Shop Around
Martha Reeves & The Vandellas Lyrics


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Just because you've become a young woman now
There's still some things that you don't understand now
Before you ask some guy for his hand now
Keep your freedom for as long as you can now
My mama told me
You better shop around

There's some things that I want you to know now
Just as sure as the wind's gonna blow now
The men'll come and the men are gonna go now
Before you tell 'em that you love 'em so now
My mama told me
You better shop around

Try to get yourself a bargain, girl
Don't be sold on the very first one
Good-looking guys come a dime a dozen
Try to find you one who's gonna give you true loving

Before you take a man and say I do now
Make sure he's in love with you now
Make sure that his love is true now
I hate to see you feeling sad and blue now




My mama told me
You better shop around

Overall Meaning

In Martha Reeves & The Vandellas's song Shop Around, the lyrics carry an important message about the importance of shopping around for the right man before settling down. The song is addressed to a young woman who has just become an adult and is now exploring romantic relationships. The lyrics caution the young woman to be careful and to keep her freedom for as long as possible, advising her to shop around until she finds the right man who truly loves her. The chorus of the song repeats the line "My mama told me, you better shop around" emphasizing the importance of taking time to find the right partner.


The lyrics of Shop Around can be seen as a reflection of the changing times of the 1960s, a period when women were beginning to assert their independence and challenge traditional gender roles. The song encourages women to take control of their lives, to be decisive in their choices, and not to settle for less than they deserve. It also highlights the importance of self-worth and self-respect in relationships, urging the listener to be cautious before committing to a partner.


Overall, Martha Reeves & The Vandellas's Shop Around serves as a timeless reminder of the value of self-love and self-respect, especially in romantic relationships. The song's message is still relevant today, and its lyrics continue to inspire many young men and women to strive for healthy, fulfilling relationships built on mutual love and respect.


Line by Line Meaning

Just because you've become a young woman now
Even if you think you've grown up, there are certain things in life that you might still be unaware of.


There's still some things that you don't understand now
Despite growing up, there's still a lot in life that might be new and unpredictable.


Before you ask some guy for his hand now
Don't be too hasty in tying yourself down to someone before understanding his true nature.


Keep your freedom for as long as you can now
Don't give up your independence too easily.


My mama told me
This is advice passed down through generations.


You better shop around
Be selective and take your time when it comes to finding a partner.


There's some things that I want you to know now
Here's some crucial words of wisdom for you to take to heart.


Just as sure as the wind's gonna blow now
These are universal truths that are as certain as the changing of the seasons.


The men'll come and the men are gonna go now
Don't expect every romantic partner to stick around for the long haul.


Before you tell 'em that you love 'em so now
Before declaring your love, make sure it's not premature or misplaced.


Try to get yourself a bargain, girl
Be savvy and selective when it comes to relationships.


Don't be sold on the very first one
Don't jump at the first opportunity that comes your way without carefully considering it.


Good-looking guys come a dime a dozen
Don't let superficial qualities blind you to someone's true character.


Try to find you one who's gonna give you true loving
Look for someone who will love you authentically and truly.


Before you take a man and say I do now
Be absolutely certain before committing to a lifelong partnership.


Make sure he's in love with you now
Ensure that your partner is fully committed to you, not just the idea of a relationship.


Make sure that his love is true now
Verify that your partner's love and affection are genuine and not just feigned for show.


I hate to see you feeling sad and blue now
The singer cares for the listener's well-being and doesn't want to see them hurt or unhappy.


My mama told me
This is advice passed down through generations.


You better shop around
Be selective and take your time when it comes to finding a partner.




Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: BERRY GORDY JR, WILLIAM ROBINSON JR.

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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Comments from YouTube:

@hansg6336

It's hard to exaggerate how much influence the Motown sound has had on American pop music. Great stuff to listen to a thousand years from now.

@nickwride2023

The Motown Sound will live for a long time.

@cleaningtim

I could not agree more!

@biskopBrask

Dude, you have good taste❤

@nikig2382

Hard to exaggerate and hard to describe. Motown is forever.

@MegaJustGeorge

My friend, the Motown Sound has been called "The Sound of Young America" - and that statement still holds true today.

3 More Replies...

@eddie195777

I love Martha's story. She went to Motown with the desire to become a music star. The director in charge of signing artists didn't think she was good enough. She kept coming back and eventually the director asked her if she wanted to be his secretary. She gladly accepted. There was a rule back the day that if you were recorded a tract that you needed to have someone singing on the tract. They heard the inspector was coming and they needed someone to sing so they wouldn't get in trouble. Martha eagerly volunteered and the rest is history. PS: The song that she sang in that life changing moment was Dancing in The Street.

@epiclivestreamreviews

Thanks for the history 🙏🏾💯

@lamikins310

Summer 1968 community block party in the park, getting ready for high school, the band was playing this song; the weather was beautiful; dusk; the people were cool; still remember this awesome song in an awesome moment!

@1Airwaving

I’m saving this for NOVEMBER 2024…🗽⚖️💃🏻

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