Martha & the Vandellas were one of the most successful groups in the Motown… Read Full Bio ↴Martha & the Vandellas were one of the most successful groups in the Motown roster during the 1960s and fully active from 1960 to present, performing at various times doo-wop, pop, rock and roll and soul.

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.

It's Alright
Martha & The Vandellas Lyrics

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Say it's all right, it's all right
Say it's all right, it's all right
It's all right, have a good time
'Cause it's all right, whoa, it's all right

We're gonna move it slow
When lights are low
When you move it slow, it sounds like more

And it's all right, whoa, it's all right

Now listen to the beat
Kinda pat your feet
You got soul and everybody knows
That it's all right, whoa, it's all right

When you wake up early in the morning
Feelin' sad like so many of us do
Hum a little soul, make life your goal
And surely something's got to come to you

And say it's all right
Say it's all right
It's all right, have a good time
'Cause it's all right, whoa, it's all right

Now everybody clap your hands
Give yourself a chance
You got soul and everybody knows
That it's all right, whoa, it's all right

Someday I'll find me a woman
Who will love and treat me real nice
Then my woe's got to go
And my love, she will know
From morning, noon and night

And she's got to say it's alright
Say it's all right
It's all right, have a good time
'Cause it's all right, whoa, it's all right

Everybody clap your hands
Now give yourselves a chance

Overall Meaning

"It's Alright" is a joyful and uplifting song by Martha & The Vandellas that reinforces the importance of having a positive attitude and letting loose to have fun. The song starts with the repeated phrase "Say it's all right, it's all right" which sets the tone of the song as enjoyable and stress-free. The lyrics encourage listeners to move slowly to the beat, which enhances the feeling of relaxation and enjoyment. The line "You got soul and everybody knows/That it's all right" indicates that anyone can enjoy themselves and let go of their worries, regardless of their background. The song concludes with the idea that finding true love is the ultimate goal that will make everything "all right."

Overall, the song conveys a message about the importance of positive energy and having fun, even when facing difficult times. It expresses the hope that things will get better and encourages listeners to keep hoping and believing in themselves. Despite the challenges of life, the song reassures listeners that it’s all right to let go and enjoy the moment.

Line by Line Meaning

Say it's all right, it's all right
Don't worry, things are okay

It's all right, have a good time
Enjoy yourself, things are good

'Cause it's all right, whoa, it's all right
Everything is okay, nothing to fret about

We're gonna move it slow
We're going to take our time

When lights are low
In a dimly lit room

When you move it slow, it sounds like more
The slower you move, the more impactful it is

Now listen to the beat
Pay attention to the music

Kinda pat your feet
Tap your feet to the rhythm

You got soul and everybody knows
You have heart and everyone can sense it

When you wake up early in the morning
When you start your day feeling down

Feelin' sad like so many of us do
Feeling the way lots of people do sometimes