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".
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 Kelly replacing Annette Beard (now Beard-Sterling). In 1967, Kelly was fired and was replaced by Martha's younger sister, Sandra "Lois" Reeves. In 1969, Ashford was also fired and replaced by Sandra Tilley. It was right about this time that the group's name was officially changed to Martha Reeves and the Vandellas, to conform with the company's recent changes of The Supremes' and The Miracles' names to reflect their featured lead singers. 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.
The story of the group did not end completely with their split-up in 1972, however. While Tilley and Williams (both now deceased) eventually retired, the others continued with their individual career pursuits: Lois sang with the group Quiet Elegance and also sang background for Al Green; Reeves reunited with original Vandellas Ashford and Beard-Sterling for a 1978 benefit concert in Los Angeles; and in 1983, Reeves performed solo at Motown 25, which partly helped her and the Vandellas gain a new audience. In particular, Reeves herself is still known to sing with her sisters Lois and Delphine, often performing as a solo artist under the bill, "Martha Reeves of Martha Reeves and the Vandellas", and still performs all over the world.
A Love Like Your's
Martha and The Vandellas Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Put a little love in your heart
You see, it's getting late, oh, please don't hesitate
Put a little love in your heart
And the world (the world) will be a better place
And the world (the world) will be a better place
For you (for you) and me (and me)
Another day goes by, still all the children cry
Put a little love in your heart
Oh, if you want the world to know, we won't let hatred grow
Just put a little love in your heart
And the world (the world) will be a better place
And the world (the world) will be a better place
For you (for you) and me (and me)
You just wait (just wait) and see
Take a good look around and if you're lookin' down
Just put a little love in your heart (come put it in your heart)
I hope when you decide kindness will be your guide
Put a little love in your heart
And the world (the world) will be a better place
Yes, the world (the world) will be a better place
For you (for you) and me (and me)
Why don't you just wait (just wait) just wait and see, come on now
(Put a little love in your heart)
It won't hurt, no no
(Put a little love in your heart)
Ain't no harm now
(Put a little love in your heart)
Say something nice to your neighbor this morning
(Put a little love in your heart)
Tell your children you love them this morning, come one
(Put a little love in your heart)
Put a little love in your heart, oh yeah
"A Love Like Yours" by Martha and The Vandellas is a song that encourages people to put aside their differences and come together by showing love and kindness to one another. The song expresses the message of what an impact people can have on the world if they work together with love instead of hate. The lyrics are a reminder that while it can be easy to focus on negative things going on around us, putting love in our hearts can go a long way in making the world a better place. The song encourages people to lend a helping hand to their fellow man and to put kindness as their guide.
The song is a powerful expression of unity and hope, with the message that the world can be a better place if people come together with love. The lyrics are introspective and encourage listeners to reflect on the impact they can have on the world around them. The song's message has resonated with people for decades and continues to inspire people to this day.
Line by Line Meaning
Think of your fellow man, lend him a helping hand
Consider the well-being of your fellow humans and offer them assistance when needed
Put a little love in your heart
Infuse your actions with care and compassion
You see, it's getting late, oh, please don't hesitate
There is urgency to act with kindness and love, so do not delay
And the world (the world) will be a better place
If we all spread love, the world will become a more positive and harmonious place
For you (for you) and me (and me)
This change will benefit each and every one of us
You just wait (just wait) and see
Trust that your efforts will make a difference and have a positive impact
Another day goes by, still all the children cry
Despite the passing of time, there is still sadness and pain in the world
Oh, if you want the world to know, we won't let hatred grow
If we want to eliminate hatred from the world, we need to spread love and kindness
Take a good look around and if you're lookin' down
Observe your surroundings and take note of anyone who may be feeling down or in need
I hope when you decide kindness will be your guide
Choosing to act with kindness and love will guide you towards positive change
Yes, the world (the world) will be a better place
Reiterating that spreading love and kindness will lead to a better world for all
Why don't you just wait (just wait) just wait and see, come on now
Encouraging listeners to wait and observe the positive effects of their actions
(Put a little love in your heart)
Continuing to emphasize the importance of love and kindness in our actions
It won't hurt, no no
Acting with love and kindness will not cause any harm or negative repercussions
Ain't no harm now
Reassuring listeners that spreading love will only lead to positive outcomes
Say something nice to your neighbor this morning
Encouraging people to start their day by spreading positivity and kindness
Tell your children you love them this morning, come one
Encouraging parents to show love and affection towards their children
Put a little love in your heart, oh yeah
Closing reminder to listeners to always act with love and kindness
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: Jackie DeShannon, Jimmy Holiday, Randy Myers
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@louishubbard5267
motown...,what can i say, one of best doo wop songs of all time, with the temptations, nice touch.
@ginadyson4214
never heard this song before by this group, this song came out in 60 years ago!!
@colincarroll7954
It was a b side though you probably heard Tina Turner version. Brian Holland and the late Lamont Dozier did the music arrangements while Eddie Holland did the vocal parts.
@marieblakeney6986
Love those Days
@chrishinnant3924
Whenever you buy a 45 always play the b-side you might be missing out on some good music. This is a great example. I ordered This Record off discogs for the b-side.
@melodysanger103
HAPPY 79TH BIRTHDAY
LAMONT DOZIER
(JUNE 16, 2020)
@georgephinn822
I can’t believe this song “A Love Like Yours Don’t Come Knocking Everday By Martha Reeves and The Vandellas - wasn’t released as a “A” side. - Playing second fiddle to “Heatwave” was an injustice - such a “Beautiful” Song - It is my favorite song by - Martha Reeves and The Vandellas
@ronaldsmith1985
I love this song but I cried when John f kennedy got killed when this song came out but still my favorite
@louisemcgee5946
👣👣🎶🎶🎶👣👣
Blue Lights in the basement " HOUSE PARTIES "!!
@georgephinn822
“A Love Like Yours Don’t Come Knocking Everyday” By Martha Reeves and The Vandellas - IS MY FAVORITE SONG - By The Vandellas - It should have been the “A” side and “Heatwave”. The “B” Side - it shouldn’t have played second fiddle to “Heatwave” Because it’s a Beautiful Song and it got lost in the shuffle - anyway - it is still the best song by Martha Reeves and The Vandellas. I will always play it because it’s a true Love Song Thanks Martha Reeves and also Thanks To The Vandellas and also Thanks to Berry Gordy