The Reeves family was a musical family. There was always music and singing in their home, consequently, Martha wanted to become a singer.
Reeves first performace was in church singing the hymn, "Jesus met The Woman At The Well". She won a box of chocolate covered cherries.
As a teen she sang with several local girl groups. She was also trained in opera.
She met Motown executive Mickey Stevenson during one of her solo gigs. He invited her to audition for Motown records. Although she went to Motown as a singer, she became their first A&R secretary. She was "The Secretary that could sing her A--off".
When singer Mary Wells missed a recording session, Martha Reeves filled in and was given a recording contract.
Along with the Vandellas, Martha Reeves vibrant lead vocal can be heard on hits like: "Heat Wave", "Quicksand", "Jimmy Mack", "Nowhere to Run" and "Dancing In the Street".
Martha Reeves became the first Motown artist to get a release from her contract in 1972. She became a solo artist and recorded tracks for MCA, Arista, Fantasy and later her own label, Itch records. "Power of Love", Wild Night" and Love Blind" are her most popular solo efforts. Her solo album "Martha Reeves", released in 1974 is still a cult favorite among many fans.
Although her solo career failed to take off properly, Martha Reeves manged to remain an important entertainer gaining continous spots on national television and performing in concerts all over the world.
Today she is still performs solo or with a line-up of Vandellas that consists of her Sisters, Lois and Delphine Reeves.
S.T.
I Say a Little Prayer
Martha Reeves Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Before I put on my makeup
I say a little prayer for you
While combing my hair, now,
And wondering what dress to wear, now,
I say a little prayer for you
Forever, forever, you'll stay in my heart
and I will love you
Forever, forever, we never will part
Oh, how I'll love you
Together, together, that's how it must be
To live without you
Would only be heartbreak for me.
I run for the bus, dear,
While riding I think of us, dear,
I say a little prayer for you.
At work I just take time
And all through my coffee break-time,
I say a little prayer for you.
Forever, forever, you'll stay in my heart
and I will love you
Forever, forever we never will part
Oh, how I'll love you
Together, together, that's how it must be
To live without you
Would only be heartbreak for me.
My darling believe me,
For me there is no one
But you.
The lyrics to Martha Reeves's song, I Say a Little Prayer, embody the sentiment of devotion and commitment within a relationship. The singer's unrequited love for an unnamed "you" is evidenced through her ritualistic prayer for her love's well-being, and her daydreams of them being together. The lyrics convey anticipation of the beloved's presence through the singer's preparation for the day, establishing the song's theme early on. This song posits that true love strengthens through separations, and is a nod to how strong the bond is between them. The lyrics describe the singer's inability to go through the day, carrying on as usual, without taking a moment to think of her significant other.
The use of "forever" throughout the song emphasizes the permanence of the singer's love for her partner. The phrase "I say a little prayer for you" stands out, as it represents the singer's commitment to keeping her love in a positive and protected light, hence the singer's reliance on faith. The singer is so devoted to her love that even when she is solely occupied with other activities, she still manages to fit in her "little prayer." The song describes the singer's life as incomplete without the presence of her partner.
Line by Line Meaning
The moment I wake up
Right when I get out of bed
Before I put on my makeup
Before I start getting ready
I say a little prayer for you
I take a moment to pray for your safety and happiness
While combing my hair, now,
As I brush my hair
And wondering what dress to wear, now,
While I ponder on what outfit to choose
I say a little prayer for you
I offer up another prayer for you
Forever, forever, you'll stay in my heart
You will always be in my heart
and I will love you
And my love for you will never fade
Forever, forever, we never will part
We will always be together
Oh, how I'll love you
And I will love you so deeply
Together, together, that's how it must be
Being together is the only right way
To live without you
Without you in my life
Would only be heartbreak for me.
Would be unbearable sadness for me
I run for the bus, dear,
As I rush to catch my bus
While riding I think of us, dear,
I think lovingly of our relationship
I say a little prayer for you.
I offer another prayer for your wellbeing
At work I just take time
When I'm at work, I take a break
And all through my coffee break-time,
During my break, while I drink my coffee
I say a little prayer for you.
I pray for you again
My darling believe me,
Know that I mean what I say, my love
For me there is no one
There is no one else for me
But you.
Only you hold my heart
Contributed by Lincoln V. Suggest a correction in the comments below.