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.
Taking My Love
Martha Reeves & The Vandellas Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
My baby needs me, oh yeah
No other guy can whisper sweet things in my ear
My sweetie pie has the only sweet voice I sweet hear
So clear, so yeah
He needs me (he really really needs me) oh yeah (oh yeah)
My baby loves me (he really really loves me) oh yeah (oh yeah) I'm tellin' you he needs me (he really really needs me) yes he does (oh yeah)
Can't seem to see no other handsome face
There's just no cute substitute can take my baby's place
'Cause I know he needs me (he really really needs me) oh yeah (oh yeah)
I'll never ever give my baby no trouble
Whenever he calls me, I come runnin' on the double
'Cause I know he loves me (he really really loves me)
Oh yeah (oh yeah)
And he needs me (he really really needs me)
Yes he does (oh yeah)
Yeah yeah yeah yeah yeah (yeah yeah yeah yeah yeah)
Yeah yeah yeah yeah yeah (yeah yeah yeah yeah yeah)
Now nobody can tell me a place where I'm goin' wrong, oh no
Nobody could ever embrace a lover so strong
'Cause I know he loves me, he tells me that he needs me
I know he loves me, can't be without me, oh no
The song "My Baby Loves Me" by Martha Reeves and the Vandellas is a powerful and uplifting tribute to a devoted relationship. The lyrics are straightforward and uncomplicated, but the lighthearted melody and energetic arrangement make the song an instant classic. The lead singer, Martha Reeves, sings with a certain kind of joyful confidence that makes the listener believe in the strength of her relationship.
The lyrics describe the unconditional love and commitment of the singer's partner. The singer takes pride in the fact that her lover needs her and loves her, and she cannot imagine any other man whispering sweet things in her ear. The chorus repeats that her baby "really really needs" and "really really loves" her. The singer reassures her lover that she will never give him trouble and will always come running when he needs her. The final verse triumphantly declares that nobody can tell the singer what she is doing wrong and that nobody could ever be loved as strongly as she is.
Line by Line Meaning
My baby loves me, oh yeah
My significant other truly loves me and I am sure of it
My baby needs me, oh yeah
My significant other depends on me and I am important to them
No other guy can whisper sweet things in my ear
No other person can make me feel as loved and special as my significant other does
My sweetie pie has the only sweet voice I sweet hear
My partner has the most loving and pleasant voice I have ever heard
So clear, so yeah
It is obvious to me that my significant other loves and needs me
He needs me (he really really needs me) oh yeah (oh yeah)
My partner requires my presence and support and it is evident
My baby loves me (he really really loves me) oh yeah (oh yeah)
My significant other has deep affection for me and shows it
I'm tellin' you he needs me (he really really needs me) yes he does (oh yeah)
It is important that others know that my partner values me and cannot do without me
Can't seem to see no other handsome face
I am not interested in anyone else because I have the most attractive partner
There's just no cute substitute can take my baby's place
No one can replace or compete with my significant other
'Cause I know he needs me (he really really needs me) oh yeah (oh yeah)
I am certain that my partner relies on me and our relationship is strong
I'll never ever give my baby no trouble
I will always prioritize my partner's happiness and avoid causing them any problems
Whenever he calls me, I come runnin' on the double
I am always available for my significant other and prioritize their needs
'Cause I know he loves me (he really really loves me)
I am sure that my partner truly loves me and our relationship is built on a strong foundation
And he needs me (he really really needs me)
My partner cannot do without me and values my contribution to our relationship
Yeah yeah yeah yeah yeah (yeah yeah yeah yeah yeah)
Expressing enthusiasm and happiness about my partner's love and affection
Now nobody can tell me a place where I'm goin' wrong, oh no
I am confident in my relationship and do not believe that there is anything wrong with it
Nobody could ever embrace a lover so strong
Nobody else can have a partner who loves them as intensely as my significant other loves me
He tells me that he needs me
My partner makes it clear to me that they require my support and love
I know he loves me, can't be without me, oh no
I am confident in my partner's love for me and know that they cannot live without me
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: GRETCHEN PETERS
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind