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.
Just My Imagination
Martha Reeves & The Vandellas Lyrics
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To think of good reasons
To keep on keepin' on
Got to make the best of a bad situation
Ever since that day
I woke up and found
That you were gone
Darkness all around me
Blackin out the sun
Old friends call me
But I just don't feel like talkin to anyone
Emptiness has found me
And it just wont let me go
I go right on livin'
But why I just don't know
Staring down reality
Don't do me no good
'Cause our misunderstanding
Is too well understood
Such a sad, sad season
When a good love dies.
Not a day goes by
When I don't realize
I've really got to use my imagination
To think of good reasons
To keep on keepin' on
Got to make the best of a bad situation
Ever since that day
I woke up and found
That you were gone
In Martha Reeves's song "I've Got To Use My Imagination," she sings about the pain of a lost love and the struggle to move on. The chorus repeats the sentiment that she must use her imagination to find reasons to keep going. The lyrics speak to the idea that sometimes, when facing a difficult situation or heartbreak, it takes creativity to find solutions or ways to push through the pain.
Reeves describes the darkness surrounding her, including a sense of emptiness and disconnection from the world. She is haunted by the memory of the love that she has lost and finds it difficult to connect with others. She describes the futility of staring down reality, knowing that the pain is all too real and that there is no easy fix for her situation. The lines "Such a sad, sad season / When a good love dies" are particularly poignant, expressing the sense of loss and grief that comes with a relationship ending.
Overall, "I've Got To Use My Imagination" is a powerful song about the struggle to navigate difficult emotions and hold on to hope in the face of heartbreak. Reeves's expressive voice and the lush instrumentation add to the emotional resonance of the lyrics, making it a memorable and moving track.
Some interesting facts about the song include:
Interesting Facts
Note: This section uses generative AI, which can be inaccurate.
Line by Line Meaning
I've really got to use my imagination
I need to be creative in order to find hope and motivation.
To think of good reasons
To find positive aspects and reasons for continuing to persevere.
To keep on keepin' on
To keep going despite the difficulties and adversity.
Got to make the best of a bad situation
I must try to find the silver lining in the bad times and make the best of it.
Ever since that day
Since the moment I realized you were no longer here.
I woke up and found
I learned the hard truth that you were gone as soon as I woke up.
Darkness all around me
My world is bleak and there is little to find joy in.
Blackin out the sun
The negativity is so overwhelming that even the light of day does not bring comfort.
Old friends call me
Friends reach out to me but I struggle to interact with them.
But I just don't feel like talkin to anyone
I feel isolated and do not wish to communicate with others.
Emptiness has found me
I feel a deep sense of emptiness that is hard to shake.
And it just wont let me go
This feeling of emptiness is persistent and seems like it will never leave.
I go right on livin'
Despite the hardships, I continue to live my life the best that I can.
But why I just don't know
I am unsure of why I continue on with no clear end in sight.
Staring down reality
I am facing the harsh truth of my current situation.
Don't do me no good
It is not beneficial for me to constantly dwell on the negative aspects of my life.
'Cause our misunderstanding
The root of my sadness is due to a miscommunication or disagreement between you and me.
Is too well understood
The issue is too deeply ingrained and cannot easily be resolved.
Such a sad, sad season
This is a particularly difficult and upsetting time.
When a good love dies.
The end of a good relationship is a heart-wrenching experience.
Not a day goes by
Each and every day, I am reminded of my loss.
When I don't realize
I am constantly aware of and affected by your absence.
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: Barry Goldberg, Gerry Goffin
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind