Jimmy Ruffin, “What Becomes of the Brokenhearted” | Throwback Vibez 🕶️🎶

In the 91^st edition of Throwback Vibez (2022), we recollect and reflect on “What Becomes of the Brokenhearted” by Jimmy Ruffin. 

The vibes, the vibes, those Throwback Vibez 🕶️🎶! Throwback Vibez 🕶️🎶 is a column that celebrates awesome songs from the past.  The records that grace Throwback Vibez 🕶️🎶 are older, but that doesn’t necessarily mean that they’re ancient – no fossils 🦴! All genres of music are welcome – we don’t discriminate ‘round here! In the 91^st edition of Throwback Vibez 🕶️🎶 (2022), we recollect and reflect on 🎵 “What Becomes of the Brokenhearted”, performed by 🎙 Jimmy Ruffin.

Theme & Lyrics ✍ 

“As I walk this land of broken dreams / I have visions of many things,” 🎙 Jimmy Ruffin (1936 – 2014) sings in the first verse of the beloved soul gem, 🎵 “What Becomes of the Brokenhearted”.  It’s worth noting, you shouldn’t confuse Jimmy with his younger brother, 🎙 David Ruffin (1941 – 1991), who was a member of 🎙 The Temptations for a while, as well as a talented solo artist too.  Focusing on the elder Ruffin, he continues singing, “But happiness is just an illusion / Filled with sadness and confusion.” This 1966, brokenhearted classic was Ruffin’s highest charting hit on the Billboard Hot 100, peaking at no. 7.  Yep, this soul joint was a surefire pop hit.

The first verse is golden, as are the second, third, and fourth verses.  All three following verse speak to the plight of love.  For example, in the third verse, Ruffin asserts, “I walk in the shadows searching for light / Cold and alone no comfort in sight.” Hopeless! Similarly, in the fourth, he sings, “All is lost, there’s no place for beginning / All that’s left is an unhappy ending.” Woo! The centerpiece of this soulful musical selection is none other than the chorus, which is incredibly tuneful and features a marvelous backdrop:

“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

Help me.”

Beyond the chorus, there’s yet another awesome lyrical and music moment – the outro. Here, Ruffin states, “I’ll be searching everywhere / Just to find someone to care.” Even when love is unkind, we all still desire it so badly.  “What Becomes of the Brokenhearted” was penned by 🎼 ✍ James Dean, 🎼 ✍ Paul Riser,  and 🎼 ✍ William Weatherspoon.

Final Thoughts 💭 

Jimmy Ruffin is responsible for one of the greatest soul songs of all time.  Even though 🎵 “What Becomes of the Brokenhearted” is pushing 60 years old, it’s still fresh and incredibly relevant.  They don’t make songs that sound like and resonate like this anymore.

🎙 Jimmy Ruffin • 💿 Sings Top Ten • 🏷 Motown • 🗓 1967

Jimmy Ruffin, “What Becomes of the Brokenhearted”: Throwback Vibez 🕶️🎶 No. 91 (2022) [📷: Brent Faulkner, Gerhard G., JL G via Pixabay,  Karl Hörnfeldt via Unsplash,  Motown, The Musical Hype]