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.
You're All I Need To Get By
Martha Reeves & The Vandellas Lyrics
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I took one look at you,
And it was plain to see you were my destiny.
With my arms open wide, I threw away my pride.
I'll sacrifice for you dedicate my life for you.
I will go where you lead always there in time of need.
And when I lose my will you'll be there to push me up the hill.
There's no, no looking back for us, we got love sure 'nough, that's enough.
Like an eagle protects his nest for you I'll do my best,
Stand by you like a tree, dare anybody to try and move me.
Darlin' in you I found strength where I was torn down
Don't know what's in store but together we can open any door.
Just to do what's good for you and inspire you a little higher.
I know you can make a man out of a soul that didn't have a goal.
'Cause we, we got the right foundation and with love and determination.
You're all, you're all I want to strive for and do a little more.
All, all the joys under the sun wrapp'd up into one.
The lyrics to Martha Reeves & The Vandellas' song "You're All I Need To Get By" convey a deep and profound love between two individuals. The singer compares their love to the purity and freshness of morning dew, expressing a feeling of immediate recognition that this person is their destiny. They express their willingness to let go of their pride and make sacrifices for their partner, dedicating their entire life and following them wherever they lead. The singer acknowledges that there will be moments when they feel defeated, but they know their partner will always be there to motivate and support them.
The lyrics also speak to the strength and protection the singer feels for their loved one. They compare themselves to an eagle protecting its nest, willing to do their best and stand by their partner without hesitation. The love they have discovered has given them a newfound strength and determination to face whatever challenges come their way. They believe that together, they can overcome any obstacles and achieve great things. The singer recognizes the transformative power of love, expressing confidence that their partner can inspire and bring out the best in them.
Line by Line Meaning
Like the sweet morning dew,
Just like the refreshing morning dew,
I took one look at you,
When I first saw you,
And it was plain to see you were my destiny.
It was clear that you were meant to be in my life.
With my arms open wide, I threw away my pride.
Without hesitation, I let go of my ego.
I'll sacrifice for you dedicate my life for you.
I am willing to give up anything for you and commit my entire life to you.
I will go where you lead always there in time of need.
I will follow your guidance and support you whenever you are in need.
And when I lose my will you'll be there to push me up the hill.
In moments when I feel discouraged, you will motivate me and help me overcome obstacles.
There's no, no looking back for us, we got love sure 'nough, that's enough.
We will not dwell on the past because our love is strong and fulfilling.
You're all, you're all I need to get by.
You are everything I require to thrive in life.
Like an eagle protects his nest for you I'll do my best,
Similar to how an eagle fiercely safeguards its nest, I will give my utmost effort to protect you.
Stand by you like a tree, dare anybody to try and move me.
I will remain steadfast and unwavering by your side, challenging anyone who dares to challenge our bond.
Darlin' in you I found strength where I was torn down
My love, you have given me the strength to recover from past hardships.
Don't know what's in store but together we can open any door.
Although we do not know what lies ahead, our united efforts can overcome any obstacle.
Just to do what's good for you and inspire you a little higher.
I am driven to do whatever benefits you and motivate you to reach greater heights.
I know you can make a man out of a soul that didn't have a goal.
I believe in your ability to transform a lost soul into a purposeful individual.
'Cause we, we got the right foundation and with love and determination.
Because we have established a solid base for our relationship and possess love and determination.
You're all, you're all I want to strive for and do a little more.
You are the sole motivation for my aspirations and the reason I aim to accomplish even more.
All, all the joys under the sun wrapp'd up into one.
You encapsulate all the happiness and fulfillment one could experience in life.
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: Valerie Simpson, Nickolas Ashford
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind