: Critics have noted that Ross drew "deeply inside herself" for this track, providing a vocal that felt like a "flash of light" compared to standard children's music.
While often overshadowed by massive solo hits like "Ain't No Mountain High Enough" or "The Boss", "When We Grow Up" showcased a different side of the "Female Entertainer of the Century".
: Its central message is that children—and eventually adults—do not have to change who they are to fit societal molds. Ross sings, "I like what I look like, and you're nice small / We don't have to change at all". DIANA ROSS when we grow up
The song was written by Shelley Miller and Stephen Lawrence and later included on the expanded edition of Ross's 1973 album Touch Me in the Morning .
"When We Grow Up" is a 1972 track by Diana Ross originally featured on the landmark children’s album and multi-media project , conceived by Marlo Thomas . Unlike the sweeping, dramatic ballads or high-energy disco hits Ross became known for, this song is a gentle, acoustic-driven performance that highlights her "distinctive voice" and versatility. Musical Context & Themes : Critics have noted that Ross drew "deeply
: The lyrics explore childhood curiosity about the future, specifically questioning and then rejecting gender-based expectations. It asks whether the girl must be "pretty" and the boy "big and strong".
: By participating in the Free to Be... You and Me project, Ross lent her immense superstar power to a progressive cultural movement aimed at teaching children about equality and individuality. You can listen to "When We Grow Up" on various platforms: When We Grow Up Lyrics — Diana Ross - Dork Ross sings, "I like what I look like,
: The track ends with a spoken-word outro where Ross emphasizes staying friends "forever and ever," capturing the innocent sincerity the Free to Be... You and Me project was famous for. Why It Stands Out in Her Career