"What Becomes of the Broken Hearted" is a song that was originally released by Jimmy Ruffin in 1966, but has gained fame through various covers, including Joe Cocker's interpretation. The song explores the emotional turmoil and struggles that follow the end of a love relationship. The lyrics depict the narrator's journey through a world filled with shattered dreams and illusions. They express the feeling that happiness is elusive, and the resulting confusion and sadness. The broken-hearted individuals in the song are left wondering what their fate will be after experiencing the loss of love. The lyrics highlight the theme of searching for solace and peace of mind after heartbreak. The narrator yearns to find healing and closure, acknowledging the need to move on and find some kind of balance in life. The song portrays a sense of hopelessness and a lack of fulfillment. References to roots of love tumbling down and heartaches growing stronger emphasize the pain and loneliness experienced by the broken-hearted. The lyrics paint a picture of someone lost, wandering in the shadows, desperately seeking light and comfort but finding none. Through its poignant lyrics, the song captures the universal struggle of dealing with heartbreak and the difficulty in finding a new beginning. The line "Always lost there's no place for beginning, all that's left is an unhappy ending" conveys the sense of despair and the idea that the broken-hearted feel stuck in a cycle of disappointment. In essence, "What Becomes of the Broken Hearted" reflects on the challenges and emotional battles that come with the end of a love affair. It explores the longing for healing, understanding, and the search for a new sense of purpose.