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.
Get Ready
Martha and The Vandellas Lyrics
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You're alright
Whenever I'm asked what makes a my dreams real
I tell 'em you do
You're outta' sight
Well twiddley dee, twiddley dum
Look out baby 'cause here I come
I'm bringing you a love that's true
Get ready, get ready
Start makin' love to you
Get ready, get ready
Get ready, 'cause here I come
Get ready, 'cause here I come
You wanna' play hide and seek with love, let me remind you
You're alright
Lovin' you're gonna' miss, and the time it takes to find you
You're outta' sight
Well fee fi, fo fo fum
Look out baby, 'cause here I come
I'm bringing you a love that's true
Get ready, get ready
Start makin' love to you
Get ready, get ready
Get ready, 'cause here I come
Get ready, 'cause here I come
Baby all my freedoms should you want me to I think i'll understand
You're alright
Hope I get to you before they do, 'cause that's how I planned it
You're outta' sight
Well twiddley dee, twiddley dum
Look out baby 'cause here I come
I'm bringing you a love that's true
Get ready, get ready
Start makin' love to you
Get ready, get ready
Get ready, 'cause here I come
Get ready, 'cause here I come
The lyrics of "Get Ready" by Martha and the Vandellas express the singer's deep admiration and affection for a particular girl. They are captivated by her and describe how she makes them feel in a way that no other girl has before. The declaration of "You're alright" signifies that they see her as exceptional and special.
The lyrics also mention how this person has the ability to make their dreams come true simply by being in their life. They consider her presence to be truly extraordinary and beyond comparison. The phrase "You're outta' sight" further emphasizes the singer's fascination and awe towards this person.
The chorus of the song suggests that the singer is bringing a genuine and authentic love to the girl. They proclaim their readiness to engage in a romantic relationship and make it clear that they are prepared to devote themselves to her. The repetition of "Get ready" serves as both a command and a plea, urging the girl to prepare herself emotionally and physically for their love.
The lyrics continue with a playful reference to the game of hide and seek, implying that the girl may have been hesitant or playing hard to get. However, the singer assures her that their love is worth pursuing, expressing confidence that she will come to realize it eventually. The mention of "fe fi, fo fo fum" adds a whimsical touch, reinforcing the idea of chasing after this elusive love.
In the final verse, the singer acknowledges that there may be obstacles and competition in the pursuit of their love. They hope to reach the girl before anyone else does, emphasizing that their plan is to be with her. The lyrics convey a sense of urgency and determination, as the singer wants to ensure that their love story unfolds according to their desires.
Overall, the lyrics of "Get Ready" convey a sense of infatuation, persistence, and excitement about a particular person. It captures the anticipation and eagerness that comes with pursuing a love interest and emphasizes the singer's profound admiration for this girl.
Line by Line Meaning
Never met a girl could make me feel the way that you do
I have never encountered a girl who can make me feel the same way you do
You're alright
You are exceptional
Whenever I'm asked what makes a my dreams real
Every time someone asks me what makes my dreams come true
I tell 'em you do
I tell them that it's because of you
You're outta' sight
You are amazing
Well twiddley dee, twiddley dum
Well, in a playful manner
Look out baby 'cause here I come
Be ready, baby, because I am coming towards you
I'm bringing you a love that's true
I am offering you genuine love
Get ready, get ready
Prepare yourself
Start makin' love to you
Begin expressing my affection towards you
Get ready, get ready
Prepare yourself
Get ready, 'cause here I come
Prepare yourself because I am approaching
Get ready, 'cause here I come
Prepare yourself because I am approaching
You wanna' play hide and seek with love, let me remind you
If you want to play games with love, let me remind you
Lovin' you're gonna' miss, and the time it takes to find you
You will regret missing out on love and the delay it takes to find you
Well fee fi, fo fo fum
Well, expressing surprise or excitement
Look out baby, 'cause here I come
Be ready, baby, because I am coming towards you
Baby all my freedoms should you want me to I think i'll understand
My dear, if you need me to surrender my freedom, I believe I will comprehend
Hope I get to you before they do, 'cause that's how I planned it
I hope to reach you before others do, as that is my intention
You're outta' sight
You are amazing
Well twiddley dee, twiddley dum
Well, in a playful manner
Look out baby 'cause here I come
Be ready, baby, because I am coming towards you
I'm bringing you a love that's true
I am offering you genuine love
Get ready, get ready
Prepare yourself
Start makin' love to you
Begin expressing my affection towards you
Get ready, get ready
Prepare yourself
Get ready, 'cause here I come
Prepare yourself because I am approaching
Get ready, 'cause here I come
Prepare yourself because I am approaching
Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind