Heatwave
Martha Reeves; The Vandellas Lyrics


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Whenever I'm with you
Something inside
Starts to burn deep
And my heart's filled with fire ??
Could it be that I'm very sentimental
Or is this just the way love's supposed to be?

I got a heat wave
Burning in my heart
I can't keep from crying
Tearing me apart

Whenever he calls my name
Yeah, yeah, yeah, I can't explain
I feel, yeah I feel
I feel this burning flame
This high blood pressure's got a hold on me
'Cause this is the way love's supposed to be

I got a heat wave
Burning in my heart
I can't keep from crying
Tearing me apart

Oh yeah
Oh yeah

Oh yeah
Oh yeah

Just give me another chance
This could be a new romance

Heat wave
Heat wave




Heat wave
Heat wave

Overall Meaning

The song "Heatwave" by Martha Reeves and the Vandellas is about the intense and passionate feelings of being in love. The lyrics describe a physical and emotional response to being around someone and the power they have to ignite a fire inside of you. The singer questions whether this intense feeling is unique to them or if it's what love is supposed to feel like.


The repetition of the phrases "heatwave" and "burning in my heart" emphasizes how overwhelming and all-consuming these feelings are. The chorus, with the lyrics "I can't keep from crying, tearing me apart" captures the agony and ecstasy of being in love.


The upbeat tempo, lively brass section, and Martha Reeves' soulful vocals make this song iconic of the Motown era. The combination of powerful lyrics and catchy music made it an instant hit, and it continues to be a beloved classic decades later.


Line by Line Meaning

Whenever I'm with you
Every time I'm around you


Something inside
A feeling within me


Starts to burn deep
Begins to smolder intensely


And my heart's filled with fire
My heart is ablaze


Could it be that I'm very sentimental
Is it possible that I'm overly emotional


Or is this just the way love's supposed to be?
Could this be a normal part of love?


I got a heat wave
I am experiencing an intense fever


Burning in my heart
Causing an ignited feeling in my chest


I can't keep from crying
I'm finding it impossible to hold back tears


Tearing me apart
Slowly breaking me down


Whenever he calls my name
Every time he says my name


Yeah, yeah, yeah, I can't explain
I can't provide a logical explanation


I feel, yeah I feel
I'm aware of a strong sensation


I feel this burning flame
I'm sensing a fiery passion


This high blood pressure's got a hold on me
I am being controlled by this intense feeling


'Cause this is the way love's supposed to be
This could be normalcy for love


Just give me another chance
Please offer me another opportunity


This could be a new romance
This has the potential to be a fresh love affair


Heat wave
Intense fever or passion


Heat wave
Intense fever or passion


Heat wave
Intense fever or passion


Heat wave
Intense fever or passion




Lyrics ยฉ Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: EDWARD JR. HOLLAND, LAMONT DOZIER, BRIAN HOLLAND

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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Most interesting comments from YouTube:

@no7734

Music so moving can change your entire perspective of things, like this song.
The memory still burns into my mind to this day.

I went to a simple dance party alone with lots of students, the purpose of me attending this school party was to meet a guy there, I guess you can say my platonic "date", we weren't together, I only knew this man for a few months. I remember wearing just a simple white dress and had my hair in big curls that landed down to my shoulders and wearing only one coat of mascara. I was waiting by the DJ and he decided to play some oldies. People were dancing and everyone was having a good time.

This song played as my "date" entered the school gym, I never noticed how handsome he was until that night. He was wearing a black biker jacket and levis jeans, his jawline was sharp and his cheeks were deeper than how I would usually see them. He had his hair slicked back and his bright smile lit the room with a dash of confidence in his step.

My heart JUMPED the moment Martha Reeves powerfully sang that first verse, he was greeting other people with that gorgeous smile while he was walking in... Then I realized as he was glancing left and right with those beautiful hazel eyes, he was trying to look for me.
My casual behavior disappeared, I was a nervous wreck. He was walking closer to my direction and I quickly ran into the bathroom across the gym with my face burning and my hands sweating. Looking at my reflection my arms and face were completely red. After I freshened up, I couldn't even speak right. I stepped out of the restroom and I immediately found him walking around and I just stood there mesmerized by his presence and looking at him for I don't know how long. When he finally saw me, I couldn't stop trembling. He licked his lips and smiled as he was cutting through the crowd not leaving his eyes from mine.
However in the end, we didn't end up together, I lost touch with him. But every time I listen to this song I think of that unforgettable night. Music is supposed to move you at a time of crisis or bliss. That is when you know the music is raw and real when it touches the right spot in your soul.



@josemunozrojas1681

- Heatwave! ๐ŸŽถ
- Good night, ladies and gentlemen
- Heatwave! ๐ŸŽถ
- You don't give a shit
- Heatwave! ๐ŸŽถ
- Let's get the hell outta here
- HEATWAVE!!! ๐ŸŽถ๐ŸŽถ๐ŸŽถ

๐Ÿ˜…๐Ÿ˜…๐Ÿ˜… Absolutely out of the blue... I ADORE THIS SONG!!! ๐Ÿ‘๐Ÿป๐Ÿ‘๐Ÿป๐Ÿ’ซ๐Ÿ’ซ๐Ÿ’ซ๐Ÿ’œ



All comments from YouTube:

@ABritInThePhilippines

This is totally awesome...

@drivinsouth651

They are the hottest girls in rock and Motown and they are the heatwave! Absolutely, fabulous! Mucho Caliente! Thanks for posting!

@billytaylor8154

They be jumping.

@user-gj7tc6gt2p

Thanks for using the word "awesome". I feel it's not used enough these days...

@nativegemini81

Same here!

@anapittre9147

@@drivinsouth651

23 More Replies...

@sammiddleton6619

This is one of the songs that will still be talked about in 100 years time, absolutely timeless.

@purpledragon115

It isn't even talked about today

@ElronHumpperdink

NoMercy edgy response

@richardpetrey1400

Amen!!!! They donโ€™t make them like this anymore!!!!!!!!!!

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