Introduction:
Jimmy Ruffin, an artist whose voice possessed a remarkable capacity to convey both tenderness and profound sorrow, gifted the world with a collection of songs that continue to resonate with their raw emotional honesty. Among these, “What Becomes Of The Brokenhearted” stands as a definitive masterpiece, a poignant exploration of the aftermath of lost love and the enduring questions that haunt a wounded heart. Released in 1966, this song, with its soulful melody and deeply introspective lyrics, transcended the trends of its time to become a timeless anthem for those grappling with the pain of separation and the uncertainty of what lies ahead. It is a song that speaks directly to the universal experience of heartbreak, its resonance undiminished by the passage of decades.
To truly appreciate the enduring power of this recording, one must consider the sheer emotional weight it carries. Ruffin’s vocal delivery is nothing short of breathtaking; his voice, imbued with a palpable sense of vulnerability and yearning, draws the listener into the very heart of the protagonist’s sorrow. There is a fragility in his tone, a sense of being utterly adrift in the wake of lost love, that is both captivating and deeply moving. He navigates the melodic contours of the song with a masterful understanding of its emotional nuances, conveying the lingering pain and the unanswered questions with an authenticity that is truly remarkable.
The musical arrangement, characteristic of the sophisticated soul productions of the era, provides the perfect sonic landscape for Ruffin’s emotive vocals. The subtle yet powerful orchestration, often featuring lush strings and a gently propulsive rhythm section, creates an atmosphere of both melancholy and quiet contemplation. The arrangement builds gradually, mirroring the protagonist’s internal struggle and the slow dawning of the realization of their solitude. The interplay between the melody and the instrumentation serves to amplify the emotional impact of the lyrics, creating a cohesive and deeply affecting listening experience.
The lyrical narrative, penned by William Weatherspoon, Paul Riser, and James Dean, is a masterclass in conveying the raw aftermath of heartbreak. The central question posed by the title, “What becomes of the brokenhearted?”, encapsulates the profound sense of uncertainty and despair that follows the end of a significant relationship. The lyrics explore the emptiness and confusion that remain, the struggle to comprehend a world suddenly devoid of the loved one’s presence. Phrases like “how can I go on now that we’re apart” and “only tears for souvenirs” poignantly capture the depth of the protagonist’s anguish and the feeling of being utterly lost. The song does not offer easy answers or quick resolutions; instead, it dwells in the raw reality of emotional devastation, lending it a profound sense of authenticity.
“What Becomes Of The Brokenhearted” has resonated so deeply and for so long because it taps into a fundamental human experience. The pain of lost love, the feeling of a heart irrevocably fractured, is a universal sorrow that transcends cultural and temporal boundaries. Ruffin’s heartfelt rendition gives voice to this profound pain, offering a sense of solace and understanding to those who have experienced similar heartbreak. The song’s enduring popularity is a testament to its ability to articulate the inexpressible, to give voice to the quiet suffering that often accompanies the end of a meaningful connection. It serves as a reminder that even in the depths of despair, there is a shared human experience that can offer a sense of connection, even in solitude.
In conclusion, Jimmy Ruffin’s “What Becomes Of The Brokenhearted” is more than just a song; it is a profound and enduring exploration of the pain and uncertainty that follow lost love. Ruffin’s masterful vocal performance, coupled with the song’s evocative arrangement and deeply introspective lyrics, creates a listening experience that is both emotionally resonant and timeless. It is a poignant meditation on the fragility of the human heart and the enduring questions that linger in the wake of heartbreak, securing its place as a classic that continues to speak to the universal experience of love and loss.