Nathan Jones

Album: Touch (1971)
Charted: 5 16
Play Video

Songfacts®:

  • In the tale of this song, the woman's lover (the title role) left her a long time ago "to ease [his] mind" and needed "just a little time." After he hasn't communicated with her for all that time during the separation, the woman decides to end their relationship because "you've been gone too long."
  • Unlike the majority of The Supremes' hits, all three members sing the lead vocals together on this track, rather than one member singing lead while the other two back her up.
  • A version by the British group Bananarama reached #15 in the UK and #22 in New Zealand in 1988. >>>
    Suggestion credit:
    Jerro - New Alexandria, PA, for all above

Comments: 3

  • Babbling Babette from Tulsa Ok"Nathan Jones" was a very cool hit for The Supremes in '71. I loved the alternating lead vocals & the overall bouncey feel it had. I played the heck out of this single until the grooves wore out. haa! By this time, I definitely was not a fan of their boss, Berry Gordy Jr. for his non-support and all around rotten underhanded tactics toward nearly all of his Motown acts. Still, The Supremes remained on the charts pleasing their many fans.
  • John from Nashville, TnA step forward for the Supremes. Although "You Keep Me Hanging On" has the girls throwing a man out of their lives, there seems to be some heartbreak and regret in their delivery. On this song, the girls definitely don't want to see the man riding or walking.
  • Kristin from Bessemer, AlLove the techno-pop vocals on this one.
see more comments

Editor's Picks

Chris Tomlin

Chris TomlinSongwriter Interviews

The king of Christian worship music explains talks about writing songs for troubled times.

John Kay of Steppenwolf

John Kay of SteppenwolfSongwriter Interviews

Steppenwolf frontman John Kay talks about "Magic Carpet Ride," "Born To Be Wild," and what he values more than awards and accolades.

Martyn Ware of Heaven 17

Martyn Ware of Heaven 17Songwriter Interviews

Martyn talks about producing Tina Turner, some Heaven 17 hits, and his work with the British Electric Foundation.

Sugarland

SugarlandSongwriter Interviews

Meet the "sassy basket" with the biggest voice in country music.

Song Titles That Inspired Movies

Song Titles That Inspired MoviesSong Writing

Famous songs that lent their titles - and in some cases storylines - to movies.

Director Paul Rachman on "Hunger Strike," "Man in the Box," Kiss

Director Paul Rachman on "Hunger Strike," "Man in the Box," KissSong Writing

After cutting his teeth on hardcore punk videos, Paul defined the grunge look with his work on "Hunger Strike" and "Man in the Box."