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.
Do It to Me
Martha Reeves & The Vandellas Lyrics
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Sit alone by the phone, a phone that never rings
Hoping to hear you say you love me still
Knowing you never will
Love, love, love has made a fool of me
Got me doin' things, things that shouldn't be
Listening for the sound of your knock on my door
Knowing that sweet sound will be no more
Funny how precious memories linger on
So long after you've gone
Oh precious memories that only make me cry
But I keep holdin' on, oh why do I? Oh, because...
Love, love, love makes me do these things
Speak your name softly each night, or holding your picture tight
When you took my heart, you took my soul
& it's far beyond control
Funny how precious memories linger on
So long after you've gone
Oh precious memories that only make me cry
But I keep holdin' on, oh why do I? Oh, because...
Love, love, love makes me do these things
Love, love, love sadness it brings
In the song "Do It to Me" by Martha Reeves & The Vandellas, the lyrics revolve around the theme of love and the foolish actions it can drive someone to. The song begins with the singer expressing how love has made them do foolish things, such as waiting by the phone for a call that will never come, hoping to hear the words "I love you" from the person they desire, even though they know it will never happen. Love has made them do things that shouldn't be done, like constantly listening for the sound of the person knocking on their door, even though they know it won't happen anymore.
The chorus emphasizes the lingering effect of precious memories, even after the person they love has left. These memories only bring tears, but the singer keeps holding on, even though they question why they do. Love has made them speak the person's name each night and hold onto their picture tightly, as if they took not only their heart but also their soul, and now it's beyond their control. The final repetition of the chorus acknowledges that love brings both happiness and sadness.
Overall, the lyrics paint a picture of someone deeply in love, facing the consequences of unrequited affection. They find themselves engaged in desperate actions, unable to let go of the memories and emotions connected to the person they love, even though they understand the futility of it all.
Line by Line Meaning
Love, love, love makes me do foolish things
The intense feeling of love causes me to act in irrational and imprudent ways
Sit alone by the phone, a phone that never rings
I constantly wait by the phone, hoping to receive a call from you, even though deep down I know it will never come
Hoping to hear you say you love me still
I yearn for you to express your love for me once again
Knowing you never will
Despite my hopes, I am aware that you will never utter those words to me
Love, love, love has made a fool of me
The power of love has turned me into a laughingstock, causing me to behave in foolish ways
Got me doin' things, things that shouldn't be
Love has compelled me to engage in actions that are considered inappropriate or wrong
Listening for the sound of your knock on my door
I anxiously anticipate the sound of your knock on my door, hoping for your presence
Knowing that sweet sound will be no more
However, I am aware that the sound of your knock will never come again, leaving only the memories behind
Funny how precious memories linger on
It is ironic how cherished memories persist and continue to affect me
So long after you've gone
Despite the passage of time since you left, these memories still have a strong hold on me
Oh precious memories that only make me cry
These nostalgic memories only bring forth tears and evoke emotions of sadness
But I keep holdin' on, oh why do I? Oh, because...
However, I still hold on to these memories, and I question myself as to why I continue to do so
Speak your name softly each night, or holding your picture tight
Every night, I whisper your name softly and tightly hold onto your picture
When you took my heart, you took my soul
When you captured my heart, you also took away my very essence and being
& it's far beyond control
The depth of my love for you is uncontrollable and beyond my own power
Love, love, love makes me do these things
The all-encompassing power of love leads me to perform these actions
Love, love, love sadness it brings
At the same time love brings joy, it also brings deep sadness and sorrow
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management, Universal Music Publishing Group, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Songtrust Ave
Written by: LAMONT DOZIER, LAMONT HERBERT DOZIER, BRIAN HOLLAND, EDWARD HOLLAND, EDWARD, JR. HOLLAND, JR.
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Dave dvlaries
The record stands as proof that you could sing the praises of sexual contentment without ever going near a four-letter word or any vulgarity. It's between the lines, but for those old enough, you know and knew exactly what Martha was talking about.
About as lyrically frank a record as Gordy would have let out the door in January 1966, a gem then and still a gem.
TJ Hall
Beautiful women. And I love the way they’re dancing. Classy and provocative at the same time⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Robert Velez
Love Makes Me Do Foolish Things and My Baby Loves Me are the best ballads ever for Martha Reeves & The Vandellas! Both songs were chart toppers!
Delson Galasinao
I loved Martha Reeves and the vandellas .perfect for throwback everyday listening
Brian Hepke
Hard to believe that 50+ years on from this that Martha would be competing on BBC's Celebrity Master Chef...you just never know where life is going to lead you...love this lady!
SAM The SHAM
Brian Hepke and Can't Cook or Sing anymore
ThePizzaPoPo
yes!!!! we need more rare footage of martha & the vandellas....thank you for this!!!
sickvokals
BEAUTIFUL!! Thanks so much for this! More from Martha Reeves & the Vandellas PLEASE!!!!
MicCo58
I love this song..I use to play it over and over. A great classic. Awesome!
Louie Colon
Wow, we had such beautiful music back in the day. this is priceless. bring beautiful memories of my teenage days.