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.
Put A Little Love In Your Heart
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 will be a better place
And the world will be a better place for you and me
You just wait and see
Another day goes by, and still the children cry
Put a little love in your heart
If you want the world to know, we won't let hatred grow
Put a little love in your heart
And the world will be a better place
And the world will be a better place for you and me
You just wait and see. Wait and see
Take a good look around and if you're lookin' down
Put a little love in your heart
I hope when you decide kindness will be your guide
Put a little love in your heart
And the world will be a better place
And the world will be a better place for you and me
You just wait and see
Put a little love in your heart
Put a little love in your heart
The song "Put A Little Love In Your Heart" by Martha Reeves & The Vandellas is a heartfelt call for kindness, love, and empathy towards others. The lyrics urge listeners to think of their fellow man and lend them a helping hand, encouraging them to be more compassionate towards others. The song emphasizes the importance of putting aside differences and working towards creating a better world through love, kindness, and generosity.
As the song progresses, the lyrics delve deeper into the theme of love, urging listeners to not let hatred grow and to show kindness as their guide. The lyrics also spotlight a pervasive issue, the plight of children and their pain, begging the question of if the world has become too insensitive to feel their suffering. The song demands love and kindness to be shown to children and everyone, reminding listeners of the importance of a little love.
Overall, the song aims to create a sense of hope and positivity, with the promise that if people put a little love in their hearts, the world will be a better place for everyone.
Line by Line Meaning
Think of your fellow man, lend him a helping hand
Consider the needs of others and assist them in their times of need
Put a little love in your heart
Respond with empathy and kindness
You see, it's getting late, oh, please don't hesitate
There's a sense of urgency to act now and not delay
And the world will be a better place
Positive actions can only lead to a better world
And the world will be a better place for you and me
Everyone can benefit from acts of kindness and love
You just wait and see
The long-term results of positive actions will be visible with time
Another day goes by, and still the children cry
There's still much suffering and pain in the world, particularly for children
If you want the world to know, we won't let hatred grow
It's important to stand up against hatred and promote love instead
Take a good look around and if you're lookin' down
Observe the world around you with a critical eye
I hope when you decide kindness will be your guide
When you make a conscious choice to be kind, it will guide your actions
Put a little love in your heart
Small acts of love can make a big difference
And the world will be a better place
When everyone is motivated to show love, the world will be a better place
Put a little love in your heart
Show love and kindness whenever you can
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: JACKIE DE SHANNON, JIMMY HOLIDAY, RANDY MYERS
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
miguel Tomlinson
Martha sang the hell out of that song!!!
Glendale Lake
Just gotta love Miss Martha!