Song Spotlight: “You Can’t Hurry Love”
- Mood: Optimistic
- Themes: Advice, Motown
- Tempo: Upbeat
- Genre/Style: Soul/R&B
The Supremes formed as a group in 1959, with the original name of The Primettes. They were one of the most commercially successful Motown groups and were America’s most successful vocal group, with a total of twelve number one singles. They reached the peak of their stardom in the 1960s, rivaling the Beatles in their popularity across the globe. “You Can’t Hurry Love” was released in 1966 and was one of their number one hits. Not only did The Supremes dazzle the crowds with their beautiful voices and grace, they had a notable glamorous fashion style with gorgeous gowns and stylish beehives.
This song features motherly advice to not rush into things and to have patience for things to happen as they should.
Here are some of the lyrics:
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
This is a great song to use in a 1:1 setting or group and would go well with a collection of songs about advice or songs from Motown. It can be used as a transition into group discussion, an opportunity for musical engagement, movement and more.
Try This:
Theme: This song would fit well into a collection of songs about advice or songs from Motown. Other complementary songs may include “Que Sera, Sera,” “Stop in the Name of Love,” and “Mama Said.”
Encourage the group to discuss different words of advice or mottos that resonate with them.
Look at photos of different performances of the Supremes and the gowns they wore, or watch a video of their performances.
Movement: Move along to this up beat song and change movements during verses and on the chorus.
Add percussion instruments and with extra emphasis on the phrase, “you can’t hurry love, you just have to wait.”
For more song spotlights, visit our Song Spotlights page.