Background
“What Becomes of the Brokenhearted,” famously performed by Jimmy Ruffin and released in 1966, emerged from the songwriting talents of the Motown team of James Dean, Paul Riser and William Weatherspoon. This was not a song initially crafted for Ruffin, but after it had been turned down by other artists, it was offered to him, and he then transformed it into a signature track, showcasing his unique vocal style and his ability to convey profound vulnerability and emotional depth. The song is a carefully constructed piece of soul music, designed to elicit a strong emotional response in the listener. The songwriting team were seeking to create a track that would explore the complexities of heartbreak, while also highlighting the power of a human spirit to endure. The song’s recording process was meticulous and carefully planned at Motown’s Hitsville U.S.A. studio in Detroit, and the focus was firmly on creating a track that would be both commercially successful and also artistically significant. The song’s release was a significant moment in Ruffin’s career, and it also helped to further establish Motown Records as one of the leading forces in the popular music landscape of the 1960s. The track’s enduring popularity is also a testament to the power of a great song, combined with the talent of a truly great performer. The song’s unique message, combined with its memorable melody is what has made it so enduring and so well-loved. The song also demonstrates the power of Motown to create a unique style of music that blended soul and pop sensibilities, and that was able to appeal to a wide range of audiences. The lasting legacy of the song is a testament to its enduring qualities, and also to its emotional power.
Musical Style
“What Becomes of the Brokenhearted” is a quintessential example of the Motown sound, blending elements of soul, pop, and R&B into a seamless and emotionally powerful whole. The song is characterized by its slow tempo, its dramatic orchestral arrangement, its subtle use of dynamics, and Ruffin’s incredibly emotive vocal performance. The song also features a memorable melody, which is both haunting and also incredibly catchy. The track is notable for its use of a prominent string section, a subtle rhythm section, and a carefully constructed backing vocal arrangement, all of which help to create a rich and textured sound. The orchestration is both complex and subtle, and it is clear that a great deal of thought and attention went into its creation. The use of brass instruments is also a key element of the track, and these add a layer of both power and also sophistication to the overall sound. The call-and-response backing vocals also contribute to the song’s overall feeling of emotional intensity. The use of the piano is also a key element, and this provides both a melodic and harmonic counterpoint to the main vocals. The track’s overall structure also features variations in the dynamics, which help to create a feeling of both tension and release. The song’s musical style is what also helps to make it such a memorable and enduring classic. The interplay between all of the different musical elements is what gives the song its unique and powerful sound. The track also manages to create a feeling of both intimacy and also of dramatic intensity, and this is what has made it so enduringly popular.
Lyrics
The lyrics of “What Becomes of the Brokenhearted” are a poignant and heart-wrenching exploration of the pain, the confusion, and the overwhelming loneliness that can accompany the end of a romantic relationship. The song’s lyrical content is marked by its direct and honest language, its use of evocative imagery, and its ability to capture the complex and often conflicting emotions that are associated with heartbreak. The lyrics are not overly complex, but they are extremely powerful, and they convey a feeling of genuine suffering and also a deep sense of vulnerability. The lyrics also explore the difficult process of moving on after a painful experience, and they also highlight the feelings of isolation that a broken heart can cause. The song also asks the central question of what becomes of those who have lost the love that has meant the most to them, and this is what also helps to give it its profound emotional impact. The song’s overall tone is one of both sorrow and also a sense of quiet resignation. The lyrics also manage to convey a sense of both hope and also a deep feeling of sadness. The lyrics also demonstrate the skill of the songwriters at using simple words to convey complex emotions. The lyrical message is one that is both timeless and universal, and it is something that has resonated with audiences across different generations.
The opening lines of the song immediately establish the central theme: “What becomes of the brokenhearted, who’ve loved and lost and have to part?” These lines express the narrator’s sense of confusion and his feelings of despair, highlighting the profound pain that is associated with heartbreak. The lyrics also suggest that this is a question that is both personal and also universal, and it also establishes the song’s overall tone of sadness and melancholy. The lyrics immediately draw the listener in, and set the scene for the rest of the track.
The following lines continue to explore these themes, emphasizing the narrator’s feeling of loneliness: “I know I’ve got to find some way, somehow to carry on, without you, yeah.” These lines portray the narrator’s internal struggle to cope with his loss, and they also reveal his sense of isolation and his feeling that he is unable to function without his partner. The lyrics also convey his feelings of despair, but also an underlying sense of hope. The use of the phrase “carry on” also emphasizes his need to keep living despite his sadness.
The song’s chorus reinforces the central theme of loneliness and the search for answers: “What becomes of the brokenhearted, what happens to their lonely dreams, is there a place they can go, or just live life with broken schemes?” These lines capture the narrator’s feelings of hopelessness, and also his questioning of his place in the world after his relationship has ended. The chorus also conveys a sense of desperation, and a need to find answers that may never come. The chorus is also a statement of the central message of the song, and it is what makes it so memorable.
The lyrics also touch on themes of resilience, hope, and the human desire for connection: “I’ve got to pick up the pieces, somehow find a way to carry on, for I can’t let this pain define me, I know that one day I’ll be strong.” These lines reveal the narrator’s determination to overcome his heartbreak and to find a way to move on with his life. The lyrics also suggest that although he is hurting now, he still has hope for the future, and that he is also able to find a sense of strength and resilience within himself. The lyrics also emphasize that although he is struggling, he will not allow this to define him.
The song’s lyrics are notable for their directness and their emotional honesty. The use of simple language is incredibly effective in conveying the complexity of the emotions that are being explored in the track. The lyrics manage to convey a great deal of feeling, without using any overly poetic or overly complex imagery.
Cultural Impact
“What Becomes of the Brokenhearted” had an immediate and widespread cultural impact, becoming a major hit for Jimmy Ruffin, and also helping to further establish Motown as a leading force in soul music. The song was not only popular on the pop and R&B charts, but it also struck a chord with listeners across the world, and it helped to establish its place in popular culture. The song also became a cultural touchstone, and it became associated with the themes of heartbreak and loneliness. The song was also widely played on the radio, and it was also a popular choice in jukeboxes across the world. The song’s legacy can also be seen in the numerous cover versions that have been recorded over the years, and this demonstrates its lasting impact and also its universal themes. The track has also been featured in countless films and television shows, which has further cemented its place in the popular consciousness. The song’s impact has also been felt by musicians and songwriters across various genres, with many citing the song as an influence on their own work. The song has also become a staple at parties and other social events, which further demonstrates its enduring popularity and its ability to connect with audiences. The song’s ongoing presence in popular culture is also a testament to the enduring appeal of its unique qualities and its timeless message.
Conclusion
“What Becomes of the Brokenhearted” by Jimmy Ruffin is far more than just a popular song; it is a powerful and poignant exploration of human emotion, that continues to resonate with audiences today. The song’s journey, from its inception to its status as a soul classic, is a testament to the power of great songwriting, combined with the talent of a truly exceptional performer. The song’s lasting legacy is undeniable, and its impact on both music and popular culture is clearly evident. It is a track that is admired for its musical sophistication, its emotional honesty, and its ability to connect with listeners across generations. The song’s power lies in its ability to express complex feelings through a simple and direct lyrical message. The song’s impact also serves as a reminder of the enduring power of soul music, and its ability to convey profound human emotion. The track also demonstrates the skill of the Motown songwriting team, and also the power of the Motown sound. The song will continue to be remembered for its raw emotion, its powerful vocal performance, and its unique ability to capture the complexities of heartbreak. The track is a masterpiece of soul music, and it remains a key track in the overall history of popular music.