About The Song
Jimmy Ruffin’s “What Becomes of the Brokenhearted” is a soulful ballad released in 1966. It was written by Motown writers William Weatherspoon, Paul Riser, and James Dean, originally intended for The Spinners but recorded by Ruffin instead. It peaked at No. 7 on the Billboard Hot 100 and reached No. 6 on the Billboard R&B Singles chart. The song attained No. 8 on the UK Chart and upon reissue, in 1974, it reached No. 4 on the UK Chart, becoming Ruffin’s highest-charting single there.
The song portrays the struggles of heartbreak and the aftermath of failed love. Ruffin’s powerful vocals express the loneliness, sadness, and confusion experienced after a breakup, capturing the emotional turmoil of heartache. “What Becomes of the Brokenhearted” reflects on the pain of lost love and the search for healing and hope amidst despair. It explores the journey towards overcoming sadness and finding solace in new beginnings.
Lyrics
As I walk this land of broken dreams
I have visions of many things
But happiness is just an illusion
Filled with sadness and confusion
What becomes of the broken hearted
Who had love that's now departed
I know I've got to find
Some kind of peace of mind
Maybe
The roots of love grow all around
But for me they come a tumblin' down
Every day heartaches grow a little stronger
I can't stand this pain much longer
I walk in shadows searching for light
Cold and alone, no comfort in sight
Hoping and praying for someone to care
Always moving and going nowhere
What becomes of the broken hearted
Who had love that's now departed
I know I've got to find
Some kind of peace of mind
Help me
I'm searching though I don't succeed
But someone look, there's a growing need
All is lost, there's no place for beginning
All that's left is an unhappy ending
Now what becomes of the broken hearted
Who had love that's now departed
I know I've got to find
Some kind of peace of mind
I'll be searching everywhere
Just to find someone to care
I'll be looking everyday
I know I'm gonna find a way
Nothing's gonna stop me now
I'll find a way somehow
I'll be searching everywhere...