Live Wire
Martha and the Vandellas Lyrics


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It's my birthday, and he forgot again
Every time we date, he's always late
All the abuses and excuses, I've made up my mind
Gonna tell him this time we're through
But everything I plan to say
Just seems to fade away
Every time I see his face
My eyes light up, sparks start to flyin'
Like a live wire, real live wire
Just like a bolt of lightnin', it sets my soul on fire

Sweet kisses are his alibi
And that's why, that's where my weakness lies
Though I plan and rehearse the things I want to say
The words never never come my way, 'cause
'Cause everything I plan to say
Just seems to fade away
Every time I see his face
My eyes light up, sparks start to flyin'
Like a live wire

Like a bolt of lightnin', it sets my soul on fire
Just like a live wire, real live wire




A bolt of lightnin', oh yeah, sets my soul on fire
Like a live wire, real live wire

Overall Meaning

In the song "Live Wire," Martha and The Vandellas sing about a woman who is fed up with her unreliable partner constantly forgetting about special occasions and always being late for dates. Despite her attempts to break up with him, she finds herself unable to resist his sweet kisses and alibis. The lyrics portray a conflicted emotion of being torn between wanting to be done with the relationship and the strong physical attraction she feels when she is with him. The chorus compares the feeling of being with him to a live wire, sparks flying and setting her soul on fire, like a bolt of lightning.


Line by Line Meaning

It's my birthday, and he forgot again
On my special day, he failed to remember and acknowledge it


Every time we date, he's always late
He consistently shows disrespect by arriving after the agreed upon time


All the abuses and excuses, I've made up my mind
I've decided to take action after enduring lies and mistreatment


Gonna tell him this time we're through
I'm going to communicate that our relationship is finished


But everything I plan to say
Despite my preparation and intentions,


Just seems to fade away
My planned words disappear,


Every time I see his face
Whenever I'm in his presence,


My eyes light up, sparks start to flyin'
I experience an intense emotional reaction characterized by excitement


Like a live wire, real live wire
Similar to an electrical current surging through a wire, my connection to him is electric


Sweet kisses are his alibi
He attempts to excuse his poor behavior with physical affection


And that's why, that's where my weakness lies
Through his manipulation and charm, he exploits my vulnerability


Though I plan and rehearse the things I want to say
Despite my efforts to prepare my message,


The words never never come my way
I struggle to verbalize my thoughts and feelings,


Like a bolt of lightnin', it sets my soul on fire
His presence electrifies me with passion and desire


Just like a live wire, real live wire
Similar to the effect of an electrical current, my connection to him is powerful


A bolt of lightnin', oh yeah, sets my soul on fire
Intense bursts of energy upon seeing him ignite my spirit


Like a live wire, real live wire
My connection to him is charged and dynamic




Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: BRIAN HOLLAND, EDWARD HOLLAND, EDWARD, JR. HOLLAND, LAMONT DOZIER, LAMONT HERBERT DOZIER

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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Comments from YouTube:

Travelin Man

I love this song. I think it's my favorite from them. Martha has a strong voice.

Leatherbro 1000

In every sense, these girls and the Marvelettes were far more "talent superior" to the Supremes any day!!!!!

Gil Loera

Above excellence. I'm still dancing to this. I'm 73 years old and bopping this at the clubs! I tell the DJ to play it. Guys come up to me and ask me about it.

Colum Rogers

I'm a 'live wire' when this song comes on, LOL. It's epic!!!!

Lorraine Ashby

LOL! me too !! 

Colum Rogers

Lorraine Ashby Obviously, you have good taste!! ;)

Micaï. Claude.

Excellent Martha Reeves and The Vandellas.

Jordanzillia _YT

Pure fire right there better then the Supremes by far

Leatherbro 1000

Strong gospel fervor to it.

miguel Tomlinson

Dusty Springfield absolutely loved Martha and The Vandellas

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