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.
Were You There?
Martha and The Vandellas Lyrics
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Heaven from hell?
Blue skies from pain?
Can you tell a green field
From a cold steel rail?
A smile from a veil?
Do you think you can tell?
Did they get you to trade
Hot ashes for trees?
Hot air for a cool breeze?
Cold comfort for change?
Did you exchange
A walk-on part in the war
For a leading role in a cage?
How I wish, how I wish you were here
We're just two lost souls
Swimming in a fish bowl
Year after year
Running over the same old ground
What have we found?
The same old fears
Wish you were here
In the lyrics to Martha and the Vandellas's song "Were You There?", the singer reflects on a complex and tumultuous relationship with a substance, possibly alcohol or drugs. The lyrics express a sense of betrayal and disappointment as the singer realizes that what they thought was a friendship turned out to be harmful and manipulative. The opening lines convey a sense of naivety and self-deception, as the singer initially believed they were in control of the situation but ultimately realized they were being used.
As the lyrics unfold, the singer recalls the allure of the substance in their youth, when it seemed like a source of fun and excitement. However, this initial appeal quickly gave way to destructive consequences, symbolized by the metaphor of "blackened both my lungs". This stark contrast between the initial attraction and the later harm encapsulates the cycle of addiction and its deceptive nature.
The repeated refrain of "I thought you were my friend" underscores the sense of betrayal and disillusionment the singer feels towards the substance. The conflicting emotions of attraction and aversion are captured in the imagery of something that looks bright, tastes right, and provides temporary solace, but ultimately leads to self-destruction. The juxtaposition of longing for comfort and the realization of the substance's detrimental effects creates a poignant and conflicted narrative.
The plea for restraint and a desire to break free from the harmful cycle is evident in the lines "Baby can we go slow / I want you but I don't think I should stay here". The singer acknowledges the pull of the substance while recognizing the need to resist its destructive influence. The request for comfort and solace, to be held all night long, conveys a longing for genuine human connection and support in the face of addiction. Overall, the lyrics paint a vivid portrait of a tumultuous relationship with a substance, exploring themes of betrayal, self-deception, and the struggle for liberation from its grasp.
Line by Line Meaning
I thought you were my friend
I believed that you were my ally and confidante
Found you when I was young
I encountered you at a young age
Because you look so bright
Your appearance is appealing and attractive
Taste just right
Your taste is pleasing and satisfying
Hold me all night long
Embrace me throughout the night
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management, CONCORD MUSIC PUBLISHING LLC
Written by: David Gilmour, Roger Waters
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind