The group signed to Motown Records, but weren't given top priority, as other female vocal groups were attracting audiences and recording hits. While the group awaited their chance at stardom, they recorded backing vocals for more established Motown girl groups, including The Marvelettes, Martha & The Vandellas, and The Supremes.
The Velvelettes got their break in 1964 with "Needle In A Haystack" which peaked at number 45 on the Billboard Hot 100 in mid-1964. The group recorded its follow-up, "He Was Really Sayin' Somethin'", and spent time on various Motown-sponsored tours as an opening act.
With a song on the charts and a place on several concert tours, The Velvelettes began recording an album. Despite burgeoning success, the members of the group began to disagree about the music they were recording. Half wanted to record more mature songs and thought the material was trite, while the other half didn't want to rock the boat so early in their career.
Motown became apprehensive about the group's potential, and wary of the expense of the recordings. Not wanting to let good time and money go to waste, the label released two additional singles, "Lonely Lonely Girl Am I" and "A Bird In The Hand," as the group endured several line-up changes. Both singles flopped, and Motown cancelled the scheduled release of the group's eponymous debut album.
The last Velvelettes recordings included "These Things Will Keep Me Loving You," which became their last American single. They officially broke up in early to mid 1970.
The group reunited in 1984, when the Gill sisters and Barbee cousins re-recorded their original hits with some new songs for the album One Door Closes. The group continues to tour today.
He Was Really Saying Somethin'
The Velvelettes Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
When this boy started following me
Though I ignored all the things he said
He moved me in every way
With his collar unbuttoned
By my side he was struttin'
He was really sayin' somethin'
Really sayin' somethin'
(Bop bop soo-be-do-wa)
(Bop bop soo-be-do-wa)
He flirted every step of the way
I could hear every word he'd say
My resistance was gettin' low
And my feelings started to show
My heart started pumpin', blood pressure jumpin'
He was really sayin' somethin',
Really sayin' somethin'
(Bop bop soo-be-do-wa)
(Bop bop soo-be-do-wa)
He walked me to my door
I agreed to see him once more
Late night it may not be
But he moved me tremendously
Though he was bold, my heart he stole
He was really sayin' somethin',
Really sayin' somethin'
(Bop bop soo-be-do-wa)
(Bop bop soo-be-do-wa)
He was really sayin' somethin'
The lyrics to The Velvelettes' song "He Was Really Sayin' Somethin'" tell the story of the singer walking down the street and being pursued by a boy. Though she initially ignores him, his charm and flirtatiousness gradually win her over. The chorus emphasizes the idea that he was really saying something, that his actions and words had a genuine impact on her.
The opening lines of the song describe the girl's reluctance to engage with the boy, but the second verse reveals that her resistance starts to wane as he continues to pursue her. The lyrics in this section employ wordplay by likening her physical response to his advances to an increase in blood pressure.
Ultimately, the girl agrees to see him again, and the song ends with the idea that despite his boldness, he "stole" her heart with what he was really saying. The upbeat nature of the song, combined with its focus on the power of communication and charm, makes it a timeless classic of Motown music.
Overall, "He Was Really Sayin' Somethin'" is a song about the ability of communication to move and influence people. The lyrics and music work in tandem to convey the idea that the boy's words and actions had a deep impact on the girl, ultimately leading to a romantic connection.
Line by Line Meaning
I was walkin' down the street
I was taking a stroll on the street.
When this boy started following me
When a boy started tailing after me.
Though I ignored all the things he said
Even though I wasn't paying attention to what he was saying.
He moved me in every way
He affected and charmed me in every possible way.
With his collar unbuttoned
With his collared shirt unfastened.
By my side he was struttin'
He was swaggering beside me.
He was really sayin' somethin'
He was genuinely expressing something special.
Really sayin' somethin'
Truly conveying a message.
(Bop bop soo-be-do-wa)
This part is just a meaningless musical interlude.
(Bop bop soo-be-do-wa)
This part is also just a meaningless musical interlude.
He flirted every step of the way
He was flirting with me the entire time.
I could hear every word he'd say
I was able to comprehend everything he was saying.
My resistance was gettin' low
I was starting to give in to his advances.
And my feelings started to show
I began to display how I was feeling.
My heart started pumpin', blood pressure jumpin'
I felt excitement and was nervous at the same time.
He walked me to my door
He escorted me to my front door.
I agreed to see him once more
I consented to have another meeting with him.
Late night it may not be
It might not be late at night.
But he moved me tremendously
But he had a huge impact on me.
Though he was bold, my heart he stole
Even though he was courageous, he stole my heart.
He was really sayin' somethin'
He was truly conveying a meaningful message.
Really sayin' somethin'
He was genuinely expressing something special.
(Bop bop soo-be-do-wa)
This part is just a meaningless musical interlude.
(Bop bop soo-be-do-wa)
This part is also just a meaningless musical interlude.
Lyrics Š Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: JR., EDWARD HOLLAND, EDWARD, JR. HOLLAND, NORMAN WHITFIELD, NORMAN J. WHITFIELD, WILLIAM STEVENSON
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Dawn Wolf
Bring it ON!!!! This is pure gold girl group soul at its best!!!
Paul V.
If this song doesn't make your hips shake, you're dead from the neck down! :)
William Redding
Thank the Geator for this song!
eliza consuegra
Ok, let's dance and shake our body 'till the day ends
J Kevin
as a fatboy slim sample memorably put it, "if that don't make yo booty move, yo booty must be dead"
Ethel Stevens Love
What a great classic this is from back in the day.........Good sound!
LaurenJayne Diamond
Yes yes!!!!
Andy Stenson
Fantastic. What a great sound and out of this world song.
DJ Cannon
The tone to this song came straight out of the church. I love it!
jsbach15
Wow! I almost forgot this little gem. LOVE IT! Thanks so very much in uploading to youtube.