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.
Tears On My Pillow
Martha Reeves and The Vandellas Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
But I remember you
Was not so long ago
You broke my heart in two
Tears on my pillow
Pain in my heart
Caused by you
If we could start anew
I wouldn't hesitate
I'd be glad to take you back
And turn the hands of Fate
Tears on my pillow
Pain in my heart
Caused by you
Love is not a gadget
Love is not a toy
When you find the boy you love
He'll fill your heart with joy
Before you go away
My darling think of me
There may be still a chance
In my misery
Tears on my pillow
Pain in my heart
Caused by you
Tears on my pillow.
The lyrics of Tears on My Pillow by Martha Reeves and The Vandellas are a poignant reminder of the power of love to both thrill the heart and cause heartbreak. The song speaks of a past love that ended in tears, of the pain that still lingers, and of the hopeful possibility of a second chance at love. The singer opens by declaring that she remembers her past love, even though he does not remember her. This sets the tone for the rest of the song, where the singer speaks of the pain that love has caused her.
The chorus of the song speaks directly to the sorrow that the singer is feeling, with the repeated refrain of "tears on my pillow, pain in my heart caused by you." The verses add to this theme, with the singer expressing both her regret at what could have been, and her hope for a possible reunion. The bridge of the song is particularly interesting, with its declaration that love is not a toy or a gadget, but a powerful force that can fill one's heart with joy.
Line by Line Meaning
You don't remember me
I recognize you, but you have forgotten about me
But I remember you
I have not forgotten about you
Was not so long ago
It was a recent event
You broke my heart in two
You caused me emotional pain and hurt me deeply
Tears on my pillow
I cry myself to sleep at night
Pain in my heart
I am suffering emotionally
Caused by you
You are the reason for my distress
If we could start anew
If we had the chance to begin again
I wouldn't hesitate
I wouldn't think twice
I'd be glad to take you back
I would be happy to reconcile with you
And turn the hands of Fate
And change our destiny
Love is not a gadget
Love is not something you can control or manipulate
Love is not a toy
Love is not something to be played with
When you find the boy you love
When you find someone you truly love
He'll fill your heart with joy
You will be happy and content with him
Before you go away
Before you leave me
My darling think of me
Please remember me affectionately
There may be still a chance
Perhaps we can still reconcile
In my misery
While I am suffering emotionally
Writer(s): Al Lewis, Sylvester Bradford
Contributed by Kayla E. Suggest a correction in the comments below.