The label's second most-successful all-female singing group after The Supremes, Martha Reeves and 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".
Founded in Detroit, Michigan in 1960, the group had initially gone by the name The Del-Phis and originally was a quartet of Martha Reeves, Rosalind Ashford, Annette Beard and original lead singer Gloria Williamson. Williamson left after a failed single on the Checkmate label, leaving the quartet as a trio. They changed their name again 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, changing their name to Martha and the Vandellas in 1962.
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's final performance at Detroit's Cobo Hall in 1972 ended their twelve-year existence.
Hey There Lonely Boy
Martha Reeves and The Vandellas Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Let me make your broken heart like new
Oh, my lonely boy, lonely boy
Don't you know this lonely girl loves you
Ever since she broke your heart
You seem so lost
Each time you pass my way
And say don't cry
I'll kiss your tears away
Hey there lonely boy lonely, lonely boy
Let me make your broken heart like new
Oh, my lonely boy, lonely boy
Don't you know this lonely girl loves you
You think that only her two lips can kiss your lips
And make your heart stand still
But once your in my arms
You'll see no-one can kiss your lips the way I will
Hey there lonely, lonely boy
Let me make your broken heart like new
Oh, my lonely boy, lonely boy
Don't you know this lonely girl loves you
Hey there lonely boy, lonely boy
Let me make your broken heart like new
Oh, lonely boy, lonely boy
Don't you know this lonely girl loves you.
The song "Hey There Lonely Boy" is about a girl who is trying to console a boy she has feelings for, after he has had his heart broken by another girl. The girl is imploring the boy to let her make his broken heart whole again, to let her take away his pain and sadness. She assures him that she loves him even in his time of weakness and need, and wants him to know that he doesn't have to suffer alone anymore.
Throughout the song, the girl expresses her desire to comfort and love the boy who is feeling downcast and alone. She recognizes how lost he has been since his heartbreak and wants to be the one to help him heal. The repeated refrain of "Hey there lonely boy, let me make your broken heart like new" highlights her desire to alleviate the boy's pain and give him a sense of hope for the future. The song's overall message of empathy, compassion, and love is relevant not only for romantic relationships, but for any situation where someone needs a shoulder to lean on.
Line by Line Meaning
Hey there lonely boy, lonely boy
Addressing a heartbroken boy who is feeling alone and isolated.
Let me make your broken heart like new
Offering to heal the boy's heartache and try to mend the broken pieces.
Oh, my lonely boy, lonely boy
Repeating the sentiment that the boy is lonely and needs someone to love him.
Don't you know this lonely girl loves you
Expressing feelings of love and making sure the boy is aware of them.
Ever since she broke your heart
Acknowledging that someone has hurt the boy and caused his pain.
You seem so lost
Observing that the boy appears lost and unsure of what to do next.
Each time you pass my way
Noticing that the boy comes around often and is seen frequently.
Oh, how I long to take your hand
Expressing a desire to comfort and be close to the boy.
And say don't cry
Wishing to reassure the boy and telling him not to be upset.
I'll kiss your tears away
Offering to comfort and make the boy feel better by wiping away his tears.
You think that only her two lips can kiss your lips
Noticing that the boy is still attached to someone else and thinks they are the only ones who can make him feel better.
And make your heart stand still
Recognizing that the boy's heart is still with the one who broke it and no one else can compare.
But once you're in my arms
Implying that if the boy opens up to the possibility of a new relationship, she will be there for him.
You'll see no-one can kiss your lips the way I will
Promising that she will be able to make the boy feel better and that her love is different and special.
Hey there lonely, lonely boy
Repeating the opening sentiment that the boy is lonely and in need of company and love.
Don't you know this lonely girl loves you
Reassuring the boy that she does love him and is there for him.
Oh, lonely boy, lonely boy
Empathizing with the boy's loneliness and longing for companionship.
Let me make your broken heart like new
Reiterating the offer to try to mend the boy's broken heart and help him find happiness again.
Oh, my lonely boy, lonely boy
Repeating the sentiment that the boy is lonely and needs someone to love him.
Don't you know this lonely girl loves you.
Reinforcing the message that she loves him and encouraging him to open his heart to the possibility of a new love.
Writer(s): Leon Carr, Earl Shuman
Contributed by Aaliyah I. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
Iulian
I love this tune so much. each time it gets on my player, it stays on repeat for a few days hehe