The label's second most-successful all-female singing group after The Supremes, Martha Reeves & The Vandellas were known for a churchier, more southern-styled soul than the Supremes, as typified in Motown hits such as "(Love Is Like A) Heat Wave", "Jimmy Mack", "I'm Ready For Love", "My Baby Loves Me", "Nowhere to Run", and, their signature song, "Dancing in the Street".
The group had its origins in Detroit, Michigan in 1957, and had initially gone by the name The Del-Phis. It originally was a quartet comprising childhood friends Martha Reeves, Rosalind Ashford, Annette Beard, and original lead singer Gloria Williams. Williams left after a failed single on the Checkmate label, leaving the quartet as a trio. They changed their name to The Vells signing a deal with Motown's Mel-o-dy label, and singing background for established Motown performers such as Mary Wells and Marvin Gaye before signing a new deal with Motown's Gordy label on September 21, 1962, after which the group changed its name to Martha and the Vandellas.
In 1964, the Vandellas' lineup changed with Betty Kelley replacing Sterling. In 1967, Kelley was fired and was replaced by Martha's younger sister, Sandra "Lois" Reeves. In 1969, Ashford was also fired and replaced by Sandra Tilley. The lineup of the Reeves sisters and Tilley continued after Martha's return from an institution after suffering a nervous breakdown. The group disbanded following a farewell concert, held at Detroit's Cobo Hall on December 21, 1972., however, Reeves still performs with sister Lois and another Reeves sister, Delphine.
Bless You
Martha Reeves & The Vandellas Lyrics
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Children of the earth, they walk so far apart
From this protection of what's supposed to be
They don't have it goin' right
You've been people
Who loves your neighbor
They seem to miss the boat
But we have love so real, just let them be
I wanna thank someone for sendin' you to me
Bless your mother, bless your father
But most of all, bless you, bless me
Let our love last for eternity
People will try to break it
They don't wanna see us make it
We'll never let them take it, no sir-ee
I can well remember, you left yourself home
And the spells we left each other just last strong
You think we'll have a love to share like we do
They'd know the happiness I've got in here in you
Bless you, bless me
Let our love last for eternity
People will try to break it
They don't wanna see us make it
We'll never let them take it, no sir-ee
Oh I've got you and baby, you got me
I wanna thank someone for lettin' us be
Bless your mother (bless your mother)
Bless your father (bless your father)
But most of all, bless you, bless me
Let our love last for eternity
We're gonna make it, boy
Heaven won't break it, boy
I wanna share my joy that's heavenly
The song "Bless You" by Martha Reeves & The Vandellas reflects on the struggles of love and the strength to overcome the obstacles together. The opening line "This mornin' when I woke up, sunshine touched my heart" symbolizes the beginning of something new and bright in the singer's life. However, the following lyric "Children of the earth, they walk so far apart" reflects on how love and compassion seem to be lacking in the world. The singer acknowledges the challenges they face as a couple and how others might try to break them up. Yet, the love they share is stronger than any hurdle in their path.
The chorus of the song, "Bless your mother, bless your father, but most of all, bless you, bless me," highlights the importance of family as well as the lover in their life. The bridge of "You think we'll have a love to share like we do, they'd know the happiness I've got in here in you" showcases the depth of the love that they share, one that they know others may not have experienced. The song ends on a positive note, with the singers declaring that their bond will remain unbreakable, and they will continue to share their happiness in each other's company.
Line by Line Meaning
This mornin' when I woke up, sushine touched my heart
The dawn illuminated my heart with sunny rays, and I felt content and grateful for a new day ahead.
Children of the earth, they walk so far apart
People on this planet often live in isolation and are disconnected from each other, lacking communal bonds.
From this protection of what's supposed to be
The safeguards that should protect individuals from harm are not always upheld, creating a vulnerable society.
They don't have it goin' right
The current circumstances are not ideal, and things need to improve to create a better world.
You've been people
You have seen and experienced what people are capable of and what they need to change to create a better future.
Who loves your neighbor
You embody the Golden Rule by treating others as you would want to be treated.
They seem to miss the boat
Other people fail to recognize the importance of valuing and supporting their community, which hinders progress and unity.
Letting others drown so they can stay afloat
Some individuals are selfish and prioritize their well-being over others, even if it means causing harm or neglecting others in need.
But we have love so real, just let them be
Despite the negativity in the world, we continue to hold onto love and recognize that others may not be ready to change. We focus on spreading love and acceptance.
I wanna thank someone for sendin' you to me
I express gratitude that the universe brought us together and gave us the chance to experience love and happiness.
Bless your mother, bless your father
I offer well wishes and appreciation to your parents for raising and nurturing you, helping to shape the person you are today.
But most of all, bless you, bless me
Above all, I acknowledge the strength of our relationship and want to cultivate a loving and fulfilling future together.
Let our love last for eternity
I hope our love will be long-lasting and never-ending, bringing us joy and fulfillment throughout our lives.
People will try to break it
Unfortunately, there will be those who seek to undermine and harm our relationship, but we remain strong and committed to each other.
They don't wanna see us make it
Outsiders might not believe in or want for us to succeed, but we do not let their negative opinions hold us back.
We'll never let them take it, no sir-ee
We hold onto our love and protect it from those who seek to harm it, determined to keep our bond strong and resilient.
Oh I've got you and baby, you got me
We have each other and can rely on one another for love, support, and happiness.
We're gonna make it, boy
Our love will endure any obstacles and stand the test of time, no matter what we face.
Heaven won't break it, boy
Despite the challenges and hardships we experience, our love will persist and remain strong.
I wanna share my joy that's heavenly
I want to spread my love and happiness to others, knowing that love is a powerful force that can make the world a better place.
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
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