Martha Reeves & The Vandellas were one of the most successful groups in the… Read Full Bio ↴Martha Reeves & The Vandellas were one of the most successful groups in the Motown roster during the 1960s and fully active from 1960 to present, performing at various times doo-wop, pop, rock and roll and soul.

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.

Don't Let Me Lose This Dream
Martha Reeves & The Vandellas Lyrics

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If I lose this dream (This dream)
I don't know what I'm gonna do
If I lose this dream (This dream)
I'm dreaming about for me and you

If it goes away, I might as well hang it up
'Cause I don't know
If I have the heart or mind

To make it true, to help it grow
And I only know, I only know

If I lose this dream (This dream)
It's goodbye love and happiness
You're the one I need (I need)
I don't want a love that's second best

There've been things all of my life
I wanted to do that made me blue
Help me hold onto this dream
For sometimes dreams often come true
And they all come true (Come true)
For me and you now, wait a minute, baby

Don't let me lose this dream
Baby, baby, hold on
Don't let me lose my dream
Baby, baby, be strong

You say that you believe that
What I say is true (Hey, hey hey)
That I'm the one and only girl for you
(Wait a minute, baby)
Doesn't matter what the people say
(Hey, hey hey)
You know I'm in your corner all the way

Don't let me lose my dream
Baby, baby, hold on (Baby, hold on)
Don't let me lose my dream
Baby, baby, be strong (Baby, be strong)
Don't me lose my dream
Baby, baby, hold on (Baby, hold on)

Don't let me lose my dream
Baby, baby, baby (Baby, be strong)

Overall Meaning

The lyrics of "Don't Let Me Lose This Dream" by Martha Reeves & The Vandellas speak to the fear of losing a beloved dream. The singer expresses their uncertainty, stating that they don't know what they would do if this dream were to disappear. This dream, which they are dreaming for both themselves and their partner, holds immense significance and hope in their life.

The song conveys a sense of desperation and a plea for support. The singer believes that if this dream fades away, they might as well give up because they don't have the strength or determination to make it a reality on their own. They emphasize the need to hold onto this dream, as its fulfillment would bring love and happiness. The fear of settling for a love that is second best is also highlighted.

The lyrics suggest that throughout the singer's life, there have been aspirations that have caused sadness and disappointment. But this dream is different; it is one they want to cherish and make come true. They hope for their partner's understanding and encouragement, urging them not to let this dream slip away. The belief in their love and the disregard for others' opinions is emphasized, as they express that they are the only one for each other.

The repetition of the chorus and the urgency in the plea highlight the intense desire to hold onto this dream and the need for their partner to be strong. It is a passionate and relatable expression of the fear of losing something that holds immense value and meaning in one's life.

Don't Let Me Lose This DreamMartha Reeves & The Vandellas Lyrics

Don't Let Me Lose This Dream
Martha Reeves & The Vandellas Lyrics