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.
Mockingbird
Martha Reeves & The Vandellas Lyrics
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He's gonna buy me a mockingbird
And if that mockingbird won't sing
He's gonna buy me a diamond ring
And if that diamond ring won't shine
He's gonna surely break this heart of mine
And that's why I keep on tellin' ev'rybody, sayin'
Wo, wo, wo, wo, wo
Hear me now and understand
He's gonna find me some peace of mind
And if that peace of mind won't stay
I'm gonna find myself a better way
And if that better way ain't so
I, I, I'll ride with the tide and go with the flow
And that's why I keep on shoutin' in your ear sayin'
Wo, wo, wo, wo, wo
Everybody have you heard?
She's gonna buy me a mockingbird
And if that mockingbird won't sing
She's gonna buy me a diamond ring
And if that diamond ring won't shine
She's gonna surely break this heart of mine
And that's why I keep on tellin' ev'rybody, sayin' no, no, no, no,no
Listen now and understand
She's gonna find me some peace of mind
And if that peace of mind won't stay
I'm gonna find myself a better way
I might rise above , I might go below
I, I, I'll ride with the tide and go with the flow
And that's why I keep on shoutin' in your ears y'all
No, no, no, no, no, no, now, now, baby
The lyrics of Martha Reeves & The Vandellas' song "Mockingbird" depict a person seeking validation and assurance from their partner. The opening verse describes the anticipation of being gifted a mockingbird, symbolizing the hope for a joyful and harmonious relationship. However, if the mockingbird fails to sing, it symbolizes the partner's inability to bring happiness into the singer's life. In response, the singer demands a diamond ring to compensate for the disappointment. Yet, if the ring fails to shine, it represents a deeper emotional pain, leading to the fear of having their heart broken.
The second verse shifts the perspective, with the singer now referring to themselves as "She." This change suggests a shift in focus towards the singer's personal journey to find peace of mind. If the peace of mind doesn't last, the singer expresses determination to seek a better way, indicating a desire for personal growth and self-improvement. They are willing to adapt, riding with the tide and going with the flow, embracing change and accepting whatever comes their way.
Overall, the lyrics convey a bittersweet sentiment of relying on external factors, such as gifts or validation from a partner, to find happiness. However, they also highlight the importance of self-discovery and personal resilience in the pursuit of inner peace.
Line by Line Meaning
Everybody have you heard?
Does everyone know about this?
He's gonna buy me a mockingbird
He promises to bring me something that brings joy and happiness
And if that mockingbird won't sing
But if that thing doesn't fulfill its promise
He's gonna buy me a diamond ring
He'll make an even grander gesture by buying me expensive jewelry
And if that diamond ring won't shine
However, if that gift doesn't bring me the happiness I desire
He's gonna surely break this heart of mine
He will inevitably crush and devastate my emotions
And that's why I keep on tellin' ev'rybody, sayin' Wo, wo, wo, wo, wo
That's why I repeatedly proclaim my frustration and disappointment
Hear me now and understand
Pay attention to what I'm saying and comprehend
He's gonna find me some peace of mind
He'll help me find inner tranquility
And if that peace of mind won't stay
But if that state of peace and calm cannot be maintained
I'm gonna find myself a better way
I'll seek out an alternative path or solution
And if that better way ain't so
And if that alternative doesn't prove to be satisfactory
I, I, I'll ride with the tide and go with the flow
I will adapt and accept the circumstances, going along with whatever happens
And that's why I keep on shoutin' in your ear sayin' Wo, wo, wo, wo, wo
That's why I continue to express my discontent loudly to make it known
Listen now and understand
Now pay attention and comprehend
She's gonna find me some peace of mind
She promises to help me find inner tranquility
And if that peace of mind won't stay
But if that state of peace and calm cannot be maintained
I'm gonna find myself a better way
I'll seek out an alternative path or solution
I might rise above , I might go below
I may elevate myself or lower my expectations
I, I, I'll ride with the tide and go with the flow
I will adapt and accept the circumstances, going along with whatever happens
And that's why I keep on shoutin' in your ears y'all
That's why I persistently raise my voice to communicate my frustrations to everyone
No, no, no, no, no, no, now, now, baby
I strongly reject the current situation and demand change
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: Charlie Foxx, Inez Foxx
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@jesuisravi
After Charlie and Inez, this is the best of the Mockingbirds.
@steavenmisher9988
Hey you gotta start somewhere!
@simonshreeve5580
This must have been Martha Reeves and the Vandellas first song!
@bobgraw8996
Dumb & Dumber