About The Song
Jimmy Ruffin’s “What Becomes of the Brokenhearted” is a soulful ballad released in 1966. It was written by Motown writers William Weatherspoon, Paul Riser, and James Dean, originally intended for The Spinners but recorded by Ruffin instead. It peaked at No. 7 on the Billboard Hot 100 and reached No. 6 on the Billboard R&B Singles chart. The song attained No. 8 on the UK Chart and upon reissue, in 1974, it reached No. 4 on the UK Chart, becoming Ruffin’s highest-charting single there.
The song portrays the struggles of heartbreak and the aftermath of failed love. Ruffin’s powerful vocals express the loneliness, sadness, and confusion experienced after a breakup, capturing the emotional turmoil of heartache. “What Becomes of the Brokenhearted” reflects on the pain of lost love and the search for healing and hope amidst despair. It explores the journey towards overcoming sadness and finding solace in new beginnings.