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 do
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 back
I 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
@Ronald8780
How did we ever get away from great music like this?
@elosasanchez1243
The music today stinks . The music back then actually had lyrics that made sense . I don't like the music they play today and the 60's and 70's I love and probably always will.
@timmyporter359
probably because 8 crazy nights....
@josephnatoli3935
1:22. Woke progressive morons!
This is what I call music.
Amen.❤
@VickiHillyard
@@elosasanchez1243l
@numbnuts511
One of my wifes favourite ,I bought this for her in our courting days .she used to change the "Mack" bit to my surname. She passed away very recently.I love you ,I miss you. Jimmy xxxxxxx
@BOBLLASHRAM
We all feel the same don't we? This song gives me goose bumps when I hear it just like loads of that Motown stuff. It brings back so many memories of the times when music was just fabulous!
@Realmusiclover1957
We were lucky to be born at the time we were born to witness the greatest music in the history of the world.
@cajayson8301
Amazing, underrated song. Wish they still played this on radio today...such a classic dance hit
@neilhunter495
They do constantly on absolute and smooth radio.