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.
Third Finger Left Hand
Martha Reeves & The Vandellas Lyrics
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Today he said "I do"
Friends said it couldn't be done
But all his love I know I've won
'Cause 3rd finger, left hand
That's where he placed the wedding band
He walked right up to me
I longed to hear him say
The sweet words he spoke that day
Made me feel so good inside
The tears came to my eyes
I love him above the rest
'Cause in my book he's the best
'Cause he did something that no one else did
Friends said it couldn't be done
But all his love I know I've won
'Cause 3rd finger, left hand
That's where he placed the wedding band
His words were precious few
But all along my heart knew
That no other boys in line
Could ever change my mind
Other boys I sent away
I locked my heart till our wedding day
I love him above the rest
'Cause in my book he's the best
'Cause he did something that no one else did
Friends said it couldn't be done
But all his love I know I've won
'Cause 3rd finger, left hand
That's where he placed the wedding band
3rd finger, left hand
That's where he placed the wedding band
The song "Third Finger Left Hand" by Martha Reeves and The Vandellas is a classic love song recounting the singer's joy at finally getting married to the love of her life. The song speaks of how her dreams have finally come true as her man has now become her husband. Friends might have thought that it was impossible for him to marry her, but her relentless love for him helped her win his heart. The third finger of her left hand is now laden with a wedding band, an indication of their commitment to each other.
The song highlights that the singer was the woman of her man's choice, despite the doubts and discouragements of her friends. When he pledged his love to her, with precious few words, it made her feel so good inside that she shed tears. The song also showcases the singer's resolve to keep her heart locked till her wedding day despite other boys being interested in her. She sings that her love for the man is above everyone else in her book, and her love for him has given her the perfect marriage.
Interesting facts about the song "Third Finger Left Hand" are:
Interesting Facts
Note: This section uses generative AI, which can be inaccurate.
Line by Line Meaning
At last my dreams come true
She has finally achieved her dream of getting married
Today he said "I do"
Her husband has just said his vows
Friends said it couldn't be done
Her friends did not think she would ever get married
But all his love I know I've won
She has won her husband's love and affection
'Cause 3rd finger, left hand
The wedding ring is on her left-hand ring finger
He walked right up to me
He approached her directly
& pledged his love for me
He professed his love to her
I longed to hear him say
She wanted to hear him say he loved her
The sweet words he spoke that day
His words were loving and romantic
Made me feel so good inside
His words had a positive impact on her emotions
The tears came to my eyes
She cried with joy
I love him above the rest
She loves him more than anyone else
'Cause in my book he's the best
She believes he is the best partner for her
'Cause he did something that no one else did
He accomplished something that others did not think was possible
His words were precious few
He did not say much
But all along my heart knew
She always knew she loved him
That no other boys in line
No other suitors could compare to him
Could ever change my mind
She was sure about her love for him
Other boys I sent away
She rejected other suitors
I locked my heart till our wedding day
She remained faithful until their wedding
'Cause he did something that no one else did
He accomplished something that others did not think was possible
Friends said it couldn't be done
Her friends did not think she would ever get married
But all his love I know I've won
She has won her husband's love and affection
'Cause 3rd finger, left hand
The wedding ring is on her left-hand ring finger
That's where he placed the wedding band
The wedding ring was placed on her left-hand ring finger
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: JR., BRIAN HOLLAND, EDWARD HOLLAND, EDWARD, JR. HOLLAND, LAMONT DOZIER, LAMONT HERBERT DOZIER
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
rioboy13
This song literally brings tears to my eyes, it's so beautiful! The lyrics and of course the vocals...SUPERB!!!!
sunryse111
One of the best songs of the era.
hilary taylor
I totally agree! Reminds me of such wonderful teenage years!
Tricia Madden
Simply beautiful. Makes me feel so happy they don’t make songs like this now
sunryse111
No, Tricia, they do not. That's why channels like this are so popular!
Vote Bloom Mayor May 16, 2023 in Kensington
One of the greatest songs of the sixties from 1 of the greatest voices and groups of the 1960s the fabulous Martha Reeves and the Vandalias.
Bob Robson
Just simply classic Motown. A great song and great production and performance. It doesn't get much better than this.
rioboy13
1:37 absolutely send chills down my body...THEM LYRICS!!!!
rioboy13
1:38 "Other boys i sent away, I locked my heart 'till my wedding day" is such a beautiful and profound lyric! Specially nowadays where ANYTHING and EVERYTHING goes in such filthy and degrading scenarios that the media glorifies...a line that speaks of chastity (instead of the disgusting promiscuity that is encouraged and accepted by the world of entertainment) this line literally brings tears to my eyes.
Anonymous Peaceful person
rioboy13 me too French penpal! Life was so innocent in those days! Mum always wanted us girls to wait until our wedding day! Natalie imbroglio always sad singing the trauma song of 10 frightened to tell adults in case the boys beat her up!