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.
Many Rivers To Cross
Martha and the Vandellas Lyrics
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But I can't seem to find my way over
Wandering I am lost
As I travel along the white cliffs of Dover
Many rivers to cross
And it's only my will that keeps me alive
I've been licked, washed up for years
And this loneliness won't leave me alone
It's such a drag to be on your own
My woman left me and she didn't say why
Well I guess, I have to try
Many rivers to cross
But just where to begin, I'm playing for time
There are times I find myself
Thinking of committing some dreadful crime
Yes, I've got many rivers to cross
But I can't seem to find my way over
Wandering I am lost
As I travel along the white cliffs of Dover
The opening line of Martha and The Vandellas's song "Many Rivers To Cross" sets a tone of struggle and perseverance. The song is about the emotional and mental obstacles that one must overcome in order to succeed in life. The metaphor of rivers represents the challenges that we face, which can be anything from personal struggles to societal barriers.
The lyrics convey a sense of hopelessness and loneliness as the singer wanders along the white cliffs of Dover searching for a way out. The line "And this loneliness won't leave me alone, it's such a drag to be on your own" emphasizes the importance of having a support system and the fear of being isolated. The mention of a failed relationship adds to the sense of loss and pain that the singer is feeling, with the line "My woman left me and she didn't say why, well I guess, I have to try" suggesting the singer is attempting to move on through their struggles.
Despite the obstacles, the singer acknowledges that their will to survive is what keeps them going, with the line "And it's only my will that keeps me alive". The lyrics encourage listeners to not give up and keep pushing through their struggles. The song ends by expressing the feeling of being lost and the uncertainty of where to start, but acknowledges that there are many rivers to cross and the only way to succeed is to keep trying.
Line by Line Meaning
Many rivers to cross
I have many challenges and obstacles to overcome
But I can't seem to find my way over
I am struggling to figure out how to overcome these obstacles
Wandering I am lost
I feel directionless and uncertain about my path
As I travel along the white cliffs of Dover
As I journey through my life, I feel as if I am being buffeted by the winds of fate
And it's only my will that keeps me alive
Despite the difficulties I face, I am determined to persevere
I've been licked, washed up for years
I have experienced many failures and setbacks over a long period of time
And I merely survive because of my pride
My sense of self-worth and dignity helps me to keep going even in the face of adversity
And this loneliness won't leave me alone
I feel isolated and disconnected from others
It's such a drag to be on your own
Being alone can be burdensome and exhausting
My woman left me and she didn't say why
Someone I loved and trusted has abandoned me without explanation
Well I guess, I have to try
I must find a way to move on and start again
But just where to begin, I'm playing for time
I am uncertain about how to move forward and am delaying taking action
There are times I find myself
I sometimes experience moments when
Thinking of committing some dreadful crime
I feel overwhelmed and desperate, and consider doing something harmful or dangerous
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: JIMMY CLIFF
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind