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.
Tracks Of My Tears
Martha and The Vandellas Lyrics
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Because I tell a joke or two
Although I might be laughing loud and hearty
Deep inside I'm blue
So take a good look at my face
You'll see my smile looks out of place
If you look closer, it's easy to trace
I need you, need you
Since you left me if you see me with another girl
Seeming like I'm having fun
Although she may be cute
She's just a substitute
Because you're the permanent one
So take a good look at my face
You'll see my smile looks out of place
If you look closer, it's easy to trace
The tracks of my tears
I need you, need you
Outside I'm masquerading
Inside my hope is fading
Just a clown oh yeah
Since you put me down
My smile is my make up
I wear since my break up with you
So take a good look at my face
You'll see my smile looks out of place
If you look closer, it's easy to trace
The tracks of my tears
The lyrics to the Martha and The Vandellas' song Tears On My Pillow are a reflection of the heartbreak and loneliness that the singer is feeling. The opening lines suggest that people see the singer as the life of the party, someone who tells jokes and laughs loudly. However, this is just a facade to cover up the pain and sadness that the performer is feeling inside. The chorus of the song talks about the tracks of the singer's tears, which are visible if one looks closely. The singer laments the absence of their former lover and speaks of how any other woman is just a substitute.
The second verse shows the singer masquerading as a clown, trying to put on a brave face even as their hope is fading. The smile on the singer's face is just makeup to cover up the hurt and pain that they are feeling. The chorus is repeated, underscoring the singer's need for their former lover.
This song is a powerful testament to the impact that a lost love can have on a person. It speaks to the idea that sometimes, even when we are surrounded by people and seem to be having fun, we can still feel lonely and desperate for the love of someone who is now gone.
Line by Line Meaning
People say I'm the life of the party
I'm known for being lively and fun
Because I tell a joke or two
I like to make people laugh
Although I might be laughing loud and hearty
Even though I seem happy
Deep inside I'm blue
I'm actually sad
So take a good look at my face
If you really pay attention to me
You'll see my smile looks out of place
You'll notice that my smile doesn't fit my mood
If you look closer, it's easy to trace
If you examine me more closely
The tracks of my tears
You'll see the signs that I've been crying
I need you, need you
I miss you so much
Since you left me if you see me with another girl
If you see me with someone else
Seeming like I'm having fun
I might appear to be happy
Although she may be cute
Even if she looks good
She's just a substitute
She's not you
Because you're the permanent one
You're the only one I really want
Outside I'm masquerading
I'm pretending to be happy
Inside my hope is fading
But I'm actually losing hope
Just a clown oh yeah
I feel like I'm just playing a part
Since you put me down
Since you broke up with me
My smile is my make up
My smile is just a mask
I wear since my break up with you
I use it to hide my pain
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: MARVIN TARPLIN, SMOKEY ROBINSON, WARREN MOORE, WILLIAM ROBINSON JR.
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind