About the Song
Background
- Released in 1968, “Love Child” was the title track and second single from The Supremes’ fifteenth studio album of the same name.
- It marked a turning point for the group as it was their first album without songs written and produced by the legendary Holland-Dozier-Holland team.
- Berry Gordy, head of Motown, sought out various writers within the label to create fresh material for the Supremes.
- “Love Child” became a critical and commercial success, reaching number one on the Billboard Hot 100 and selling over 2 million copies by the end of 1968.
Themes
- While seemingly upbeat on the surface, “Love Child” tackles the complex social issue of children born out of wedlock.
- The lyrics explore the societal judgment and stigma often faced by unwed mothers and their children.
- Despite the challenges, the song offers a message of hope and acceptance.
Lyrics
The song opens with Diana Ross singing:
I was born out of wedlock, a child of scorn The world sneered and called me names, but I wasn’t born To suffer shame
The lyrics go on to express the desire for acceptance and belonging:
I just want to be loved for who I am Not judged by the mistakes of someone else, you see I’m a child of love, that’s all I can be
The Supremes, known for their powerful vocals and catchy melodies, deliver a message of resilience and hope in “Love Child.”
Video
Lyric
Tenement slumOoh, ooh, ooh, ooh, oohAhhhhh
You think that I don’t feel loveBut what I feel for you is real loveIn other’s eyes I see reflectedA hurt, scorned, rejected
Love child, never meant to beLove child, born in povertyLove child, never meant to beLove child, take a look at me
Started my lifeIn an old, cold run down tenement slum (Tenement slum)My father left, he never even married momI shared the guilt my mama knewSo afraid that others knew I had no nameAhhhh, ah
This love we’re contemplatingIsn’t worth the pain of waitingWe’ll only end up hatingThe child we maybe creating
Love child, never meant to beLove child, (scorned by) societyLove child, always second bestLove child, different from the rest (Hold on, hold on, just a little bit)Mm, baby (Hold on, hold on, just a little bit)Mm, baby (Hold on, hold on, just a little bit)
I started schoolIn a worn, torn dress that somebody threw out(Somebody threw out)I knew the way it felt, to always live in doubtTo be without the simple thingsSo afraid my friends would see the guilt in meAhhh, ah
Don’t think that I don’t need youDon’t think I don’t wanna please youBut no child of mine’ll be bearingThe name of shame I’ve been wearing
Love child, love child, never quite as goodAfraid, ashamed, misunderstood
But I’ll always love you (Love child)I’ll always love you (Just a little bit longer)I’ll always love you (Wait, wait, won’t you wait, just hold on)I’ll always love you (Just a little bit longer, love child)I’ll always love you (Wait, wait, won’t you wait, just hold on)I’ll always love you (Just a little bit longer)