The label's second most-successful all-female singing group after The Supremes, Martha & the Vandellas were known for a churchier, more southern-styled soul than the Supremes, as typified in Motown hits such as "(Love Is Like A) Heat Wave", "Jimmy Mack", "I'm Ready For Love", "My Baby Loves Me", "Nowhere to Run", and, their signature song, "Dancing in the Street".
The group had its origins in Detroit, Michigan in 1957, and had initially gone by the name The Del-Phis. It originally was a quartet comprising childhood friends Martha Reeves, Rosalind Ashford, Annette Beard, and original lead singer Gloria Williams. Williams left after a failed single on the Checkmate label, leaving the quartet as a trio. They changed their name to The Vells signing a deal with Motown's Mel-o-dy label, and singing background for established Motown performers such as Mary Wells and Marvin Gaye before signing a new deal with Motown's Gordy label on September 21, 1962, after which the group changed its name to Martha and the Vandellas.
In 1964, the Vandellas' lineup changed with Betty Kelley replacing Sterling. In 1967, Kelley was fired and was replaced by Martha's younger sister, Sandra "Lois" Reeves. In 1969, Ashford was also fired and replaced by Sandra Tilley. The lineup of the Reeves sisters and Tilley continued after Martha's return from an institution after suffering a nervous breakdown. The group disbanded following a farewell concert, held at Detroit's Cobo Hall on December 21, 1972., however, Reeves still performs with sister Lois and another Reeves sister, Delphine.
Bless You
Martha & The Vandellas Lyrics
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Children of the earth, they walk so far apart
From this protection of what's supposed to be
They don't have it goin' right
You've been people
Who loves your neighbor
They seem to miss the boat
But we have love so real, just let them be
I wanna thank someone for sendin' you to me
Bless your mother, bless your father
But most of all, bless you, bless me
Let our love last for eternity
People will try to break it
They don't wanna see us make it
We'll never let them take it, no sir-ee
I can well remember, you left yourself home
And the spells we left each other just last strong
You think we'll have a love to share like we do
They'd know the happiness I've got in here in you
Bless you, bless me
Let our love last for eternity
People will try to break it
They don't wanna see us make it
We'll never let them take it, no sir-ee
Oh I've got you and baby, you got me
I wanna thank someone for lettin' us be
Bless your mother (bless your mother)
Bless your father (bless your father)
But most of all, bless you, bless me
Let our love last for eternity
We're gonna make it, boy
Heaven won't break it, boy
I wanna share my joy that's heavenly
The song āBless Youā by Martha & The Vandellas is a soulful hymn about the strength and resilience of love. The lyrics portray a world where people are divided, failing to love and care for each other but the love between the two protagonists remains unbreakable. The song starts with an optimistic message of sunshine touching the heart, but it quickly turns into a warning about the division amongst human beings, where people are not able to provide protection for one another. Despite this, the two protagonists seem to have found something that the others are missing - love for their neighbor.
The chorus of the song brings in a message of gratitude for the blessings in life, as well as hope for the future. Martha sings about blessing her lover while exulting in the love that they have found. The song ends with a promise to keep the love alive, despite looming dangers or worldly obstacles. It is a testament to the idea that love is the most powerful force in the world, and that it can overcome any obstacle.
Overall, āBless Youā is an uplifting and powerful song that reminds the listeners about the importance of love and gratitude in life. It inspires people to be kind and care for one another, regardless of their differences.
Line by Line Meaning
This mornin' when I woke up, sushine touched my heart
I woke up this morning and felt happy and hopeful.
Children of the earth, they walk so far apart
People in the world can be so different and disconnected from each other.
From this protection of what's supposed to be
They are not protected or supported in the way they should be.
They don't have it goin' right
They are struggling or facing challenges.
You've been people who loves your neighbor
You are among the few who show kindness and love towards others.
They seem to miss the boat
Others are not taking advantage of the opportunity to show love and care for those in need.
Letting others drown so they can stay afloat
They are not helping others in need, but instead, are focusing on their own well-being.
But we have love so real, just let them be
We have a genuine love that should be an example for others to follow, but we also respect their choices and actions.
I wanna thank someone for sendin' you to me
I am grateful to fate or a higher power for bringing you into my life.
Bless your mother, bless your father
May your family be blessed and protected.
But most of all, bless you, bless me
May our relationship be blessed and continue to thrive.
Let our love last for eternity
May our love endure forever.
People will try to break it
There will be obstacles and challenges that can threaten our relationship.
They don't wanna see us make it
Some people may not support or approve of our relationship.
We'll never let them take it, no sir-ee
We will not allow anyone or anything to destroy our love.
Oh I've got you and baby, you got me
We have each other and that's all that matters.
I wanna thank someone for lettin' us be
I am grateful to whatever force gave us the opportunity to be together.
Heaven won't break it, boy
Even the heavens will not be able to break our relationship.
I wanna share my joy that's heavenly
I want to share the happiness and love that we have with others, as it feels divine.
Lyrics Ā© Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
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