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.
Stubborn Kind of Fellow
Martha and The Vandellas Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Ah say yeah yeah yeah, say yeah yeah yeah
I try to put my arms around you
All because I want to hold you tight
(To hold you tight)
But every time I reach for you, baby
And try to kiss you, you're just jumping out of sight
Oh, I've got news for you
Baby, that I've made plans for two
I guess I'm just a stubborn kind of fellow
Got my mind made up to love you
Ah say yeah yeah yeah, say yeah yeah yeah
I'm gonna love you
(Gonna love you in every way)
In every way
(Gonna love you in every way)
I'm gonna love you
(Gonna love you in every way)
In every way
(Gonna love you in every way)
With other girls I've wanted
I've made it just a moment
With you I'll share each day
(I'll stay by your side)
Now I know you've heard about me
Bad things about me, baby, please let me explain
(Don't you listen to that jive)
Oh, I have kissed a few
I tell you, a few have kissed me too
I guess I'm just a stubborn kind of fellow
Got my mind made up to love you
[Repeat... Fade]
Ah say yeah yeah yeah, say yeah yeah yeah
The lyrics to "Stubborn Kind of Fellow" by Martha and the Vandellas depict the story of a determined narrator who is expressing their deep desire to pursue a romantic relationship with someone who seems to be elusive or resistant. The opening repetitions of "Ah say yeah yeah yeah" establish a playful and upbeat tone that resonates throughout the track, inviting listeners into a lively exploration of love's complexities. The singer’s enthusiasm is palpable, as they openly declare their intentions to embrace this person and offer affection. There’s an underlying tension, however, as their efforts to get closer are met with rejection, highlighted by lines that indicate the subject "jumps out of sight." This mixture of longing and frustration portrays the emotional rollercoaster often experienced in romantic pursuits, illustrating the singer's willingness to overcome barriers in their quest for love.
As the lyrics progress, the singer reinforces their commitment and resolve when they state, "I've got news for you." This phrase signifies a pivotal moment where the singer takes control of their feelings, announcing their plans for a shared future. The declaration, "I guess I'm just a stubborn kind of fellow," reveals their self-awareness and acceptance of their persistent nature, emphasizing the determination to win over the subject despite obstacles. This insistence suggests a hopeful narrative where love becomes an inevitable outcome driven by the singer’s unwavering spirit. The expression of "made plans for two" blossoms into an emblem of partnership, indicating a desire for intimacy that transcends mere physical attraction.
The repeated chorus, "I'm gonna love you in every way," accentuates the singer's enthusiasm and willingness to express love multifacetedly. This line transforms love into a dynamic experience rather than a static emotion, suggesting that the singer is ready to embrace all forms of love, whether it be romantic, platonic, or through acts of kindness and support. The repetition here becomes a mantra, reinforcing their dedication and resolve to bridge the gap between them and the object of their affections. It evokes a sense of urgency and passion, which is central to the soulful vibe of the song, while also acknowledging the complexities that love can entail.
Towards the end of the lyrics, a significant turn occurs as the singer addresses potential rumors that might have clouded the subject's perception of them. By requesting not to be judged by hearsay and assuring transparency about their romantic past, the singer seeks to clarify their intentions and create a foundation of trust. The line asserting they have had previous romantic encounters raises questions about fidelity and honesty, further complicating the narrative. Yet, their persistent affection continues to shine through, reinforcing the notion that love often requires effort, patience, and vulnerability. This recognition of the challenges within relationships culminates in a heartfelt plea for acceptance, embodying the essence of a "stubborn kind of fellow" who is unwavering in their devotion and hopeful for a genuine connection.
Line by Line Meaning
Ah say yeah yeah yeah, say yeah yeah yeah
I enthusiastically express my feelings with repeated affirmations.
I try to put my arms around you
I make an effort to embrace you physically, showing my affection.
All because I want to hold you tight
My intention is to hold you closely, signifying my desire for intimacy.
But every time I reach for you, baby
Yet whenever I attempt to get closer to you, my efforts seem futile.
And try to kiss you, you're just jumping out of sight
When I lean in for a kiss, you seem to evade me, leaving me frustrated.
Oh, I've got news for you
I have important information that I want to share with you.
Baby, that I've made plans for two
I want you to know that I envision a future for us together.
I guess I'm just a stubborn kind of fellow
I recognize that my determination may come off as inflexible.
Got my mind made up to love you
I am resolute in my decision to devote my love to you exclusively.
I'm gonna love you
I fully intend to show you my love and affection.
In every way
I will express my love through various actions and gestures.
With other girls I've wanted
I have had fleeting desires for other women.
I've made it just a moment
These other relationships were temporary and lacked depth.
With you I'll share each day
I want to spend my daily life with you, creating meaningful memories.
Now I know you've heard about me
I am aware that you might have heard rumors or gossip regarding my character.
Bad things about me, baby, please let me explain
There are negative things said about me, and I wish to clarify the truth.
Oh, I have kissed a few
I admit that I have shared intimate moments with others as well.
I tell you, a few have kissed me too
It's important to note that I have also been pursued by others.
I guess I'm just a stubborn kind of fellow
Again, I acknowledge my persistence, which may come across as rigidity.
Got my mind made up to love you
I am steadfast in my commitment to choose you as my partner.
Ah say yeah yeah yeah, say yeah yeah yeah
I reiterate my affirmation, reinforcing my strong feelings for you.
Lyrics © CONCORD MUSIC PUBLISHING LLC, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Downtown Music Publishing
Written by: GEORGE GORDY, MARVIN GAYE, MARVIN P GAYE, WILLIAM STEVENSON
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@youtbmasta
Ah say yeah yeah yeah, say yeah yeah yeah
Ah say yeah yeah yeah, say yeah yeah yeah
I try to put my arms around you
All because I wanna hold you tight
(To hold you tight)
But every time I reach for you, baby
And try to kiss you, you're just jumping out of sight
(Out of sight)
Oh, I've got news for you
Baby, that I've made plans for two
I guess I'm just a stubborn kind of fellow
Got my mind made up to love you
Ah say yeah yeah yeah, say yeah yeah yeah
[Instrumental]
I'm gonna love you
(Gonna love you in every way)
In every way
(Gonna love you in every way)
I'm gonna love you
(Gonna love you in every way)
In every way
(Gonna love you in every way)
With other girls I've wanted
I've made it just a moment
With you I'll share each day
(I'll stay by your side)
Now I know you've heard about me
Bad things about me, baby, please let me explain
(Don't you listen to that jive)
Oh, I have kissed a few
I tell you, a few have kissed me too
I guess I'm just a stubborn kind of fellow
Got my mind made up to love you
[Repeat and fade:]
Ah say yeah yeah yeah, say yeah yeah yeah
@fredlawson9394
No school like the old school..🎤🎵🎼🎶
@hiflyer53qwc
When I was in the army someone always had a radio blaring late at night. I used to wait for this🙂
@migueltomlinson3024
The Vandellas are killing it on background vocals.....
@chauminh
Really. Yes they are.
@afraserrome
Ty for acknowledging backup singers, and isn't this the best ever?
@tkso.philly-7868
KILLING IT !!! MY cousin grew up with Marvib Gaye in D.C. Webt to Cardoza High School.- F O N D memories.
@KeithRobinson-we3yb
They sure are,they also did background vocals on another album by him which is outstanding, can't name the album,but one of My favorite songs is "Forever "
@traceyfaison611
Yeah they were,
They was right there with him!
@jeromerymer8510
I was a teenager when this record came out it was a big seller I am now 76 years old what a blessing
@BLUESANDSOULinfo
me too im born in 1948!