What becomes of the broken hearted who had love that's now departed?
With these words, from the writers Dean, Riser and Weatherspoon, Jimmy Ruffin launched what was to become a Motown Records' Soul classic in the summer of 1966. The song captures the anguish and despair of losing a loved one. Jimmy says he felt a personal connection to the song, as he had lost his mother when he was young and had also experienced romantic heartbreak. He said that he sang the song with emotion and sincerity, hoping to touch the hearts of others. The song also reflects the social and political turmoil of the 1960s, when the US was involved in the Vietnam War and the civil rights movement was facing resistance.
Despair is the keynote in this song, in the third verse Ruffin sings .."I walk in shadows searching for light. Cold and alone, no comfort in sight. Hoping and praying for someone who cares. Always moving and going nowhere."
