Got to Give It Up Part 1
Marvin Gaye Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
And stand around
'Cause I was too nervous
To really get down
But my body yearned to be free
I got up on the floor and found
Someone to choose me
No more standin' along the side walls
Now I've got myself together, baby
And I'm havin' a ball
Long as you prove it
There's always a chance
Somebody watches
Might wanna make romance
Move your body, ooo baby, you dance all night
To the groove and feel all right
Everybody's groovin' on like a fool
But if you see me, top down, let me in
Baby just party high and low
Let me step into your erotic zone
Move it up
Turn it 'round
Ooo shake it down
Owwww
You can love me when you want to babe
This is such a groovy party baby
We're here face to face
Everybody's swingin'
This is such a groovy place
All the young ladies are so fine!
You're movin your body easy with no doubts
I know what you thinkin' baby
You wanna turn me out
Think I'm gonna let you do it babe
Keep on dancin'
Got to give it up
Keep on dancin'
Got to give it up
Keep on dancin'
Got to give it up
Keep on dancin'
Got to give it up
Keep on dancin'
Got to give it up
Keep on dancin'
You got to get it
Got to give it up
Keep on dancin'
Got to give it up
The lyrics of Marvin Gaye’s song “Got to Give It Up Pt. 1” speak about the singer’s transition from a timid wallflower at parties to a confident dancer. The first stanza talks about this change in demeanor and how Gaye found someone to dance with by leaving his inhibitions behind. He encourages others to take the plunge and dance freely as well. As the song progresses, he describes the scene at the party, with everyone grooving and moving their bodies to the music. Gaye sings about the atmosphere being groovy and how he feels comfortable with the young women at the party. He also mentions someone trying to turn him out, but he is resistant to their advances.
The chorus of the song repeatedly emphasizes the need to “keep on dancin’” and to “give it up.” In this context, “give it up” means to let go of any reservations or self-consciousness and fully enjoy oneself in the moment. The lyrics suggest a desire to lose oneself in the music and forget any troubles or anxieties. The song overall is a celebration of music, dancing, and the freedom that comes with embracing these activities.
Line by Line Meaning
I used to go out to parties
I used to attend parties in the past
And stand around
I used to be a passive observer in the party
'Cause I was too nervous
I was anxious and self-conscious
To really get down
I was hesitant to dance and enjoy
But my body yearned to be free
However, my desire to dance was incredibly strong
I got up on the floor and found
Eventually, I mustered the courage to dance and participate
Someone to choose me
I found a dance partner
No more standin' along the side walls
I wasn't a wallflower anymore
Now I've got myself together, baby
I have become more confident and comfortable in my own skin
And I'm havin' a ball
And I'm thoroughly enjoying myself
Long as you prove it
As long as you bring your best moves
There's always a chance
There's always a possibility
Somebody watches
Someone is always observing and potentially interested
Might wanna make romance
They may be interested in more than just dancing
Move your body, ooo baby, you dance all night
Put your body into motion and dance throughout the night
To the groove and feel all right
Let yourself relax and enjoy the rhythm
Everybody's groovin' on like a fool
Everyone is enjoying themselves and losing themselves in the music
But if you see me, top down, let me in
If you notice me, give me a chance to join in and dance with you
Baby just party high and low
Let's party together with all variations of dancing styles
Let me step into your erotic zone
Allow me to enter your sensual space and dance with you
Move it up
Increase the level and intensity of your dancing
Turn it 'round
Rotate your body and move in circles
Ooo shake it down
Shake your body skillfully
Owwww
Expressing a feeling of energy and excitement
You can love me when you want to babe
Feel free to desire me whenever you like
This is such a groovy party baby
This is an awesome party with a perfect ambiance
We're here face to face
You and I are in close proximity
Everybody's swingin'
Everyone is dancing and enjoying themselves
All the young ladies are so fine!
All the young women are beautiful and attractive!
You're movin your body easy with no doubts
You're dancing comfortably and confidently
I know what you thinkin' baby
I can sense your thoughts
You wanna turn me out
You're attracted to me and want to dance sensually with me
Think I'm gonna let you do it babe
I'm willing to let you take the lead and see where it goes
Keep on dancin'
Keep dancing
Got to give it up
It is necessary to let go and just enjoy the moment
You got to get it
You have to achieve the desired level of enjoyment and liberation
Lyrics © OBO APRA/AMCOS
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@lynnmcrae8655
This was my dad's favorite song. You could never get him to dance to a record, but he would always make an exception for this cut. He passed five years ago today. This one is for you chief. Miss you much.
@loveu1ish
R.I.P. to your Father....My Mother passed away this year on March 6th. This song was one of favorites by Marvin Gaye.
@clifftaylor4262
He just changed dance floors 🕺💗🎵
@dinorockwell7670
God bless chief
@alyceclover
Condolences ~ at least you had a dad that danced if only to this tune
@not-so-smartaleck8987
My mom passed in 2018 (a little more recently)...I still miss her, but she did live a relatively full life (age 75, died from COPD caused by 30+ years of smoking...at least she quit smoking back in the 90s, otherwise the end would've probably come a lot sooner). Anyway, sorry for your loss. 😟
@sakinacorner8510
Jamming to this in 2023 , his misic will live forever. I was only ten when he died . Of all his hits this is my ultimate favorite 😍 ❤️
@angelafisher299
Love the crackling of the vinyl at the beginning. Reminds me of my mother playing this song back in the day. She adored Marvin.
@jack3941
Anytime this song came on ms. Fish from across the alley would start dancing ,drunk off her tail and next thing you know off goes to clothing. That was a real show for a kid back in the seventies
@Diana-qy4mc
Fish?