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.
Got To Be There
Martha Reeves & The Vandellas Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
People everywhere just wanna be free
Listen, please listen, that's the way it should be
Peace in the valley, people got to be free
You should see, what a lovely, lovely world this would be
If everyone learned to live together
It seems to me such an easy, easy thing this would be
All the world over, so easy to see
People everywhere just wanna be free
I can't understand it, so simple to me
People everywhere just got to be free
Ah, ah, yeah . . . ah, ah, yeah
If there's a man who is down and needs a helping hand
All it takes is you to understand and to see him through
Seems to me, we got to solve it individually
And I'll do unto you what you do to me
There'll be shoutin' from the mountains on out to sea
(out to the sea)
No two ways about it, people have to be free
(they got to be free)
Ask me my opinion, my opinion will be
(ah-ha)
It's a natural situation for a man to be free
Oh, what a feelin's just come over me
Enough to move a mountain, make a blind man see
Everybody's dancin', come on, let's go see
Peace in the valley, now they want to be free
"People Got To Be Free" by Martha Reeves & The Vandellas is a song that calls for universal freedom and unity. Throughout the song, the lyrics emphasize the importance of people coming together to live in peace and harmony. The opening line states that it is easy to see that people all around the world long to be free. The song values the freedom of every individual and calls for people to listen and learn to love one another, creating a world where everyone can coexist. The lyrics also speak to the importance of individuals taking responsibility for helping one another, understanding one another's struggles, and supporting each other's journeys to freedom.
The song ends on a positive, uplifting note, with the suggestion of a world where people are dancing and celebrating in a spirit of unity. "People Got To Be Free" is a powerful song of hope that has proven to be timeless, resonating with listeners across generations.
Line by Line Meaning
All the world over, so easy to see
It is easy to see that people everywhere desire freedom.
People everywhere just wanna be free
All people around the world have an innate desire to be free.
Listen, please listen, that's the way it should be
It is necessary to hear and act upon this desire for freedom.
Peace in the valley, people got to be free
True peace can only be achieved through the freedom of all people.
You should see, what a lovely, lovely world this would be
The world has the potential to be a beautiful place if everyone embraced freedom.
If everyone learned to live together
Universal brotherhood and acceptance is essential for a free world.
It seems to me such an easy, easy thing this would be
Creating a world based on freedom is a simple goal.
Why can't you and me learn to love one another
If individuals can learn to love and appreciate each other, a free world is possible.
I can't understand it, so simple to me
The artist cannot comprehend why some individuals have not embraced the basic concept of freedom.
People everywhere just got to be free
The desire for freedom is a natural human instinct that cannot be ignored.
If there's a man who is down and needs a helping hand
It is important to assist those in need to create a more equitable society.
All it takes is you to understand and to see him through
Individuals can make a significant impact on the lives of others by offering understanding and support.
Seems to me, we got to solve it individually
Creating a better world must start with individuals taking responsibility for their actions and choices.
And I'll do unto you what you do to me
Treating others with empathy and kindness is essential for building a more just society.
There'll be shoutin' from the mountains on out to sea (out to the sea)
The desire for freedom will be heard and taken up around the world.
No two ways about it, people have to be free (they got to be free)
There is no compromise on the importance of freedom for all individuals.
Ask me my opinion, my opinion will be (ah-ha)
The artist is confident and unambiguous about their stance on freedom.
It's a natural situation for a man to be free
Freedom is a fundamental and natural state for all individuals.
Oh, what a feelin's just come over me
The singer is overcome with emotion at the possibility of a free world.
Enough to move a mountain, make a blind man see
The power of freedom is immense and can transform even the most difficult circumstances.
Everybody's dancin', come on, let's go see
Celebration and joy will accompany the realization of a free world.
Peace in the valley, now they want to be free
Once peace is established, the desire for freedom will only grow stronger.
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: EDWARD J BRIGATI, FELIX CAVALIERE
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@Tarantulisimo
Martha Reeves - Lead vocals
Rosalind Ashford & Betty Kelly - background vocals
The Funk Brothers - All instruments
Benny Benjamin: drums
James Jamerson: bass guitar
Earl Van Dyke: Wurlitzer electric piano
Jack Ashford: percussion, tambourine, vibes
Ivy Jo Hunter: Detroit snow chains
Robert White: guitar
Eddie Willis: guitar
Brian Holland, Lamont Dozier and Edward Holland, Jr. - songwriters
Lamont Dozier and Brian Holland - producers
@markplane5994
I start Spring Cleaning tomorrow and my stereo is going to get abused with Martha, Aretha, Motown and Northern Soul.( if you are familiar with the Northern Soul Genre) Nothing under 50 years old and I am going to literally shake the house as I clean (unless I blow my speakers, which would be a really bad day) Don't know about my hips being loosened, but I could have very well dislocated them by the end of the day. lol.
If you are not from the UK, have a look at this.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Northern_soul
Here is a quick preview.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8TEyxwXIRPs&list=PLfMaV_DTTyta-hFFXFtw0OyeNqRUfOx9x&index=3
@ramsnover3599
63 yrs old, Detroit Bred, Every 2 days i heard a new motown song come out when i was young...
@markcf83
I don't doubt it for one minute. Motown were prolific.
@ralphsorrenti1602
At 65 I hear this music and I say to myself GOD I was luckly to be alive, when this music first came out. You wil NEVER EVER hear music like this again.
@salimaalazri9664
don't i wish i lived then cause i believe i was born into the wrong era when the musics actually meant something, unlike the garbage the produce these days :(
@motowngirl5891
Never
@beautyan5309
Truth
@frankmalinaro9700
~~ at 73 ..I hear ya...really blessed we are . The crap they call music today is unlistenable to me.
My motto is " Pick a decade and be true to it ".
@Snuffnguts
I'm lucky in this gen cause I can listen to it for free lmfao
@authenticallykyle
This song is so recognizable, makes me think of so many movies I love. Congratulations on Martha's Hollywood star today ❤
@lettsifo
It has been almost fifty years since I served in the South Vietnam War. But this song a;ways moves me to tears when I think of buddies lost in that senseless war. It still sadden me to think that they were given a chance to grow up and become men. Three of them were still in their teens when they died.