Released in 1966, this Motown classic eloquently captures the pain of heartbreak. With Jimmy Ruffin’s soulful vocals, it spent six weeks at #7 on the Billboard Hot 100. The lyrics poignantly ask “What becomes of the brokenhearted? Who have love that’s lingering?” Resonating across generations, the song gives voice to the universal experience of lost love and finding the strength to carry on.

In the realm of soul music, few artists have captured the essence of heartbreak and longing quite like Jimmy Ruffin. With his emotive vocals and poignant delivery, Ruffin’s music has resonated with listeners for decades, transcending generations and cultural boundaries. His 1966 single, What Becomes of the Brokenhearted, stands as a timeless masterpiece, a soul ballad that lays bare the raw emotions of love lost.

What Becomes of the Brokenhearted opens with a melancholic piano melody, setting the stage for Ruffin’s heartfelt vocals. The lyrics paint a vivid picture of a love that has crumbled, leaving the protagonist grappling with the aftermath. Ruffin’s voice cracks with emotion as he sings of the lingering pain, the unanswered questions, and the overwhelming emptiness that follows a broken heart.

The song’s chorus is a poignant plea, a desperate cry for solace amidst the ruins of a shattered relationship. “What becomes of the brokenhearted? Do they just sit around and cry?” Ruffin asks, his voice echoing the despair of countless individuals who have experienced the anguish of love’s demise.

What Becomes of the Brokenhearted is more than just a song about heartbreak; it’s an exploration of the human condition, a testament to the resilience of the spirit in the face of adversity. Ruffin’s vocals convey a profound understanding of the pain of loss, yet they also offer a glimmer of hope, suggesting that even in the darkest of times, love can find a way to mend the broken pieces.

The song’s enduring popularity is a testament to its power to connect with listeners on an emotional level. What Becomes of the Brokenhearted has been covered by numerous artists, each bringing their own interpretation to the song’s timeless message. Ruffin’s original version, however, remains the definitive, capturing the essence of heartbreak with an authenticity that few can match.

What Becomes of the Brokenhearted is a soul ballad that speaks to the universal human experience of love and loss. With its poignant lyrics, emotive vocals, and timeless melody, the song continues to touch the hearts of listeners worldwide, offering solace and understanding in the face of heartbreak.