After the success of "What Becomes of the Brokenhearted", the intended follow-up, "East Side West Side", was released only in Australia due to an argument with Motown head Berry Gordy. The song was written by Ron Welser and Flamingos' member Terry Johnson.
With his brother David Ruffin, Jimmy Ruffin released a popular cover version of "Stand By Me" (by Ben E. King), taken from The Ruffin Brothers' album, I Am My Brother's Keeper.
Jimmy Ruffin's other hits include "I've Passed This Way Before", "Gonna Give Her All The Love I've Got", "Don't You Miss Me A Little Bit Baby", "I'll Say Forever My Love", "It's Wonderful To Be Loved By You" and "Tell Me What You Want".
In 1980 he collaborated with the Bee Gees' musician Robin Gibb, who produced his album Sunrise. From it came the single which would be his last Top 10 UK and U.S. hit: "Hold On To My Love". In 1986 Jimmy Ruffin collaborated with the British pop group Heaven 17, singing "A Foolish Thing To Do" and "My Sensitivity" on a 12" EP record.
In the 1980s, Ruffin moved to live in Britain, where he continued to perform successfully. In December 1984 he collaborated with Paul Weller of The Style Council for his benefit single "Soul Deep." This went under the name of The Council Collective.
Following the 2010 release of his album I Am My Brother's Keeper, Ruffin began writing and recording songs for a new album that was never issued.
In 2012, a compilation album entitled, "There Will Never Be Another You", including his hit songs "What Becomes of The Broken Hearted", and "Hold On To My Love" had been released.
In addition to his brother David Ruffin (deceased), Jimmy Ruffin had three other siblings: Quincy, Rita Mae (deceased) and Rosa (deceased).
What Becomes Of The Brokenhearted
Jimmy Ruffin Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
I have visions of many things
But happiness is just an illusion
Filled with sadness and confusion
What becomes of the broken-hearted
Who had love that's now departed?
I know I've got to find
Some kind of peace of mind
Maybe
The roots of love grow all around
But for me they come a-tumblin' down
Every day heartaches grow a little stronger
I can't stand this pain much longer
I walk in shadowsm searching for light
Cold and alone, no comfort in sight
Hoping and praying for someone to care
Always moving and goin' nowhere
What becomes of the broken-hearted
Who had love that's now departed?
I know I've got to find
Some kind of peace of mind
Help me
I'm searching, though I don't succeed
But someone look, there's a growing need
Oh, he is lost, there's no place for beginning
All that's left is an unhappy ending
Now, becomes of the broken-hearted
Who had love that's now departed?
I know I've got to find
Some kind of peace of mind
I'll be searching everywhere
Just to find someone to care
I'll be looking everyday, I know I'm gonna find a way
Nothing's gonna stop me now
I'll find a way somehow
And I'll be searching everywhere
I know I gotta find a way
I'll be looking
The lyrics of Jimmy Ruffin's song "What Becomes Of The Brokenhearted" depict a person who is lost and confused after their love has departed. They are plagued by sadness and confusion as they walk through life with broken dreams. The person longs for happiness but they cannot seem to find it. The idea of love is an illusion that has left them shattered.
The song talks about the pain and heartache that grows stronger every day. The person is alone and constantly searching for comfort and light but unable to find any. They keep hoping and praying for someone to care but they are always moving and going nowhere. The lyrics suggest that even though love has departed, the person must find some kind of peace of mind to move on.
The chorus of the song questions what becomes of the brokenhearted. The singer wonders what happens to people who have lost love and are left heartbroken. They are left searching for someone to care and looking for a way to find happiness again.
Line by Line Meaning
As I walk this land with broken dreams
I am living my life with faded hopes and dreams.
I have visions of many things
In spite of the setbacks, I still imagine a bright future.
But happiness is just an illusion
Although I long for happiness, it seems impossible to achieve.
Filled with sadness and confusion
I’m overwhelmed by emotions of misery and uncertainty.
What becomes of the broken-hearted
What happens to those who have lost their love and are heartbroken?
Who had love that's now departed?
Those who were deeply in love, but now their love is gone.
I know I've got to find
Some kind of peace of mind
I understand I have to discover a way to make peace with myself.
Maybe
Perhaps it’s possible to make things better.
The roots of love grow all around
Love is everywhere.
But for me they come a-tumblin' down
For me, love always fails.
Every day heartaches grow a little stronger
I experience more and more pain every day.
I can't stand this pain much longer
The pain is unbearable.
I walk in shadowsm searching for light
I am lost, searching for hope.
Cold and alone, no comfort in sight
I am isolated, feeling helpless and desperate.
Hoping and praying for someone to care
I am anticipating for someone to show me some affection.
Always moving and goin' nowhere
I'm doing a lot, but I'm not achieving anything.
Help me
I need aid.
I'm searching, though I don't succeed
I'm struggling but not making any progress.
But someone look, there's a growing need
I’m in dire need of assistance from someone.
Oh, he is lost, there's no place for beginning
I’m at a point where my life is going nowhere.
All that's left is an unhappy ending
An inevitable conclusion of my current situation is unhappiness.
Now, becomes of the broken-hearted
What happens to those who have lost their love and are heartbroken?
Who had love that's now departed?
Those who were deeply in love, but now their love is gone.
I know I've got to find
Some kind of peace of mind
I understand I have to discover a way to make peace with myself.
I'll be searching everywhere
Just to find someone to care
I will hunt the whole world to find someone to care about me.
I'll be looking everyday, I know I'm gonna find a way
I will work hard without giving up and will find a way.
Nothing's gonna stop me now
I'll find a way somehow
I'm determined to succeed, and nothing will stop me.
And I'll be searching everywhere
I know I gotta find a way
I will continue my quest everywhere until I find my way.
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: James Anthony Dean, Paul Riser, William Henry Witherspoonn
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind