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.
Live Wire
Martha Reeves & The Vandellas Lyrics
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Every time we date, he's always late
All the abuses and excuses, I've made up my mind
Gonna tell him this time we're through
But everything I plan to say
Just seems to fade away
Every time I see his face
My eyes light up, sparks start to flyin' Like a live wire, real live wire
Just like a bolt of lightnin', it sets my soul on fire
Sweet kisses are his alibi
And that's why, that's where my weakness lies
Though I plan and rehearse the things I want to say
The words never never come my way, 'cause
'Cause everything I plan to say
Just seems to fade away
Every time I see his face
My eyes light up, sparks start to flyin'
Like a live wire
Like a bolt of lightnin', it sets my soul on fire
Just like a live wire, real live wire
A bolt of lightnin', oh yeah, sets my soul on fire
Like a live wire, real live wire
In Martha Reeves & The Vandellas's song Live Wire, the lyrics tell the story of a woman who has had enough of her unreliable partner. It's her birthday, but he's forgotten yet again. She's tired of his constant lateness and excuses, and has decided to end things with him. However, every time she tries to speak her mind, her emotions get the best of her and she can't bring herself to do it. She's still in love with him, and every time she sees him, her eyes light up and sparks start to fly like a live wire.
The lyrics paint a vivid picture of the woman's inner struggle. On one hand, she knows that she deserves better and wants to move on. On the other hand, she's still deeply in love with her partner and can't resist the electricity that comes with their relationship. The metaphor of a live wire effectively conveys the intensity and unpredictability of their connection.
Overall, Live Wire is a powerful and relatable song about the challenges of love and the internal conflict that often comes with it.
Line by Line Meaning
It's my birthday, and he forgot again
On my special day, he once again failed to remember.
Every time we date, he's always late
He habitually shows a lack of consideration by not being prompt.
All the abuses and excuses, I've made up my mind
I have grown tired of his unending mistreatment and explanations for his behavior.
Gonna tell him this time we're through
I plan on expressing that I am ending this relationship.
But everything I plan to say
Despite preparing my thoughts carefully,
Just seems to fade away
As soon as I lay eyes on him, my intentions dissipate.
Every time I see his face
As soon as I look at him,
My eyes light up, sparks start to flyin'
My pupils enlarge, and an electric sensation courses through me.
Like a live wire, real live wire
I feel like a highly charged electric cable, ready to react.
Just like a bolt of lightnin', it sets my soul on fire
Similar to the sharp brightness of lightning, the attraction ignites my very being.
Sweet kisses are his alibi
He uses tender embraces as his excuse.
And that's why, that's where my weakness lies
That is precisely where I am vulnerable.
Though I plan and rehearse the things I want to say
Even though I practice what I want to convey,
The words never never come my way, 'cause
My chosen sentence never manifests because
'Cause everything I plan to say
All of my intentions
Just seems to fade away
Immediately disintegrate at the sight of his face.
A bolt of lightnin', oh yeah, sets my soul on fire
Like a brilliant flash of lightning, his presence resonates within me.
Like a live wire, real live wire
I am like a highly charged electric cable, sensitive to his influence.
Lyrics © DistroKid, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Royalty Network
Written by: JR., BRIAN HOLLAND, EDWARD HOLLAND, EDWARD, JR. HOLLAND, LAMONT DOZIER, LAMONT HERBERT DOZIER
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@sheilapalmer9539
I love her voice
@sheilapalmer9539
This is a master piece
@sheilapalmer9539
You kill this jam
@gilloera8912
Above excellence. I'm still dancing to this. I'm 73 years old and bopping this at the clubs! I tell the DJ to play it. Guys come up to me and ask me about it.
@SaundraMichael-yb6lm
2025 ❤
@SammysmSoulGlow
The Funk Brothers are. awesome on this tune.
@MrPeclo
Excellent Martha Reeves and The Vandellas.
@joannebarlow592
(MOTOWN MAGIC)
@Leatherbro
Raw natural "God gifted" talent.
@ColumRogers
I'm a 'live wire' when this song comes on, LOL. It's epic!!!!