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Jimmy Ruffin – “What Becomes of the Brokenhearted”

Jimmy Ruffin - Classic Motown

About the Song

In the realm of soul music, few artists have captured the essence of heartbreak and longing quite like Jimmy Ruffin. With his emotive vocals and poignant delivery, Ruffin’s music has resonated with listeners for decades, transcending generations and cultural boundaries. His 1966 single, What Becomes of the Brokenhearted, stands as a timeless masterpiece, a soul ballad that lays bare the raw emotions of love lost.

What Becomes of the Brokenhearted opens with a melancholic piano melody, setting the stage for Ruffin’s heartfelt vocals. The lyrics paint a vivid picture of a love that has crumbled, leaving the protagonist grappling with the aftermath. Ruffin’s voice cracks with emotion as he sings of the lingering pain, the unanswered questions, and the overwhelming emptiness that follows a broken heart.

The song’s chorus is a poignant plea, a desperate cry for solace amidst the ruins of a shattered relationship. “What becomes of the brokenhearted? Do they just sit around and cry?” Ruffin asks, his voice echoing the despair of countless individuals who have experienced the anguish of love’s demise.

What Becomes of the Brokenhearted is more than just a song about heartbreak; it’s an exploration of the human condition, a testament to the resilience of the spirit in the face of adversity. Ruffin’s vocals convey a profound understanding of the pain of loss, yet they also offer a glimmer of hope, suggesting that even in the darkest of times, love can find a way to mend the broken pieces.

The song’s enduring popularity is a testament to its power to connect with listeners on an emotional level. What Becomes of the Brokenhearted has been covered by numerous artists, each bringing their own interpretation to the song’s timeless message. Ruffin’s original version, however, remains the definitive, capturing the essence of heartbreak with an authenticity that few can match.

What Becomes of the Brokenhearted is a soul ballad that speaks to the universal human experience of love and loss. With its poignant lyrics, emotive vocals, and timeless melody, the song continues to touch the hearts of listeners worldwide, offering solace and understanding in the face of heartbreak.

Jimmy Ruffin, Motown's Underrated Soul Singer, Dies - ABC News

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Lyrics: What Becomes of the Brokenhearted

As I walk this land with broken dreamsI have visions of many thingsBut happiness is just an illusionFilled with sadness and confusionWhat becomes of the broken-heartedWho had love that’s now departed?I know I’ve got to findSome kind of peace of mindMaybe
The roots of love grow all aroundBut for me they come a-tumblin’ downEvery day heartaches grow a little strongerI can’t stand this pain much longerI walk in shadowsm searching for lightCold and alone, no comfort in sightHoping and praying for someone to careAlways moving and goin’ nowhereWhat becomes of the broken-heartedWho had love that’s now departed?I know I’ve got to findSome kind of peace of mindHelp me
I’m searching, though I don’t succeedBut someone look, there’s a growing needOh, he is lost, there’s no place for beginningAll that’s left is an unhappy endingNow, becomes of the broken-heartedWho had love that’s now departed?I know I’ve got to findSome kind of peace of mind
I’ll be searching everywhereJust to find someone to careI’ll be looking everyday, I know I’m gonna find a wayNothing’s gonna stop me nowI’ll find a way somehowAnd I’ll be searching everywhereI know I gotta find a wayI’ll be looking

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Long before the sprawling mansions, multi-platinum records, and roaring audiences, Elvis Presley experienced the harsh reality of financial hardship. Growing up in a modest household in Tupelo, Mississippi, his parents, Vernon and Gladys, frequently fought to make ends meet. Even so, Elvis was nurtured by a foundation that would anchor him throughout his life: strong family bonds, deep-rooted faith, and a constant presence of music.

During his days at Humes High School, Elvis Presley was far from the self-assured icon America would soon embrace. After moving to Memphis for a fresh start, his family settled into the Lauderdale Courts public housing. Financial struggles persisted, and memories from his school days reveal that even paying for a simple lunch was a challenge. A former coach even remembered slipping Elvis a quarter every now and then just to ensure he had something to eat.

It feels almost surreal that Elvis Presley left behind a legacy so immense given how brief his journey was. Born into poverty in a modest Tupelo home, he passed away at just 42. Yet within that span, the quiet Mississippi boy forged a voice, a presence, and an emotional resonance capable of transcending generations. His time was far shorter than anyone could have foreseen, but somehow, he made every moment of it monumental.

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