wash away the fearsThat you’re never ever gonna return
To ease the fire that within me burns
It keeps me crying baby for you
Keeps me sighin’ baby for youSo won’t you hurry
Come on boy, see about me
(Come see about me)
See about you baby
(Come see about me)

I’ve given up my friends just for you
My friends are gone and you have too
No peace shall I find
Until you come back and be mine

No matter what you do or say
I’m gonna love you anyway
Keep on crying baby for you
I’m gonna keep sighin’ baby for you

So come on hurry
Come on and see about me
(Come see about me)
See about you baby
(Come see about me)

Sometime’s up (ooh, ooh)
Sometime’s down (ooh, ooh)
My life’s so uncertain (ooh, ooh)
With you not around (ooh, ooh)

From my arms you maybe out of reach
But my heart says you’re here to keep
Keeps me crying baby for you
Keep on, keep on crying baby for you

So won’t you hurry
Come on boy, see about me
(Come see about me)
See about you baby
(Come see about me)

You know I’m so lonely
(Come see about me)
I love you only
(Come see about me)

See about your baby
(Come see about me)
Hurry, hurry
(Come see about me)

You Missed

“I CAN’T JUST LEAVE HER WITHOUT TELLING HER HOW IT IS,” RAY PRICE WHISPERED TO HIS ENGINEER IN THE STUDIO DARKNESS. He didn’t care about the chart positions or the industry accolades that had defined his career since the fifties. He needed the technology to capture a sincerity he had spent decades hiding behind the polish of the Ray Price Sound, ensuring the silence of his house wouldn’t be absolute. Ray Price and Janie Phillips shared a life defined by the rhythmic hum of the honky-tonk circuit and the quiet machinery of the music business. By 2012, however, the terminal weight of pancreatic cancer began to dictate the pace of their days. While the chemotherapy drained the vitality from his frame, Ray insisted on returning to the microphone. He chose a collection of love songs that felt like a long-overdue confession, building them out in a Nashville studio while keeping the project shielded from the one person who had been his professional and personal anchor for decades. Janie was kept at a distance, unaware that the distance was intentional. Ray was crafting a final, hidden correspondence. Each session at the microphone required a monumental effort, a man straining against his own biology to ensure the pitch remained true and the phrasing stayed sharp. He finished the work in October 2013, exhausted but satisfied, calling the record the finest thing he had ever managed to capture. He died in December, before the world ever heard a note. When the record eventually surfaced, Janie found herself standing in the spotlight she had spent forty-three years avoiding. She stepped into the radio stations and the silence of their home, carrying the voice of a man who had finally learned how to say what mattered most once he was no longer there to speak it himself.