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.
Live Wire
Martha and the Vandellas Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
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
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
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