The Meaning Behind The Song: What Becomes of the Broken Hearted by Joe Cocker
The Meaning Behind The Song:
What Becomes of the Broken Hearted by Joe Cocker
Joe Cocker’s version of “What Becomes of the Broken Hearted” is a touching ballad that speaks to the pain and heartache of lost love. The song was originally written by William Weatherspoon, Paul Riser, and James Dean for the Motown label, and it was first recorded by Jimmy Ruffin in 1966. However, Cocker’s recording in 1996 added a new level of emotion to the classic tune and made it a hit all over again.
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The song tells the story of a man who has lost his love and is left with a broken heart. He wonders what will happen to him and how he will go on, now that the relationship has ended. The lyrics are poignant and relatable, expressing the raw pain and isolation that sometimes comes with lost love.
The History of the Song:
“What Becomes of the Broken Hearted” was first recorded by Jimmy Ruffin in 1966. The song became a hit on the Motown label, and it quickly became a soul classic. The song was written by William Weatherspoon, Paul Riser, and James Dean, who were all songwriters for Motown.
Joe Cocker’s version of the song was recorded in 1996 for the movie “Phenomenon,” starring John Travolta. Cocker’s rendition of the classic song added a new level of emotion and power to the ballad, and it has become one of the most popular versions of the tune.
The Lyrics of the Song:
The lyrics of “What Becomes of the Broken Hearted” are emotional and powerful. They tell the story of a man who has lost his love and is struggling to move on.
Some of the most poignant lines from the song include:
“As I walk this land of broken dreams
I have visions of many things
Love’s happiness is just an illusion
Filled with sadness and confusion”
“Now I’ll find myself a new place to dwell
But I won’t forget the love I’ve known
I’ve got to find me somebody, somebody like you”
The Meaning Behind the Lyrics:
The lyrics of “What Becomes of the Broken Hearted” are about the pain and heartache of lost love. The song is an expression of the feeling of isolation and despair that can come with the end of a relationship. It speaks to the difficulty of moving on and the struggle to find love again.
Overall, the song is a powerful and emotional expression of what it feels like to have a broken heart.
Frequently Asked Questions:
1. Who originally wrote “What Becomes of the Broken Hearted”?
The song was written by William Weatherspoon, Paul Riser, and James Dean, who were all songwriters for Motown. The song was first recorded by Jimmy Ruffin in 1966.
2. What inspired the lyrics of “What Becomes of the Broken Hearted”?
The lyrics were inspired by the pain and heartache of lost love. They speak to the feeling of isolation and despair that can come with the end of a relationship.
3. Who has recorded other versions of “What Becomes of the Broken Hearted”?
In addition to Joe Cocker and Jimmy Ruffin, many other artists have recorded versions of the song, including:
– Diana Ross
– Boy George
– Joan Osborne
– Seal
– Paul Young
4. What movie did Joe Cocker record his version of “What Becomes of the Broken Hearted” for?
Cocker’s version of the song was recorded for the movie “Phenomenon,” starring John Travolta.
5. What makes Joe Cocker’s version of the song different from other versions?
Cocker’s version of the song is known for its emotional power and intensity. His raspy voice adds a level of rawness and vulnerability to the ballad.
6. Has “What Becomes of the Broken Hearted” won any awards?
The original version of the song by Jimmy Ruffin was inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame in 2015.
7. What other songs are similar to “What Becomes of the Broken Hearted”?
Other songs that deal with themes of lost love and heartbreak include:
– “Yesterday” by The Beatles
– “Always on My Mind” by Elvis Presley
– “I Will Always Love You” by Whitney Houston
8. What genre of music is “What Becomes of the Broken Hearted”?
The song is typically classified as soul music, although it has been recorded in a variety of different styles.
9. Where can I download “What Becomes of the Broken Hearted”?
The song can be downloaded from a variety of online music stores, including iTunes, Amazon, and Google Play.
10. What famous lyricist once called “What Becomes of the Broken Hearted” one of his favorite songs?
Paul McCartney of The Beatles has cited “What Becomes of the Broken Hearted” as one of his favorite songs of all time.
11. Who produced Joe Cocker’s version of “What Becomes of the Broken Hearted”?
The version of the song that appears on the “Phenomenon” soundtrack was produced by David Frank and Mic Murphy of The System.
12. What is the message of “What Becomes of the Broken Hearted”?
The message of the song is that no matter how brokenhearted you may feel, there is always hope for a better tomorrow. It speaks to the resilience of the human spirit in the face of heartbreak and loss.
