"What Becomes of the Brokenhearted" is a hit single recorded by Jimmy Ruffin and released on Motown Records Soul label in the summer of 1966. It is a ballad, with lead singer Jimmy Ruffin recalling the pain that befalls the broken-hearted who had love thats now departed. The song essentially deals with the struggle to overcome sadness while seeking a new relationship after a breakup. The tune was written by William Weatherspoon, Paul Riser, and James Dean, and the recording was produced by Weatherspoon and William "Mickey" Stevenson.

The phrase "what becomes of the brokenhearted" is often used to refer to the emotional aftermath of a failed relationship. The song suggests that the brokenhearted can find hope and healing by seeking new love.

There is also a 1999 New Zealand drama film called "What Becomes of the Broken Hearted?" directed by Ian Mune and starring Temuera Morrison as an abusive Māori husband, Jake "the Muss" Heke. The film is based on Alan Duffs novel What Becomes of the Broken Hearted? (1996), the sequel to Once Were Warriors (1990), which was made into the film Once Were Warriors (1994)).

In summary, "What Becomes of the Brokenhearted" is a song that deals with the struggle to overcome sadness while seeking a new relationship after a breakup. The phrase is often used to refer to the emotional aftermath of a failed relationship. There is also a 1999 New Zealand drama film called "What Becomes of the Broken Hearted?" based on a novel by Alan Duff.