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.
Quicksand
Martha Reeves Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Can't you see, it's your loving charms,
It's like quicksand sinking me deeper in love with you.
The more I find it, the deeper in love I get.
Each time you call me, I feel nothing but happiness.
It's not sane, loving you this way,
But from your heart I can't stay.
You're like quicksand, quicksand, pulling me closer closer
making me love you, need you
It's like sinking me deeper, deeper in love with you.
The more I find it, the deeper in love I get.
Each time you call me, I feel nothing but happiness.
It's not sane, loving you this way,
But from your heart I can't stay.
You're deeper, deeper, deeper in love with you.
My heart is a prisoner of your warm embrace,
I can't help it, I can't help myself.
Nothing can take your place.
Ah, when you say sweet things to me,
I start trembling from head to feet.
You're like quicksand, quicksand,
Yea, pulling me closer, closer.
I just can't resist you,
I just want to kiss you,
You're like quicksand, yea.
The song "Quicksand" by Martha Reeves & The Vandellas is a classic Motown love song. The lyrics describe the grip that the singer's lover has on them, comparing it to quicksand, as they feel themselves being pulled deeper and deeper in love. The more they experience their lover's affection, the more they fall under their spell. The singer admits that their love may not be healthy or rational, but they can't resist the pull and can't imagine being without their lover.
The use of the quicksand metaphor is a clever way to describe the powerful and overwhelming feeling of falling in love. Quicksand is known to be a dangerous and unstoppable force that can trap its victims, making it an apt comparison for the singer's experience of being pulled in by the love of their partner. The song is also notable for its catchy chorus, with the repeated refrain of "quicksand" becoming a memorable and singable hook.
In terms of historical context, "Quicksand" was released in 1963, during the height of Motown's success. Martha Reeves & The Vandellas were a popular girl group who had already scored hits with songs like "Heat Wave" and "Dancing in the Street". The song was written by Brian Holland, Lamont Dozier, and Edward Holland Jr., who were a prolific songwriting trio responsible for many of Motown's biggest hits. The production on "Quicksand" features the signature Motown sound of driving rhythms, catchy melodies, and layered harmonies.
Line by Line Meaning
You're like quicksand, quicksand, pulling me closer closer in my arms.
Your love is like quicksand, pulling me closer into your arms.
Can't you see, it's your loving charms,
I am attracted to you because of your loving charms.
It's like quicksand sinking me deeper in love with you.
Your love is like quicksand, sinking me deeper in love with you.
The more I find it, the deeper in love I get.
The more I realize my love for you, the deeper my love becomes.
Each time you call me, I feel nothing but happiness.
I am filled with happiness every time you call me.
It's not sane, loving you this way,
I know it's not rational to love you this way.
But from your heart I can't stay.
But I can't help my feelings for you.
making me love you, need you
You are making me fall in love with you and need you more.
It's like sinking me deeper, deeper in love with you.
Your love is sinking me deeper and deeper in love with you.
You're deeper, deeper, deeper in love with you.
I am deeply in love with you.
My heart is a prisoner of your warm embrace,
I am captivated by your warm embrace.
I can't help it, I can't help myself.
I can't resist my feelings for you.
Nothing can take your place.
No one else can replace you in my heart.
Ah, when you say sweet things to me,
When you say sweet things to me,
I start trembling from head to feet.
I am overwhelmed with emotion and start trembling when you say sweet things to me.
Yea, pulling me closer, closer.
You are pulling me closer and closer to you.
I just can't resist you,
I can't resist my feelings for you.
I just want to kiss you,
I just want to kiss you.
You're like quicksand, yea.
Your love is like quicksand, constantly pulling me in.
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Warner/Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: LAMONT DOZIER, LAMONT HERBERT DOZIER, BRIAN HOLLAND, EDWARD HOLLAND, EDWARD, JR. HOLLAND
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Alvee Kamelle
There will never be music like this again. Pure Soul
Kevin Watson
Keep Listening Keep Listening Keep Listening Can't get enough
Abraham Palmer
Never ever ever ever ever ever again
HENRY DURIEUX
What a song. What a group. Hope to keep them in my heart forever.
markus8696
My all time favorite Martha sang the heck outta this song!
jon
66 years old and listening to all these great songs really spring the emotions and memories. Wow
Sellyboy 727
So you were about 11 when this came out dancing n mamas kitchen lol
jon
@Sellyboy 727 yes you got it..The big 70 now😔
Sellyboy 727
@jon 10yrs older than my mom lol. Time flies in this life. It's a beautiful ride tho
Stewart Stewart
Back in the day , and I’m 66 too. My twin brother actually bought this 45 , it was produced on cardboard! Yes ! We would play this to death until the needle wore a hole right through it. Dancing in the kitchen!!!