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 tells the story of a woman who has finally achieved her dream of marrying the man she loves, despite the doubts and discouragement from her friends. The lyrics indicate that her love is true and has triumphed over any obstacles. The line "Friends said it couldn't be done" serves as a testament to her perseverance and determination to make her love a reality.
The song's chorus, which repeats the phrase "3rd finger, left hand, that's where he placed the wedding band," emphasizes the significance of the physical symbol of the couple's union. It is a concrete representation of their love and commitment to each other. The woman's emotions are conveyed through her reaction to his proposal, where she expresses feeling "so good inside" and shedding tears of joy.
Overall, "Third Finger, Left Hand" is a celebration of love that has overcome obstacles and culminated in a joyous union. Its catchy tune and memorable chorus have made it a classic Motown hit.
Line by Line Meaning
At last my dreams come true
Finally, my long-standing aspirations have been achieved
Today he said "I do"
Today, he uttered the words of commitment and consent in our marriage
Friends said it couldn't be done
People close to me expressed doubts about the possibility of this union
But all his love I know I've won
Despite their skepticism, I have secured his true affection
'Cause 3rd finger, left hand
The symbol of his devotion lies in the placement of the ring on my third finger of the left hand, sealing our matrimonial bond
He walked right up to me
He confidently approached me
& pledged his love for me
He made a sincere and solemn vow of his affection to me
I longed to hear him say
I greatly desired to hear him express his emotions
The sweet words he spoke that day
The kind and romantic utterances he said on that occasion
Made me feel so good inside
I experienced positive emotions and sensations from it
The tears came to my eyes
I was moved to cry tears of happiness and joy
I love him above the rest
Out of all others, I have the deepest affection and regard for him
'Cause in my book he's the best
From my perspective, he is the finest and most exceptional individual
'Cause he did something that no one else did
Because he managed to accomplish something that others thought was impossible
His words were precious few
He spoke sparingly, but meaningfully
But all along my heart knew
Despite the lack of verbal expression, I always felt in my heart the depth of his love
That no other boys in line
None of the other suitors I considered
Could ever change my mind
Could sway me from my commitment to him
Other boys I sent away
I rejected and dismissed other men who pursued me
I locked my heart till our wedding day
I guarded and reserved my heart exclusively for him until the day of our marriage
3rd finger, left hand
Repeated line reaffirming the location of the wedding band as a symbol of marital union
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.
@hilarytaylor2239
I totally agree! Reminds me of such wonderful teenage years!
@TheBloomReport
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.
@mrscpc1918
I used to put this on the juke box in the pub in Lambourn after riding out for Barry Hills. 8 stone wet through. Wet through again today and under 8.1/2 Stone. Aged NEARLY 72 😖😵💫
@sunryse111
Great memories!
@mrscpc1918
@@sunryse111 yes it was a great time. Thanks 😊
@triciamadden2898
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!
@19duane96
Brakes my heart