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.
Sweet Misery
Martha Reeves Lyrics
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I knew you were the classic one
We danced and laughed and talked all night
But you had to leave out of town
But as I walked you home that night
The whispers then soon changed
And like a knife right through my heart
Sweet misery again
Why you forgot me I did not know
You do not recall my name
Must be sweet misery
I'll have you know I feel the same
If I believe what I've been told
I'd only be around for a while
You love 'em and leave 'em for less than a song
But they still can't forget that smile
And once I'm safely home alone
I wish you could be here
I want so bad to be the one
To say exactly how I feel
Why you forgot me I did not know
You do not recall my name
Must be sweet misery
I'll have you know I feel the same
Why you forgot me I did not know
You do not recall my name
Must be sweet misery
I'll have you know I feel the same
I haven't got a thing to give
Except for what you see
Remember this, if all should fail
You'll always have a friend in me
Why you forgot me I did not know
You do not recall my name
Must be sweet misery
I'll have you know I feel the same
Why you forgot me I did not know
You do not recall my name
Must be sweet misery
I'll have you know I feel the same
Must be sweet misery
I'll have you know I feel the same
Must be sweet misery
I'll have you know I feel the same
In Martha Reeves's song "Sweet Misery," she tells the story of a love affair gone wrong. The lyrics describe a chance encounter with someone special at a party, but alas they must leave town before the relationship can truly blossom. The singer is left feeling hopeless and heartbroken as she realizes that her lover has already moved on to someone else. She holds out hope, however, that someday he will remember her and come back.
The lyrics in this song paint a vivid picture of the feelings that come with unrequited love. Martha Reeves captures the pain of loving someone who doesn't seem to reciprocate those feelings. She also expresses a sense of longing, a desire to be with the person despite the heartache they have caused her. Ultimately, the song is a powerful expression of the human condition, reminding listeners that heartbreak is a universal experience that many of us can relate to.
Line by Line Meaning
The very first time I saw your face
From the very first moment I laid eyes on you, I knew that you were someone special and different.
I knew you were the classic one
I sensed that you were a classic person - unique, true to yourself, and timeless in your appeal.
We danced and laughed and talked all night
We shared a great night together - dancing, laughing, and chatting, enjoying each other's company.
But you had to leave out of town
However, you had to go out of town, and we had to say goodbye earlier than I wanted.
But as I walked you home that night
Even though we had to part earlier than I wanted, I walked you home that night, cherishing the time we spent together.
The whispers then soon changed
But as people talked about our relationship, the tone and attitude of the gossip started to change.
And like a knife right through my heart
Their negative comments felt like a sharp, painful knife piercing through my heart.
Sweet misery again
The feelings of heartbreak and sadness that I had felt before, returned once again, bringing a bittersweet experience.
Why you forgot me I did not know
I didn't understand why you didn't remember my name or my presence, as if I didn't matter to you anymore.
You do not recall my name
It hurt to learn that you didn't even remember my name, let alone the amazing time we had together.
Must be sweet misery
As I felt the sting of your forgetfulness and indifference again, I realized that this feeling must be what people call 'sweet misery.'
I'll have you know I feel the same
I want you to know that I'm feeling the same way - heartbroken and unable to forget the amazing time we had together.
If I believe what I've been told
If I pay attention to all the rumors and stories about you that I've heard from others, I might not have a positive view of you.
I'd only be around for a while
If I just wanted a temporary fling or romance, then being with you might be enough, but I'm yearning for something more meaningful.
You love 'em and leave 'em for less than a song
I've heard that you tend to have short-lived, superficial relationships, without real commitment or investment, like they meant nothing at all.
But they still can't forget that smile
Despite your tendency to leave people easily, the memory of your beautiful smile still lingers in their minds and hearts.
And once I'm safely home alone
When I'm by myself, away from the world and distractions, I can't help but think of you and the time we spent together.
I wish you could be here
I long for your company, your touch, your presence near me, to make me happy and complete.
I want so bad to be the one
I'm yearning to be the one person who truly understands you, loves you, and is there for you through thick and thin.
To say exactly how I feel
I want to express my feelings of affection, desire, and love for you in a way that you can truly understand and appreciate.
I haven't got a thing to give
I may not have much to offer in terms of material possessions or status, but I am willing to give you my heart, my time, and my loyalty.
Except for what you see
All I can offer you is my honesty, transparency, and willingness to be vulnerable with you.
Remember this, if all should fail
Even if things don't work out for us in the end, I want you to remember one thing - that I was there for you, as a true friend and ally.
You'll always have a friend in me
No matter what happens, I will always be there for you as a loyal friend, with no strings attached, no expectations, and no conditions.
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: HOYT WAYNE AXTON
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind