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.
My Boyfriend's Back
Martha Reeves & The Vandellas Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
(Hey, la-di-la, my boyfriend's back.)
When you see him comin', better cut on the double.
(Hey, la-di-la, my boyfriend's back.)
You've been spreading lies that I was untrue.
(Hey, la-di-la, my boyfriend's back.)
So look out now 'cause he's comin' after you.
(Hey, la-di-la, my boyfriend's back.)
And he knows that you've been lyin'.
He's been gone for such a long time.
(Hey, la-di-la, my boyfriend's back.)
Now he's back and things will be fine.
(Hey, la-di-la, my boyfriend's back.)
You're gonna be sorry you were ever born.
(Hey, la-di-la, my boyfriend's back.)
'Cause he's kinda big and he's awful strong.
(Hey, la-di-la, my boyfriend's back.)
And he knows about your cheatin',
Now you're gonna get a beatin'.
What made you think he'd believe all your lies?
(Ah-oo, ah-oo.)
You're a big man now, but he'll cut you down to size!
(Ah-oo.)
Wait and see!
My boyfriend's back, he's gonna save my reputation
(Hey, la-di-la, my boyfriend's back.)
If I were you, I'd take a permanent vacation.
(Hey, la-di-la, my boyfriend's back.)
La-di-la, my boyfriend's back!
La-di-la, my boyfriend's back!
The lyrics to Martha Reeves & The Vandellas' song "My Boyfriend's Back" depict a confident and empowered narrator who warns someone that their actions have consequences. The song begins with the statement "My boyfriend's back and you're gonna be in trouble," indicating that the singer's boyfriend has returned, and the person being addressed will face repercussions for their previous behavior.
The second line, "When you see him comin', better cut on the double," implies that the person should run away or hide when they see the boyfriend approaching. The following lyrics reveal that this person has been spreading lies about the singer's faithfulness, but now they should be wary because the boyfriend is seeking retribution for their deceitful actions.
The pre-chorus suggests that the boyfriend has been absent for a long period of time, but now that he has returned, everything will be set right. The singer warns the person that they will regret their actions, emphasizing that the boyfriend is physically imposing and strong.
The bridge questions why the person thought the boyfriend would believe their lies, and warns them that despite their current stature, the boyfriend will diminish their ego and bring them down to size. The song concludes with the repetition of the chorus, reinforcing the idea that the boyfriend is back to protect the singer's reputation and that it would be wise for the person addressed to leave permanently.
Overall, "My Boyfriend's Back" showcases a strong and assertive narrator who feels empowered by the return of her boyfriend, who will confront and bring justice to those who have wronged her.
Line by Line Meaning
My boyfriend's back and you're gonna be in trouble.
My boyfriend has returned and you will face consequences for your actions.
(Hey, la-di-la, my boyfriend's back.)
(Hey, la-di-la, my boyfriend's back.)
When you see him comin', better cut on the double.
When you spot him approaching, it is advised to flee quickly.
(Hey, la-di-la, my boyfriend's back.)
(Hey, la-di-la, my boyfriend's back.)
You've been spreading lies that I was untrue.
You have been spreading false rumors about my faithfulness.
(Hey, la-di-la, my boyfriend's back.)
(Hey, la-di-la, my boyfriend's back.)
So look out now 'cause he's comin' after you.
Be wary, as he is coming to confront you.
(Hey, la-di-la, my boyfriend's back.)
(Hey, la-di-la, my boyfriend's back.)
And he knows that you've been tryin',
He is aware of your attempts,
And he knows that you've been lyin'.
And he knows that you have been deceitful.
He's been gone for such a long time.
He has been absent for an extended period.
(Hey, la-di-la, my boyfriend's back.)
(Hey, la-di-la, my boyfriend's back.)
Now he's back and things will be fine.
Now that he has returned, everything will be alright.
(Hey, la-di-la, my boyfriend's back.)
(Hey, la-di-la, my boyfriend's back.)
You're gonna be sorry you were ever born.
You will deeply regret your existence.
(Hey, la-di-la, my boyfriend's back.)
(Hey, la-di-la, my boyfriend's back.)
'Cause he's kinda big and he's awful strong.
Because he is quite large and possesses considerable strength.
(Hey, la-di-la, my boyfriend's back.)
(Hey, la-di-la, my boyfriend's back.)
And he knows about your cheatin',
And he is aware of your infidelity,
Now you're gonna get a beatin'.
Now you shall endure a physical punishment.
What made you think he'd believe all your lies?
What made you assume he would trust your deceitful words?
(Ah-oo, ah-oo.)
(Ah-oo, ah-oo.)
You're a big man now, but he'll cut you down to size!
Although you consider yourself powerful, he will diminish your stature!
(Ah-oo.)
(Ah-oo.)
Wait and see!
Just wait and observe what happens!
My boyfriend's back, he's gonna save my reputation
My boyfriend's return will restore my good name.
(Hey, la-di-la, my boyfriend's back.)
(Hey, la-di-la, my boyfriend's back.)
If I were you, I'd take a permanent vacation.
If I were in your shoes, I would permanently remove myself from this situation.
(Hey, la-di-la, my boyfriend's back.)
(Hey, la-di-la, my boyfriend's back.)
La-di-la, my boyfriend's back!
La-di-la, my boyfriend has returned!
La-di-la, my boyfriend's back!
La-di-la, my boyfriend has returned!
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: GERALD GOLDSTEIN, BOB FELDMAN, RICHARD GOTTEHRER
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Alex 420 Bro
Love this song they made it so much better
Leatherbro 1000
These girls are singing with soul. Natural talent!
Rosie Green
Much "cleaner" than the Angels, but maybe they had better traditional harmony. Still, I prefer the Vandellas. Prefer their "Grapevine" too
Axel
The angels weren't crap compared to the Vandellas.
DealReal12
It's Britney Betch like both versions. As a Matter of fact I like many versions