What Becomes of the Brokenhearted

Jimmy Ruffin

About What Becomes of the Brokenhearted

"What Becomes of the Brokenhearted" is a hit single recorded by Jimmy Ruffin and released on Motown Records' Soul label in the summer of 1966. It is a ballad, with lead singer Jimmy Ruffin recalling the pain that befalls the brokenhearted, who had love that's now departed. The song essentially deals with the struggle to overcome sadness while seeking a new relationship after a breakup. The tune was written by William Weatherspoon, Paul Riser, and James Dean, and the recording was produced by Weatherspoon and William "Mickey" Stevenson. "What Becomes of the Brokenhearted" remains one of the most-revived of Motown's hits. Composers Weatherspoon and Riser and lyricist Dean had originally written "What Becomes of the Brokenhearted" with the intention of having The Spinners, then an act on Motown's V. I. P. label, record the tune. Jimmy Ruffin, older brother of Temptations lead singer David Ruffin, persuaded Dean to let him record the song, as its anguished lyric about a man lost in the misery of heartbreak resonated with the singer. 


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As I walk this land with 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 shadowsm searching for light
Cold and alone, no comfort in sight
Hoping and praying for someone to care
Always moving and goin' 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
Oh, he is lost, there's no place for beginning
All that's left is an unhappy ending
Now, 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
And I'll be searching everywhere
I know I gotta find a way
I'll be looking

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Jimmy Ruffin

Jimmy Ruffin (born May 7, 1939) is an American soul singer, and elder brother of David Ruffin of The Temptations. He had several hit records between the 1960s and 1980s, the most successful being "What Becomes of the Brokenhearted." more »

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Written by: James Anthony Dean, Paul Riser, William Henry Witherspoonn

Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind


10 facts about this song

Recording History
"What Becomes of the Brokenhearted" is a soul song written by William Weatherspoon, Paul Riser, and James Dean, and was recorded by Jimmy Ruffin for Motown Records' Soul label in 1966.
Chart Success
The song reached number 7 on the US Billboard Hot 100 and number 6 on the R&B chart. Also, it was the top 10 hit in the UK where it peaked at number 8.
Popular Version
The song was also a major hit for Dave Stewart and Colin Blunstone in 1980, reaching number 13 in the UK charts.
Soundtrack Involvement
The song appeared in the movie soundtrack of Martin Scorsese's boxing film Ri: Raging Bull (1980).
Historic Significance
This track marked Jimmy Ruffin's first top 10 hit on the Billboard Hot 100.
Later Versions
Many artists have covered the song since Ruffin's original version, including Joe Cocker, Rod Stewart, Paul Young, and even Ruffin himself, who recorded a new version of the song in 1991.
Grammy Hall of Fame
In 2020, the original 1966 recording by Jimmy Ruffin was inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame.
Emotional Impact
The song is often cited as a powerful exploration of heartbreak and despair, with its title phrase becoming a popular saying.
Behind the Song
Originally, "What Becomes of The Brokenhearted" was intended for The Spinners, but Jimmy Ruffin, older brother to The Temptations' David Ruffin, asked if he could record it instead.
United Nations Performance
In 1975, Jimmy Ruffin performed "What Becomes of the Brokenhearted" at the United Nations.

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    What Becomes of the Brokenhearted

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    Top Hot 100 Songs 1966

    Billboard #7


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