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.
Love
Martha Reeves & The Vandellas Lyrics
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Put a little love in your heart
You see, it's getting late, oh, please don't hesitate
Put a little love in your heart
And the world (the world) will be a better place
And the world (the world) will be a better place
For you (for you) and me (and me)
Another day goes by, still all the children cry
Put a little love in your heart
Oh, if you want the world to know, we won't let hatred grow
Just put a little love in your heart
And the world (the world) will be a better place
And the world (the world) will be a better place
For you (for you) and me (and me)
You just wait (just wait) and see
Take a good look around and if you're lookin' down
Just put a little love in your heart (come put it in your heart)
I hope when you decide kindness will be your guide
Put a little love in your heart
And the world (the world) will be a better place
Yes, the world (the world) will be a better place
For you (for you) and me (and me)
Why don't you just wait (just wait) just wait and see, come on now
(Put a little love in your heart)
It won't hurt, no no
(Put a little love in your heart)
Ain't no harm now
(Put a little love in your heart)
Say something nice to your neighbor this morning
(Put a little love in your heart)
Tell your children you love them this morning, come one
(Put a little love in your heart)
Put a little love in your heart, oh yeah
"A Love Like Yours" by Martha Reeves & The Vandellas is a song that encourages listeners to be more loving and kind towards one another. The song suggests that if people were to put a little love in their hearts and extend a helping hand to others, the world would be a better place. The lyrics speak to the idea that there is still a lot of work to be done in terms of creating peace and love in the world, but by doing small acts of kindness, each individual can contribute to a brighter future.
The lyrics suggest that the state of the world can feel overwhelming and depressing, but focusing on the small acts of kindness is a way to make a difference. The song encourages listeners to take a good look around themselves and recognize that they have the power to create change. It suggests that the smallest actions can make a big impact and reminds us that it's never too late to start making a difference.
Overall, "A Love Like Yours" is a timeless love song that promotes positivity, kindness, and love towards others. The message remains relevant today as our world continues to grapple with issues related to hatred and divisiveness.
Line by Line Meaning
Think of your fellow man, lend him a helping hand
Consider and care for others, and offer them assistance when they need it
Put a little love in your heart
Show kindness and compassion towards others, with sincerity and warmth
You see, it's getting late, oh, please don't hesitate
Time is running out, so act quickly and without delay
And the world (the world) will be a better place
If everyone shows love and compassion, the world will become a better, more peaceful and harmonious place
For you (for you) and me (and me)
This positive change will affect everyone, including ourselves
You just wait (just wait) and see
Have patience and faith, as the positive impact of love will become clear over time
Another day goes by, still all the children cry
Despite the passing of time, there is still much pain and sadness in the world
Oh, if you want the world to know, we won't let hatred grow
If we truly desire a world filled with love, then we must reject and fight against hate in all its forms
Take a good look around and if you're lookin' down
Observe the world and the people in it with a mindful and empathic perspective, even if you feel low or disheartened
I hope when you decide kindness will be your guide
It is hoped that one's decision to prioritize and prioritize kindness and love in their interactions will guide their actions and behavior
Yes, the world (the world) will be a better place
A world filled with love and kindness will be better, happier and more harmonious
Why don't you just wait (just wait) just wait and see, come on now
Be patient and wait for the positive effects of love to become evident, without losing hope or giving up
(Put a little love in your heart)
Emphasizes the importance and simplicity of adding kindness and love into our daily lives
It won't hurt, no no
There is nothing negative or harmful about spreading love and compassion
Ain't no harm now
Similar to above, there is no harm in spreading positivity and compassion to others
Say something nice to your neighbor this morning
Encourages us to take small but meaningful actions in our daily lives, such as speaking kindly to those around us
Tell your children you love them this morning, come one
Emphasizes the importance of expressing love and affection towards those closest to us
Put a little love in your heart, oh yeah
Reiterates and reinforces the song's central message of spreading kindness and love to make the world a better place
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: Jackie DeShannon, Jimmy Holiday, Randy Myers
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Leon Adams
Man I'm only 35 and I love this song more than the shit that's on the radio today in 2020. What I wouldn't do to go back.
Ronnie Damnitz
Absolutely! You have good taste!
Sn Malki
Im 27 and i love this song
Miranda Bri
@Graf Zeppelin They (the governments are doing the same thing today with the so called "vaccines"), so don't be so gullible man.
Eugenia Mckenna
PLAY ALL YOUR GAVORITES SONGS
Eugenia Mckenna
YES KEEP ON PLSYONG ALL YOUR GAVOROTS SONGS N TECORD THEM N BIY YOURSELF A BOOM BOX AT DD DISCPUNT STORE OR GARAGE DALE N PLAY YOUR MUSIC.N SONGS.THAT NORmS U LIKR
Joseph James The First
If Martha Reeves & The Vandellas heard this version of their song, they would probably be happy that someone took out the time to extend their song without any disgracement to their song. I honestly love this song.
Leon Adams
Hey thanks for extending this song Joseph James The First and you're right. if the girls had heard this version they would so love it. I know I do and I'm only 36. is there anything wrong with that?
Luc Thibault
This is a wonderful extended version. Can’t get tired of this wonderful music. So much energy and great voices! Magical times.
Karn allsop
Me too never get tired of listening to it !!👍 😘