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.
Jimmy Mack
Martha Reeves & The Vandellas Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Oh, Jimmy Mack when are you comin' back
Jimmy Mack Jimmy,
Oh, Jimmy Mack when are you comin' back
My arms are missing you,
My lips feel the same way too
I tried so hard to be true, like I promised to doBut this guy keeps comin' around
He's tryin' to wear my resistance down
Hey, Jimmy, Jimmy
Oh, Jimmy Mack, when are you comin' back
Jimmy, Jimmy, oh, Jimmy Mack, you better hurry back
Now he calls me on the phone about three times a day
Now my heart doesn't listen to, what he has to say
But this loneliness I have within
Reaching out to be his friend
Hey, Jimmy, Jimmy
Oh, Jimmy Mack, when are you comin' back
Jimmy, Jimmy, oh, Jimmy Mack, you better hurry back
I just need your loving, need your loving, yeah, yeah
I wanna say I'm not getting any stronger
I can't hold out very much longer
Trying hard, to be true
But Jimmy, he talks just as sweet as you
Hey, Jimmy, Jimmy
Oh, Jimmy Mack, when are you comin' back
Jimmy, can't you hear me, Jimmy
Oh, Jimmy Mack, you better hurry backI just need your loving, need your loving
Hey, oh, Jimmy Mack, when are you coming back
Hey, Jimmy Mack, you better hurry back
Oh, I'm not getting any stronger, I can't hold out very much longer
The song "Jimmy Mack" by Martha Reeves & The Vandellas tells the story of a woman waiting for her lover to return to her, while she fends off the advances of another man. The repeated refrain, "Jimmy Mack, when are you coming back?" is a plea for her lover to return to her. She confesses that she misses him "My arms are missing you, my lips feel the same way too." But she is also tempted by another man who is "trying to wear my resistance down." Despite her efforts to remain faithful, the loneliness she feels makes her vulnerable to Jimmy's rival. She hopes that Jimmy will return soon so that she can resist the other man's advances and be content with their love.
The song is a classic example of the Motown sound of the 1960s. Its catchy melody and upbeat tempo are characteristic of the genre, making it a danceable tune as well as a poignant love song. Martha Reeves' powerful vocals convey the longing and urgency of the song's message, making it a timeless classic that still resonates with listeners today.
Line by Line Meaning
Jimmy Mack Jimmy
The singer calls for Jimmy Mack's attention and affection.
Oh, Jimmy Mack when are you comin' back
The singer expresses her longing for Jimmy Mack's return and presence.
My arms are missing you,
The singer misses Jimmy Mack's embrace and comfort.
My lips feel the same way too
The singer misses Jimmy Mack's kisses and affection.
I tried so hard to be true, like I promised to do
The singer has been faithful to Jimmy Mack but faces temptation.
But this guy keeps comin' around
A new love interest tries to win the singer's heart.
He's tryin' to wear my resistance down
The new love interest is persistent and trying to break the singer's loyalty to Jimmy Mack.
Now he calls me on the phone about three times a day
The new love interest keeps contacting the singer, trying to win her over.
Now my heart doesn't listen to, what he has to say
The singer's heart is still loyal to Jimmy Mack and ignores the new love interest's words.
But this loneliness I have within
The singer is feeling lonely and vulnerable due to Jimmy Mack's absence.
Reaching out to be his friend
The singer is open to Jimmy Mack's return and seeks his companionship.
I just need your loving, need your loving, yeah, yeah
The singer expresses her desire for Jimmy Mack's love and affection.
I wanna say I'm not getting any stronger
The singer is struggling to resist the new love interest's advances and feels weaker over time.
I can't hold out very much longer
The singer fears she may succumb to temptation and betray Jimmy Mack soon.
Trying hard, to be true
The singer is putting in effort to remain faithful to Jimmy Mack despite the challenges.
But Jimmy, he talks just as sweet as you
The singer recalls Jimmy Mack's sweet talk and is reminded of his absence.
Jimmy, can't you hear me, Jimmy
The singer pleads to Jimmy Mack to notice her call for his return.
Oh, Jimmy Mack, you better hurry back
The singer stresses the urgency of Jimmy Mack's return.
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: Brian Holland, Eddie Holland, Lamont Dozier
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@carolynlakos3802
My dad always said this song was about my uncle Jimmy .My dad owned a IBM publishing company in the day. Under Northwest .
Have picture of me at 2 and Berry Gordy at my house where grew up in Southgate , MIchigan .
Audio tapes of the Shirrells demo .cassette tape. Amog. Other collections. Lots of memory my mom and dad told me.
Cherish every voice group that ever tried made came to Detroit. God Bless .
M y mother died at 31 loved being raised on Woodward Ave. And just watch everyone sing talking about all the gang .Aretha Suprems ,Temps. All the best. So humble performance incredible. Not realizing the sound music impact decades of the best music ever heard in their lives .
What an amazing accommodation for the best creative artists writing community in America.
Considering the hell they had to endure on their journey. Please. Appreciate all the great music from Detroit "MO TOWN"
Shame sold out to L.A.
@nancygilchrist3214
Beautiful story ❤️ ♥️ 💕
@PatriciaWesterman-Johnson
APPRECIATECRGEXAETYDRSXWAKINHBYBTIBBRIBBKRCSRTSBDMSXYSXCSDI88UUUUUUÙUUUIIIIÌOO😅Ù6
@marytackett9957
I am from Dearborn Hgts Mich and grew up in my teens listening to Motown. Great artist with great memories. When I want to go back in time to the 60's and early 70's I go to Youtube and search Motown artists like Martha & The Vandellas, Stevie Wonder. Four Tops, Temptations, Supremes and the great Motown artists and sound.
@ContemporaryWorshipMusic189
I'm not sure if anyone is reading this right now, but if so, I want you to know that I wish you a day full of love and joy. May every moment bring you closer to your goals and may you never lose faith in yourself. You are unique and capable of achieving anything you set your mind to!
@aliasraonic
<333
@charlesdrake1993
MAN !!! I was only "12 'years old" When I heard these Motown songs and try to hang with my older brothers and cousins...My cousin Shirley, taught me how to "BOP". It was on this very song "Jimmy Mack"... And I have been Bopping and Stepping every since...
@randydiffenbaugh6090
Hey there you go have some fun😂
@teenatchie1313
You gotta be from Chicago only place I saw the bop
@marciacatron9496
Martha & The Vandellas hit gold on this song. Need your lovin' Jimmy Mack can't hold out much longer...