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

MINNIE PEARL WALKED ONSTAGE AT THE GRAND OLE OPRY FOR 50 YEARS WITH A $1.98 PRICE TAG ON HER HAT — AND THEN ONE NIGHT, SHE JUST COULDN’T ANYMORE. Here’s something most people don’t think about with Minnie Pearl. That price tag hanging off her straw hat? It wasn’t random. Sarah Cannon — that was her real name — created it as a joke about a country girl too proud of her new hat to take the tag off. And audiences loved it so much that it became the most recognizable prop in country music history. For over fifty years, that tag meant Minnie was here, and everything was going to be fun. So imagine what it felt like when she couldn’t put the hat on anymore. In June 1991, Sarah had a massive stroke. She was 79. And just like that, the woman who hadn’t missed an Opry show in decades was gone from the stage. But here’s what gets me. She didn’t die in 1991. She lived another five years after that stroke, mostly out of the public eye, unable to perform, unable to be “Minnie” the way she’d always been. Her husband Henry Cannon took care of her at their Nashville home. Friends visited, but they said it was hard. The woman who made millions of people laugh couldn’t get through a full conversation some days. Roy Acuff, her old friend from the Opry, kept her dressing room exactly the way she left it. Nobody used it. The hat sat there. She passed on March 4, 1996. And what most people remember is the comedy. The “HOW-DEEE” catchphrase. The big goofy grin. What they don’t remember is that Sarah Cannon was also a serious fundraiser for cancer research. Centennial Medical Center in Nashville named their cancer center after her — not after Minnie, after Sarah. She raised millions and rarely talked about it publicly. There’s a story about the very last time Sarah tried to put on the hat at home, months after the stroke, and what her husband said to her in that moment — it’s the kind of detail that makes you see fifty years of comedy completely differently. Roy Acuff kept Minnie Pearl’s dressing room untouched for years after she left — was that loyalty to a friend, or was he holding a door open for someone he knew was never coming back?