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.
You're All I Need To Get By
Martha and The Vandellas Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
I took one look at you,
And it was plain to see you were my destiny.
With my arms open wide, I threw away my pride.
I'll sacrifice for you dedicate my life for you.
I will go where you lead always there in time of need.
And when I lose my will you'll be there to push me up the hill.
There's no, no looking back for us, we got love sure 'nough, that's enough.
Like an eagle protects his nest for you I'll do my best,
Stand by you like a tree, dare anybody to try and move me.
Darlin' in you I found strength where I was torn down
Don't know what's in store but together we can open any door.
Just to do what's good for you and inspire you a little higher.
I know you can make a man out of a soul that didn't have a goal.
'Cause we, we got the right foundation and with love and determination.
You're all, you're all I want to strive for and do a little more.
All, all the joys under the sun wrapp'd up into one.
In the first verse of Martha and the Vandellas's song "You're All I Need To Get By," the singer describes the moment they met their partner as reminiscent of the sweet morning dew, emphasizing the natural and refreshing feeling that overcame them at the sight of their loved one. The singer immediately recognizes a deep connection, feeling certain that this person was meant to be their destiny. They express their willingness to open themselves up completely, letting go of any ego or pride in order to fully commit to this relationship. The singer declares their readiness to make sacrifices and dedicate their life to their partner, demonstrating a profound level of devotion and loyalty.
Moving on to the second verse, the singer uses powerful imagery to illustrate their unwavering commitment to their partner. They compare themselves to an eagle protecting its nest, highlighting their fierce determination to always stand by and support their loved one. The singer vows to be a solid and unmovable presence in their partner’s life, ready to face any challenge or obstacle that may come their way. They find strength and inspiration in their partner, feeling empowered to face the unknown future together and confident that they can overcome any obstacles that may arise. The singer believes in their partner’s potential to bring out the best in them, helping them reach their full potential and achieve their goals.
Throughout the lyrics, there is a recurring theme of love, support, and mutual growth in the relationship. The singer emphasizes their unwavering commitment to their partner, expressing a willingness to go above and beyond to make them happy and help them succeed. They believe that their love forms a strong foundation for their relationship, rooted in determination and a shared sense of purpose. The singer sees their partner as their everything, the one who brings joy and fulfillment into their life. There is a sense of completeness and contentment in their bond, encapsulated in the line, “All the joys under the sun wrapp'd up into one,” suggesting that their love is all-encompassing and fulfilling in every way conceivable.
In conclusion, Martha and the Vandellas's song "You're All I Need To Get By" beautifully captures the essence of a deep and enduring love. The lyrics portray a relationship built on mutual devotion, support, and a shared vision for the future. The singer expresses a profound sense of interconnectedness with their partner, viewing them as their source of strength and inspiration. Through vivid imagery and heartfelt declarations, the song conveys a message of unwavering commitment, resilience in the face of challenges, and the transformative power of love. It celebrates the idea of finding completeness and purpose in a loving relationship, where two individuals come together to support, uplift, and strive for a better future.
Line by Line Meaning
Like the sweet morning dew,
Just as the refreshing dew of the early morning revitalizes the earth, your presence brings a rejuvenating energy to my life.
I took one look at you,
In a single gaze, I recognized something profound and transformative within you.
And it was plain to see you were my destiny.
It became obvious that our paths were meant to entwine, indicating a fated connection.
With my arms open wide, I threw away my pride.
I embraced vulnerability by welcoming you into my life, letting go of my ego in the process.
I'll sacrifice for you dedicate my life for you.
I am willing to give up my own desires and fully commit myself to support and nurture you.
I will go where you lead always there in time of need.
I promise to follow your guidance and be by your side whenever you require assistance.
And when I lose my will you'll be there to push me up the hill.
In moments of weakness or doubt, your strength will inspire me to persevere and overcome obstacles.
There's no, no looking back for us, we got love sure 'nough, that's enough.
Our commitment to each other is unwavering; our love is solid and fulfills all that we need to move forward.
You're all, you're all I need to get by.
Your existence in my life provides me with everything I require to thrive and navigate challenges.
Like an eagle protects his nest for you I'll do my best,
Just as a vigilant eagle safeguards its home, I am dedicated to doing everything in my power to care for you.
Stand by you like a tree, dare anybody to try and move me.
I will remain steadfast and unwavering in my support for you, standing firm against any external challenges.
Darlin' in you I found strength where I was torn down.
In you, I've discovered the resilience that mends my brokenness and helps me heal.
Don't know what's in store but together we can open any door.
Although the future is uncertain, our unity empowers us to face any challenge and seize new opportunities.
Just to do what's good for you and inspire you a little higher.
My aim is to prioritize your well-being and encourage you to reach new heights in your endeavors.
I know you can make a man out of a soul that didn't have a goal.
I believe that your influence can transform someone who was once directionless into a person with purpose.
'Cause we, we got the right foundation and with love and determination.
Our relationship is built on a solid base of mutual affection and resolve, ready to withstand any trials.
You're all, you're all I want to strive for and do a little more.
You are my ultimate aspiration, motivating me to go beyond my limits in pursuit of a better life together.
All, all the joys under the sun wrapp'd up into one.
You embody all of life's pleasures and delights, encapsulating everything that brings happiness into my world.
Lyrics © CONCORD MUSIC PUBLISHING LLC, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: Valerie Simpson, Nickolas Ashford
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind