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.
I Second That Emotion
Martha Reeves & The Vandellas Lyrics
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But only for one night with no repeat
Maybe you'd go away and never call
And a taste of honey is worse than none at all (oh little girl)
Oh little girl, in that case I don't want no part
That would only break my heart
Oh, but if you feel like loving me
If you got the notion
Said, if you feel like giving me
A lifetime of devotion
I second that emotion
Maybe you think that love would tie you down
You ain't got the time to hang around
Maybe you think that love was made for fools
So it makes you wise to break the rules
Oh little girl, in that case I don't want no part
That would only break my heart
Oh, but if you feel like loving me
If you got the notion
I second that emotion
Said, if you feel like giving me
A lifetime of devotion
I second that emotion
Maybe you want to give me kisses sweet
But only for one night with no repeat
Maybe you'd go away and never call
And a taste of honey is worse than none at all (oh little girl)
Oh little girl, in that case I don't want no part
That would only break my heart
Oh, but if you feel like loving me
If you got the notion
I second that emotion
Said, if you feel like giving me
A lifetime of devotion
I second that emotion
Maybe you think that love would tie you down
You ain't got the time to hang around
Maybe you think that love was made for fools
So it makes you wise to break the rules
Oh little girl, in that case I don't want no part
That would only break my heart
Oh, but if you feel like loving me
If you got the notion
I second that emotion
Said, if you feel like giving me
A lifetime of devotion
I second that emotion
Well, if you feel like giving me
A lifetime of devotion...
The lyrics to "I Second That Emotion" by Martha Reeves & The Vandellas delve into the complexities and uncertainties of love and relationships. The song portrays a narrator who is skeptical about entering into a romantic connection with someone due to their fear of being hurt or left behind.
In the first verse, the singer is hesitant to engage with someone who might only offer temporary affection, kisses that are sweet but fleeting. They express their aversion to being left behind, as they believe that even a taste of a sweet romance that doesn't last is more painful than not experiencing it at all. The phrase "oh little girl" is used throughout the song as an endearing term of address, emphasizing the vulnerability and emotional turmoil of the singer.
However, in the chorus of the song, the singer acknowledges that if the person in question genuinely desires to love them and be devoted to them, they would "second that emotion." The phrase "second that emotion" serves as a way of expressing agreement or affirmation, indicating that the singer is open to reciprocating love and dedication if it is genuine and lasting. They recognize the value of a deep, committed relationship and express a willingness to embrace it, should the other person feel the same.
The second verse explores the fear of commitment that the other person may harbor. The singer understands that the person may feel that love would tie them down or hinder their freedom. They highlight the belief that the person views love as a foolish endeavor and that breaking the rules of traditional relationships might be seen as a way of gaining wisdom. However, despite this skepticism, the singer still expresses their aversion to getting involved with someone who doesn't prioritize a long-lasting, devoted relationship.
Overall, the lyrics of "I Second That Emotion" encapsulate the conflict between craving love and intimacy while also fearing the potential pain or transience that could come with it. The song showcases the singer's cautious approach to relationships, emphasizing the importance of genuine love and long-term commitment.
Line by Line Meaning
Maybe you want to give me kisses sweet
Perhaps you desire to give me affectionate kisses that are delightful
But only for one night with no repeat
However, your intentions are solely for a temporary affair without any future encounters
Maybe you'd go away and never call
There's a possibility that you would depart and cease all communication
And a taste of honey is worse than none at all (oh little girl)
The experience of a brief sweetness can be more painful than not experiencing it at all (oh dear girl)
Oh little girl, in that case I don't want no part
Oh dear girl, if that's the scenario, I would prefer not to be involved
That would only break my heart
Engaging in such a situation would only cause me emotional distress
Oh, but if you feel like loving me
However, if you genuinely have the desire to love me
If you got the notion
If you possess the inclination or idea
I second that emotion
I completely support and share that sentiment
Said, if you feel like giving me
I repeat, if you genuinely have the desire to grant me
A lifetime of devotion
Unwavering commitment and dedication for the duration of our lives
Well, if you feel like giving me
Enthusiastically, if you have the inclination to bestow upon me
A lifetime of devotion...
...a lifetime of unwavering commitment and dedication
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: Alfred Cleveland, William Robinson Jr.
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@sixunderground2002
Verse 1]
Maybe you want to give me kisses sweet
But only for one night with no repeat
And maybe you'd go away and never call
And a taste of honey is worse than none at all
[Hook]
Oh, little girl, in that case I don't want no part
That would only break my heart
Oh, but if you feel like loving me
If you got the notion
I second that emotion
Said, if you feel like giving me
A lifetime of devotion
I second that emotion
[Verse 2]
Maybe you think that love would tie you down
And you don't have the time to hang around
Maybe you think that love was made for fools
So it makes you wise to break the rules
[Hook]
Oh, little girl, in that case I don't want no part
That would only break my heart
Oh, but if you feel like loving me
If you got the notion
I second that emotion
Said, if you feel like giving me
A lifetime of devotion
I second that emotion
@Morgan-pz3ni
Maybe you want to give me kisses sweet
But only for one night with no repeat
And maybe you'd go away and never call
And a taste of honey is worse than none at all
Oh, little girl, in that case I don't want no part
That would only break my heart
Oh, but if you feel like loving me
If you got the notion
I second that emotion
Said, if you feel like giving me
A lifetime of devotion
I second that emotion
Maybe you think that love would tie you down
And you don't have the time to hang around
Maybe you think that love was made for fools
So it makes you wise to break the rules
Oh, little girl, in that case I don't want no part
That would only break my heart
Oh, but if you feel like loving me
If you got the notion
I second that emotion
Said, if you feel like giving me
A lifetime of devotion
I second that emotion
Oh, little girl, in that case I don't want no part
That would only break my heart
Oh, but if you feel like loving me
If you got the notion
I second that emotion
Said, if you feel like giving me
A lifetime of devotion
I second that emotion
@GreigStott
Never fail to be uplifted by this one, magic 🙏❤️
@chemistryset1
well said, such a sweet and soulful song
@gilbertochoa6982
The Motown sound is unlike any other. It is real. The sound produced came from pure talent and is timeless.
@Suri-A_
"If you feel like giving me a lifetime of devotion I second that emotion " sends chills up & down my spine! WOW!
@woahmusic
@Markus Patients why are one night stands knocking on your door, anyway?
@lukeskywalker1840
No Auto-Tune, no electronics, no gimmicks. 100 percent talent.
@angelbaby9680
PURE MICHIGAN
@bellofortis2020
Smokey and Marvin.
That's it. That's the list.
@martynh5410
I also second that!
@joanjett8814
All I know is it sounds absolutely incredible to me ..