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.
Love Is Like A
Martha and The Vandellas Lyrics
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Someone I know will be true
Someone I can put my trust in and never doubt
I couldn't live without your tender charm
Once I was in your arms
It's easy to fall in love with a guy like you
You make grey sky seems blue
Cause with just one kiss
My hands start thrilling my heart caused I'm willing
(willing to) Willing to love all the way
And I'll encounter what may
I'll follow you wherever you go
I want you so
Don't make me wait for another day
Just take me in your arms and baby
time has come…my love
(easy) You've put a smile on my face
(easy) Even sadness can't erase
(easy) Time seems to stand still
(easy) Whenever you're near me
(easy) You're heaven in disguise
(easy) You're so real and that's why
It's easy to fallin love with a guy like you
You touched me all the way trough
You exposed the colors of me
I didn't know it exists till then if I'm missin'
There's a music in the air
So glad you near
Cause….
It's easy to fall in love with a guy like you
Someone I know will be true
Someone I can put my trust in and never doubt
I couldn't live without your tender charm
Once I was in your arms
(it's easy…) It's easy to fall in love with a guy like you…
The lyrics of "Love Is Like A" by Martha and the Vandellas encapsulate themes of remorse, redemption, and the profound appreciation for true love. The song opens with a confession of heartbreak; the singer admits to causing pain to their partner but is met with unconditional love in return. This contrast highlights a profound emotional depth—while the singer initially acted poorly, the partner's response is one of understanding and forgiveness. This transformative moment, characterized by the line "That very day you won my heart," signifies a turning point where love triumphs over hurt, leading to an unwavering commitment: "my love for you shall never part." This idea of finding strength through vulnerability sets the emotional tone for the rest of the song.
As the narrative unfolds, the lyrics delve into the characteristics of the partner’s love, emphasizing patience and understanding. The line, "You have such an understanding way," illustrates the partner's emotional intelligence, making them a unique and irreplaceable figure in the singer’s life. The use of the repetitive phrase "a love like yours don't come knock, knock, knock, knocking" suggests that such profound love isn't something that appears frequently—it requires an acknowledgment of its rarity and significance. The juxtaposition of the singer's initial indifference, highlighted by treating the partner poorly, against the partner's consistent affection serves to amplify the message of gratitude and realization of love's value.
The lyrics continue to emphasize the importance of seemingly "little things" that contribute to a deeper connection. By highlighting that these small gestures mean "so much," the song underscores how love is often built on everyday actions and considerations that reveal true affection. The singer reflects on a newfound understanding of love—one that wasn’t apparent until experiencing this relationship. The refrain that reiterates the meaning of these gestures suggests that genuine love goes beyond grand declarations, residing instead in the nuances of behavior and thoughtfulness that often go unnoticed until they are absent.
Ultimately, the conclusion of the song ties together the themes of love, redemption, and the importance of embracing and cherishing meaningful relationships. The singer emphasizes their resolution to hold on tight to this newfound love, declaring that "you made my life complete." The repeated affirmation of the uniqueness of this love strengthens the emotional impact, signifying that the connection is not easily replicated or duplicated. This closing sentiment resonates with the understanding that true love is precious, rare, and deserving of commitment and appreciation—reassuring the listener that such deep connections, once found, should be celebrated and safeguarded against life's uncertainties.
Line by Line Meaning
I broke your heart
I inflicted pain and sadness upon you emotionally.
And I made you blue
I contributed to your feelings of sorrow and disappointment.
Instead of hurting back
Rather than retaliating against me for my actions,
You said 'I love you'
You responded with love and forgiveness despite my wrongdoing.
That very day you won my heart
Your act of love that day captivated me completely.
And my love for you shall never part
I promise to always cherish and remain devoted to you.
You have such an understanding way
You possess a remarkable ability to empathize and comprehend.
And I appreciate you need what I say
I am grateful that you value my thoughts and feelings.
'Cause a love like yours don't come knock, knock, knock, knocking
Such a genuine and rare love as yours doesn't appear frequently.
Knock, knocking everyday
It is not the type of love that shows up regularly.
Although I treated you bad from the start
Despite my initial mistreatment of you,
Without question you gave me your heart
You unreservedly offered your love to me regardless of my actions.
No, a love like yours don't come knock, knock, knock, knocking
Such a profound love is rare and doesn't come around often.
Knock, knocking everyday
It's not something that appears routinely.
It's the little things you do
The small, thoughtful gestures you make matter greatly.
Oh, that mean so much
These actions carry significant emotional weight.
So very, very much
They impact me profoundly.
(Consideration), I never knew
I was unaware of the importance of such thoughtfulness.
That is, until I met you
It was your influence that opened my eyes to it.
Believe me
Trust that I genuinely mean what I'm saying.
You made my life complete
Your presence has filled a void in my life.
And I know our love with all of my mind
I am fully aware and confident in the strength of our love.
You can believe gonna hold on tight
Rest assured, I will cherish and protect our relationship.
'Cause a love like yours don't come knock, knock, knock, knocking
Such a unique and sincere love isn't common.
Knock, knocking everyday
It doesn’t just happen every day.
No, a love like yours don't come knock, knock, knock, knocking
Again, I emphasize that a love like yours is rare.
Knock, knocking everyday
It’s not something you encounter daily.
It's the little things you do
Your small acts of kindness are truly valued.
That mean so much
They bring me immense joy and gratitude.
So very very much
Their significance in my life cannot be overstated.
(Consideration), No I never knew
I was previously unaware of how vital these gestures are.
That is, until I met you
It was only after knowing you that I realized their worth.
Believe me
Trust that I am sincere in my feelings.
You made my life complete
You have brought fulfillment and happiness into my existence.
And I know our love with all of my mind
I possess a deep understanding of the strength of what we share.
You can believe gonna hold on tight
You can trust that I will safeguard our bond diligently.
'Cause a love like yours don't come knock, knock, knock, knocking
Reminding once more that a love of your caliber is not common.
Knock, knocking everyday
It doesn’t show up regularly in life.
I said a love like yours, it don't come knocking
Such a rare love isn’t something that just appears.
Knock, knocking everyday
It’s not a daily occurrence.
I said a love like yours, it don't come, it don't come knocking
Reiterating that your type of love is exceptional and hard to find.
Knock, knocking everyday
It's not a love that comes around frequently.
'Cause a love like yours, it don't come knocking
Such profound affection does not simply arrive unexpectedly.
Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
William Bulla
Mo-Town was made for Mondays!!!
“The heat made people crazy. They woke from their damp bedsheets and went in search of a glass of water, surprised to find that when their vision cleared, they were holding instead the gun they kept hidden in the bookcase.” ― Kristin Hannah, Summer Island
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Honestly, who can say they haven't been here? 🤔
Will
William Shilling
I don't believe that anyone sang about what love really feels like until Martha shouted it out "Its like a heat wave" OHHHH YAHHH sweet Momma it is and still is !!!
angela borrayo
Tell that to the all thumbs down 👎ain't got a clue about love real love😍
Kenneth Hamlett
Incomparable! Magical! One of the greatest of the Motown recordings.
Joel Keeton
Been singing Motown since I was a kid in Detroit in the 60's. Singling along to the car AM or transister radio, I didn't realize how much of the lyrics I actually didn't know. Thanks for posting.
Vincent Francis
That baritone sax is jamming.
datatest
"Hello."
"Hello."
"Science?"
"Arts."
I love that movie :0
Sánchez Reyes A.Sandor
Correction
+ hello
- hello
+ science
- arts
He doesn't make a question.
;)
Rob Simpson
Thanks for posting stereo mix! Long live all the Motown players and singers.
Stonchie
Back when music used to sound like someone telling you a story
Michael David
You have to thank Phil Collins for doing a wonderful cover it. He even went to the lengths of using vintage drum kits and some of the surviving Funk Brothers that played on the original.