Boomer Anthems: What Becomes Of The Broken Hearted (Then and [Almost] Now)

by Vanderleun on May 4, 2018

Then:

Jimmy Ruffin

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 brokenhearted
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

Now:

Joan Osborne

“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 brokenhearted
Who had love that’s now departed
I know I’ve got to find
Some kind of peace of mind
Help me”

Comments on this entry are closed.

browndog May 4, 2018, 11:38 AM

I’ve always loved the original version, but – my oh my – Joanne owns it going forward.

Y’all should look into the feature on Motown, Standing in the Shadows. That’s where this clip comes from.

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browndog May 4, 2018, 11:39 AM

Joan
…sorry ’bout that.

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Transgender Aisha May 4, 2018, 5:22 PM

“Standing in the Shadows” was runner up to an Oscar but lost out to tub of lard Michael Moore’s lie fest “Fahrenheit 911”.

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Dutch May 4, 2018, 8:15 PM

Joan Osborne’s version was done as a retrospective with the original Motown house musicians backing her, and this version itself is now 16 to 17 years old. Many of those behind her have passed on now. To say nothing of what has happened to Detroit in the last two decades or so. Time flies, doesn’t it?

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El Polacko May 5, 2018, 7:54 AM

Just re-ran “Standing in the Shadows of Motown” the other night, and just about stood up and cheered after Osborne’s version of that great, great song.

Watching that documentary reminded me of the joy and hope that suffused soul music back then.

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