About The Song
“Someday We’ll Be Together,” a soulful ballad by Diana Ross & The Supremes, stands as a poignant testament to enduring love and the promise of reconciliation. Released in 1969, the song captured a complex moment in American history, resonating with listeners facing separation – from romantic breakups to the social and political divisions of the time.
Background: A Farewell Song for a Changing Era
“Someday We’ll Be Together” emerged during a period of transition for both The Supremes and the Motown record label. Diana Ross, the group’s lead singer, was preparing for a solo career. The song, though credited to the trio of Johnny Bristol, Jackey Beavers, and Harvey Fuqua, was reportedly written with Ross’ upcoming departure in mind.
Motown itself was undergoing a shift. The “girl group” sound, which The Supremes had perfected, was evolving into a more psychedelic and socially conscious brand of soul music. “Someday We’ll Be Together” reflected this change, incorporating a fuller orchestration with strings and horns alongside the group’s signature tight harmonies.
The song’s release date also held significance. December 1969 marked the turbulent tail end of a tumultuous decade. The Vietnam War raged on, the Civil Rights Movement continued its fight for equality, and the assassination of Martin Luther King Jr. still loomed large. “Someday We’ll Be Together” offered a message of hope amidst the social and political unrest.
Musical Style: Soul with a Pop Sensibility
“Someday We’ll Be Together” blends the rich textures of soul music with a pop sensibility that ensured its widespread appeal. The song opens with a melancholic piano melody, setting the stage for Ross’s expressive vocals. The Supremes’ signature harmonies provide a comforting counterpoint, weaving a tapestry of longing and optimism.
The instrumentation builds subtly throughout the song. Drums and bass create a steady groove, while strings and horns swell during the powerful chorus. This dynamic arrangement adds depth and drama to the emotional core of the song.
Despite its soulful roots, “Someday We’ll Be Together” incorporates pop sensibilities that made it readily accessible to a broad audience. The song’s structure is straightforward, with a catchy melody and a sing-along chorus. This accessibility, coupled with the undeniable power of Ross’s vocals, propelled the song to the top of the charts.
Lyrics: A Message of Hope and Persistence
The lyrics of “Someday We’ll Be Together” are deceptively simple yet emotionally resonant. The song’s central theme revolves around the promise of reconciliation after separation.
The opening lines paint a picture of physical distance: “You’re far away, across the miles / There’s longing in my heart for your smiles.” The singer expresses her unwavering belief in a future reunion, repeating the hopeful refrain, “Someday we’ll be together.”
The lyrics delve deeper, hinting at the reasons for the separation. Lines like “There may be hurt, there may be pride / But baby, deep inside, we can’t hide / There’s too much love, there’s too much need” suggest a conflict that has caused a temporary rift.
Despite the acknowledgment of challenges, the song remains optimistic. The repetition of “Someday” emphasizes the singer’s unwavering faith in the future. The final lines, “And until then, I’ll dream of you / And the love we knew,” offer a sense of solace and determination.
The beauty of the lyrics lies in their universality. While the song may have been written about a romantic relationship, the message of hope and enduring love resonates with anyone facing separation, be it temporary or permanent.
Cultural Impact: A Song for All Seasons
“Someday We’ll Be Together” transcended its status as a pop hit to become a cultural touchstone. The song’s enduring message of hope resonated with listeners across generations and social divides.
The song’s cultural impact is evident in its countless covers by artists ranging from Marvin Gaye and Jerry Butler to Gladys Knight and Etta James. Each rendition added a new layer of interpretation, solidifying the song’s place in the American musical landscape.
“Someday We’ll Be Together” has also played a significant role in film and television. The song has been featured in numerous movies and TV shows, soundtracking scenes of separation, reconciliation, and unwavering hope.
The song’s enduring popularity is a testament to its ability to capture a universal human experience. The desire for connection and the promise of a brighter future are themes that continue to resonate with listeners today.
Video
Lyrics
🎵 Let’s sing along with the lyrics! 🎤
Ooo,
Woo-ooo,
Yeah,
Ooo,
Someday (Uh huh) we’ll be together
We’ll be together
Yeah,
You’re far away
From me my love (My baby)
And just as sure my, my baby
As there are stars above
I wanna say, wanna say, wanna say
Someday (Someday!) we’ll be together
(We’ll be, we’ll be together, yeah)
Someday (Someday!) we’ll be together
(We’ll be together, oh yeah)
My love is yours, baby
Oh, right from the stars (Oo, oo, oo)
You, you, you posses my soul now honey (Possess my soul now honey)
And I know, I know you own my heart
And I wanna say
Someday (Someday!) we’ll be together
(We’re gonna be together, be together, baby!)
(Someday)
We’ll be together (We’ll be together, oh!)
Long time ago
My, my sweet thing
I made a big mistake, honey
I say I said goodbye
Oh, oh baby
Ever, (Ever) ever, ever, ever, and ever (Ever)
Ever since that day (Every since that day)
(All I wanna do)
Now, now all I, all I wanna do is
(All I wanna do is)
Oh is cry, (Cry) cry, (Cry) ([with the Choir:]Â cry!)
Hey,
I long for you (Oh, baby) every, every night
Woo, just to kiss your sweet, sweet lips,
Baby,
(Kiss your sweet lips)
Hold you ever, ever so tight
(And I wanna say)
And I wanna say
Someday (Oh!) (We’ll be together)
(Yeah!)
Someday (Someday)
We’ll be together (Oh we’ll be together, yes we will!)
Someday (Someday) we’ll be together (Oooh, oh, oh, oh, no!)
Someday, we’ll be together!