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.
Third Finger Lef Hand
Martha and The Vandellas Lyrics
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Today he said "I do"
Friends said it couldn't be done
But all his love I know I've won
'Cause 3rd finger, left hand
That's where he placed the wedding band
He walked right up to me
I longed to hear him say
The sweet words he spoke that day
Made me feel so good inside
The tears came to my eyes
I love him above the rest
'Cause in my book he's the best
'Cause he did something that no one else did
Friends said it couldn't be done
But all his love I know I've won
'Cause 3rd finger, left hand
That's where he placed the wedding band
His words were precious few
But all along my heart knew
That no other boys in line
Could ever change my mind
Other boys I sent away
I locked my heart till our wedding day
I love him above the rest
'Cause in my book he's the best
'Cause he did something that no one else did
Friends said it couldn't be done
But all his love I know I've won
'Cause 3rd finger, left hand
That's where he placed the wedding band
3rd finger, left hand
That's where he placed the wedding band
The song "Third Finger Left Hand" by Martha and The Vandellas tells the story of a woman's joyous wedding day. The lyrics express the idea that the bride's dreams have finally come true with the groom's pledge of love and the placement of the wedding band on her third finger, left hand. Despite friends' doubts and concerns that it couldn't be done, the couple's love has prevailed, and the bride feels confident that she has won her husband's affections. The bride reflects on how she has locked her heart away from other potential suitors until this day, and she knows that in her book, he's the best.
The lyrics of "Third Finger Left Hand" celebrate the unbreakable bond between two people in a committed relationship. The third finger, left hand is traditionally the finger on which a wedding band is placed because it was believed that there was a vein in that finger that went directly to the heart. The lyrics, combined with the catchy Motown sound, create a nostalgic and heartwarming feel, encapsulating feelings of romance and commitment that are universally relatable. The song is a testament to the power of love and how it can triumph against all odds.
Line by Line Meaning
At last my dreams come true
Finally my dreams have been realized.
Today he said "I do"
Today he committed to spending his life with me.
Friends said it couldn't be done
My friends doubted that he would ever ask me to marry him.
But all his love I know I've won
Regardless of the doubts of others, I know that he loves me and wants to marry me.
'Cause 3rd finger, left hand
That's where he placed the wedding band
He put the wedding ring on my finger to symbolize our commitment to each other.
He walked right up to me
& pledged his love for me
He approached me and made a public declaration of his love for me.
I longed to hear him say
The sweet words he spoke that day
I wanted to hear him express his love for me and he did, making me feel happy and fulfilled.
Made me feel so good inside
The tears came to my eyes
Hearing his sweet words made me feel emotional and happy, leading to happy tears.
I love him above the rest
'Cause in my book he's the best
I love him more than anyone else and think he is the greatest.
'Cause he did something that no one else did
He did something unique and special that set him apart from others.
His words were precious few
But all along my heart knew
He didn't say much, but my intuition told me that he loved me and wanted to marry me.
That no other boys in line
Could ever change my mind
I was committed to him and no other men could make me change my mind about marrying him.
Other boys I sent away
I locked my heart till our wedding day
I rejected other men who expressed interest in me and kept my heart reserved for him until our marriage.
'Cause 3rd finger, left hand
That's where he placed the wedding band
The wedding ring symbolizes our commitment and love for each other.
3rd finger, left hand
That's where he placed the wedding band
The wedding ring is a meaningful symbol of our love and commitment, placed on my third finger, left hand.
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: JR., BRIAN HOLLAND, EDWARD HOLLAND, EDWARD, JR. HOLLAND, LAMONT DOZIER, LAMONT HERBERT DOZIER
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Graeme Claridge
If you don't love this music then you have no soul, you are dead inside.
stewart quark
So true
So so very true
Adrian Evans
I'm in my 40's before my time but my o my the music back in the day is just wow special can well get into NS thanks for the intro really like this one x
jean myers
Very well said, Motown magic!
Edward Fox
Anyone who can even sit still to this is literally a defective human
Bob Robson
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Paul Douglas
I absolutely love Tamla Motown - this is one of the classics!
A H
Couldn’t agree more!
Keith Davies
It sure is
MrWicks66
Played at my wedding , everyone stood and danced it was magical .