The song “Stop! In the Name of Love” by The Supremes is a classic example of Motown Sixties music.

It’s a sad thing to have a two-timer. “Stop! In the Name of Love” was written by Lamont Dozier and the brothers Brian and Eddie Holland, who are among the   Motown songwriters and producers who helped to create and define the Motown sound. The song was an enormous international hit in 1965, going to the #1 spot on the U.S. Billboard Hot 100, the U.S. Cash Box Pop Singles Chart, and in Germany. The song was  #2 on the U.S. R&B Chart, #3 in Canada, and #7 in the U.K. The song was released in 1965 as a single backed with “I’m in Love Again.”  It was also on their 1965 album More Hits by The Supremes, which was their sixth studio album. The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame has included “Stop! In the Name of Love” in its lisst of the “500 Songs that Shaped Rock and Roll.”

Diana Ross is on the lead vocals. Florence Ballard and Mary Wilson provided the background vocals. Instrumentation was by the fabulous Motown session musicians, the Funk Brothers. The Supreme were also known for their performances and choreography. For this song, there would the outstretched arm and the hand gesture to indicate “Stop.”

Here are the lyrics to “Stop! In The Name of Love” by The Supremes:

“Stop in the name of love
Before you break my heart
Baby baby, I’m aware of where you go
Each time you leave my door
I watch you walk down the street
Knowing your other love you’ll meet

But this time before you run to her
Leaving me alone and hurt
(Think it over)
Haven’t I been good to you?
(Think it over)
Haven’t I been sweet to you?

Stop in the name of love
Before you break my heart
Stop in the name of love
Before you break my heart
Think it over
Think it over

I’ve known of your, your secluded nights
I’ve even seen her, maybe one or twice
But is her sweet expression
Worth more than my love and affection?

This time before you leave my arms
And rush off to her charms
(Think it over)
Haven’t I been good to you?
(Think it over)
Haven’t I been sweet to you?

Stop in the name of love
Before you break my heart
Stop in the name of love
Before you break my heart
Think it over
Think it over

I’ve tried so hard, hard to be patient
Hoping you’ll stop this infatuation
But each time you are together
I’m so afraid of losing you forever

Stop in the name of love
Before you break my heart (Baby, think it over)
Stop in the name of love (Think it over, baby)
Before you break my heart (Ooh, think it over, baby)

Stop in the name of love
Before you break my heart
Stop in the name of love
Before you break my heart”

If you are interested in reading about and listening to another song by The Supremes, please click here for “Baby Love.”

Check Out The Groove Pad for More 1960s Music

The Pass the Paisley Groove Pad is a resting stop, a place to chill out and listen to the featured song on the stereo. If the mood strikes you, click on the juke box to access and listen to the 50+ commercial free online songs there. The TV has several channels, with selections updated twice a week. Every now and then, Pass the Paisley hosts an all-request of 1960s and 1970s songs for a Be-In at the juke box in the Groove Pad. Keep on truckin’. Hope you enjoyed “Stop! In the Name of Love” by The Supremes.