She was Born Martha Rose Reeves, July 18, 1941 in Eufala Alabama. Just mon… Read Full Bio ↴She was Born Martha Rose Reeves, July 18, 1941 in Eufala Alabama. Just months later, her family moved to Detroit, Michigan for a brighter future.

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.

You've Been In Love Too Long
Martha Reeves Lyrics

Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴

Girls, you've been in love too long
(You're a fool for your baby)
Don't you know, girls
You've been in love too long
(You're a fool for your baby)

When just his smile takes all your pain away
And you find yourself believing whatever he may say

Now when he keeps you cryin'
But your heart tells you, Girl, keep right on tryin'
Girls, you've been in love too long
(You're a fool for your baby)
Don't you know, girls? You've been in love too long
(You're a fool for your baby)

When you accept his wrongs just to share his kiss
And even though lonely nights are filled with happiness
Now girl, you're in trouble; you know your heart is seein' double
When your head tells you to run
But your heart says he's your only one
Girls, you've been in love too long
You're a fool for your baby)

(Girl, you've been in love too long)
You're a fool
'Cause when a week of loneliness
Can be erased with just one sweet caress
Girls, you've been in love too long
(You're a fool for your baby)
I say girls, oh yeah, you're a fool
When his wrong looks right 'cause he always treats you bad
When you find little excuses for all the sadness & abuses
Don't you know, girls, you're in love
You're just a fool for your baby

Girls, you've been in love too long
You're just a fool

Overall Meaning

Martha Reeves's song You've Been In Love Too Long is a cautionary tale to women who have been in love for too long with the wrong person. The lyrics discuss the various ways in which women allow themselves to be mistreated because they think they are in love. They sacrifice their dignity and self-respect because they are so desperate to hold on to a relationship that isn't good for them.

The song opens with the lines "Girls, you've been in love too long, don't you know, girls, you've been in love too long." This establishes a tone of warning and admonition. The repetition of the phrase "you've been in love too long" indicates that the women in this situation are not thinking clearly and need to be reminded of that fact. The song goes on to describe the ways in which women allow themselves to be mistreated - even when they know that they are being mistreated. They are willing to overlook their partner's flaws and transgressions because they are so committed to the idea of being in love.

The song is both a tribute to the power of love and a warning against the dangers of it. It celebrates the intensity and passion of romantic love while also cautioning that it can be blinding and destructive if one is not careful. Through its lyrics, Martha Reeves provides a message of hope to those who are caught up in a love that is not good for them.

Line by Line Meaning

Girls, you've been in love too long
You have spent too much time loving him.

(You're a fool for your baby)
You are foolish for being so devoted to him.

Don't you know, girls
Are you aware, ladies

When just his smile takes all your pain away
His smile is enough to make you forget all your troubles.

And you find yourself believing whatever he may say
You believe everything he tells you.

Now when he keeps you cryin'
Even when he makes you cry

But your heart tells you, Girl, keep right on tryin'
Your heart pushes you to hold on and keep trying.

When you accept his wrongs just to share his kiss
You ignore his wrongdoings just to be with him.

And even though lonely nights are filled with happiness
Even though being alone makes you happy.

Now girl, you're in trouble; you know your heart is seein' double
You are in a difficult situation and your heart is confused.

When your head tells you to run
Your mind tells you to leave.