Marvin Gaye

Marvin Pentz Gay, Jr. (2 April 1939 – 1 April 1984) was an American pop, soul and R&B singer and songwriter. He helped to shape the sound of Motown in the 1960s, first as an in-house session player and later as a solo artist with a string of hits, earning him the nicknames "Prince of Motown" and "Prince of Soul".

Song lyrics

That Stubborn Kinda Fellow (1962)

Oh, I've got news for you
Baby, that I've made plans for two
I guess I'm just a stubborn kind of fellow
Got my mind made up to love you.
- Stubborn Kind of Fellow, co-written with William "Mickey" Stevenson and George Gordy.

You are my pride and joy
And I just love you, little darlin'
Like a baby boy loves his toy
You've got kisses sweeter than honey
And I work every day to give you all I know
And that's why you're my pride and joy.
- Pride and Joy, co-written with William "Mickey" Stevenson and Norman Whitfield.

By the look in your eye I can tell you're gonna cry.
Is it over me?
If it is, save your tears
For I'm not worth it, you see.
For I'm the type of boy who is always on the roam,
Wherever I lay my hat that's my home,
I'm telling you that's my home.
- Wherever I Lay My Hat, co-written with Barrett Strong and Norman Whitfield.

What's Going On (1971)

Mother, mother
There's too many of you crying.
Brother, brother, brother
There's far too many of you dying.
You know we've got to find a way
To bring some lovin' here today.
- What's Going On, co-written with Al Cleveland, and Renaldo "Obie" Benson.

Father, father
We don't need to escalate.
You see, war is not the answer
For only love can conquer hate.
You know we've got to find a way
To bring some lovin' here today.
- What's Going On.

Picket lines and picket signs
Don't punish me with brutality
Talk to me, so you can see
Oh, what's going on
What's going on.
- What's Going On.

Father, father, everybody thinks we're wrong
Oh, but who are they to judge us
Simply because our hair is long
Oh, you know we've got to find a way
To bring some understanding here today.
- What's Going On.

Hey baby, what'cha know good?
I'm just gettin' back, but you knew I would.
War is hell, when will it end?
When will people start gettin' together again?
- What's Happening Brother, co-written with James Nyx, Jr.

I just want to ask a question:
Who really cares?
To save a world in despair
There'll come a time, when the world won't be singin'
Flowers won't grow, bells won't be ringin'
Who really cares?
Who's willing to try to save a world
That's destined to die?
- Save the Children, co-written with Al Cleveland and Renaldo Benson.

Woo ah, mercy mercy me.
Ah things ain't what they used to be, no no.
Where did all the blue skies go?
- Mercy Mercy Me.

Oh mercy, mercy me.
Ah things ain't what they used to be.
What about this overcrowded land?
How much more abuse from man can she stand?
Oh, na na...
My sweet Lord... No.
- Mercy Mercy Me (The Ecology).

Rockets, moon shots
Spend it on the have nots
Money, we make it
'Fore we see it you take it
Oh, make you wanna holler
The way they do my life
Make me wanna holler.
- Inner City Blues, co-written with James Nyx, Jr.

Crime is increasing
Trigger happy policing
Panic is spreading
God know where we're heading
Oh, make me wanna holler
They don't understand.
- Inner City Blues (Make Me Wanna Holler).

Trouble Man (1972)

I've come of heart, baby, but now I'm cool
I didn't make it surely, playin' by the rules
I've come of heart, baby, but now I'm fine
I'm checkin' trouble, sure movin' down the line
I've come of heart, baby, but that's OK
'Cause Trouble Man don't get in my way.
- Trouble Man

Let's Get It On (1973)

I've been really tryin, baby
Tryin to hold back these feelings for so long
And if you feel, like I feel baby
Come on, oh come on,
Let's get it on.
- Let's Get It On, co-written with Ed Townsend

Stop beatin round the bush,
Let's get it on.
- Let's Get It On.

Oh, If I should die tonight
Oh baby, though it be far before my time
I won't die blue, sugar yeah
'Cause I've known you.
- If I Should Die Tonight, co-written with Ed Townsend.

Oooh, oh, how many eyes
Have seen their dream?
Oh, how many arms
Have felt their dream?
How many hearts, baby...
Have felt their world stand still?
- If I Should Die Tonight.

Won't you rather make love, children
As opposed to war, like you know you should?
- Keep Gettin' It On, co-written with Ed Townsend.

Ooo remember, baby, how you made me feel just like a king?
Ah, I've been waiting
I'm ready for you to start doin' the things
So I'll know you're mine.
You're so fine, so petite, oh candy sweet.
Ah, I've been waiting.
Come here, baby, get to this.
- Come Get to This.

Distant lover, ooo, sugar
How can you treat my heart so mean and cruel?
Didn't you know, sugar, that I dream
Of what I spent with you?
I treasure it like it was a precious jewel, oh baby.
Lord have mercy!
- Distant Lover, co-written with Gwen Gordy and Sandra Greene.

Midnight Love (1982)

Ooh, baby let's get down tonight
Baby I'm hot just like an oven
I need some lovin'
And baby, I can't hold it much longer
It's getting stronger and stronger
And when I get that feeling
I want Sexual Healing.
Sexual Healing, baby
Makes me feel so fine
Helps to relieve my mind.
Sexual Healing baby, is good for me
Sexual Healing is something that's good for me.
- Sexual Healing, co-written with Odell Brown and David Ritz.

Get up, Get up, Get up, Get up, let's make love tonight
Wake up, Wake up, Wake up, Wake up, 'cos you do it right.
- Sexual Healing.

My baby ohhh
Come take control, just grab a hold
Of my body and mind; soon we'll be making it
Honey, oh we're feeling fine
You're my medicine. Open up and let me in.
Darling, you're so great;
I can't wait for you to operate.
- Sexual Healing.

External links

Wikipedia

Wikipedia has an article about:

Marvin Gaye

Music City Marvin Gaye's discography from Music City
Marvin Gaye Biography at The Original Trouble Man
Marvin Gaye at Soul Walking
Biography at AllMusic.com
- Review of What's Going On at AllMusic.com
Biography at VH-1
Obituary