Jimmy Ruffin – What Becomes of the Brokenhearted: A Soulful Ballad of Love’s Enduring Pain
In the realm of soul music, Jimmy Ruffin stands as a towering figure, his voice imbued with a rich, emotive quality that has captivated listeners for decades. Among his vast repertoire of hits, “What Becomes of the Brokenhearted” stands out as a timeless ballad, capturing the profound pain and lingering questions that follow a lost love.
Released in 1966, “What Becomes of the Brokenhearted” marked a turning point in Ruffin’s career, solidifying his status as a leading soul vocalist. The song topped the Billboard R&B Singles chart and reached number seven on the Billboard Hot 100 chart, becoming an instant classic.
The song’s opening notes, a delicate piano melody, set the stage for Ruffin’s heartfelt vocals as he delves into the depths of heartbreak and despair. The lyrics, penned by William Weatherspoon, Paul Riser, and James Dean, paint vivid imagery of a world turned upside down by the loss of love.
The chorus, a poignant refrain, encapsulates the song’s central theme:
What becomes of the brokenhearted Who had love that’s now departed? I know I’ve got to find Some kind of peace of mind
Ruffin’s vocals are the heart and soul of the song, his voice soaring with raw emotion as he delivers lines like “I walk in shadows searching for light/Cold and alone, no comfort in sight.” His impassioned plea for solace and understanding resonates with listeners who have experienced the heartache of a lost love.
The song’s instrumental accompaniment, a gentle interplay of piano, strings, and horns, provides a fitting backdrop for Ruffin’s emotive delivery. The arrangement is both understated and evocative, allowing Ruffin’s voice and the song’s message to take center stage.
“What Becomes of the Brokenhearted” has become an enduring anthem for those who have experienced the pain of heartbreak, its message of resilience and hope resonating with listeners across generations. The song has been covered by numerous artists, including Elvis Presley, Stevie Wonder, and Aretha Franklin, and its influence on popular music is undeniable.
Beyond its musical impact, “What Becomes of the Brokenhearted” remains a poignant reminder of the profound impact of love and loss. Ruffin’s heartfelt vocals and the song’s evocative lyrics offer a comforting solace to those who have experienced heartbreak, reminding them that they are not alone in their pain.
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Here are some additional details about the song:
- The song was written by William Weatherspoon, Paul Riser, and James Dean.
- It was released in 1966 as the lead single from Ruffin’s album Jimmy Ruffin Sings Top Ten.
- The song reached number one on the Billboard R&B Singles chart and number seven on the Billboard Hot 100 chart.
- “What Becomes of the Brokenhearted” has been covered by numerous artists, including Elvis Presley, Stevie Wonder, and Aretha Franklin.