Lee (born 1952) is a Grammy Award-winning guitarist, composer, and producer. Dave (born 1934) is an Grammy- and Academy Award-winning American composer, arranger, and pianist.
See also the alternate naming of Lee Ritenour & Dave Grusin.
I Heard It Through the Grapevine
Dave Grusin & Lee Ritenour Lyrics
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'Bout your plans to make me blue
With some other guy you knew before
Between the two of us guys
You know I loved you more
It took me by surprise I must say
When I found out yesterday
Don't you know that I heard it through the grapevine
Oh I heard it through the grapevine
Oh I'm just about to lose my mind
Honey, honey yeah.
I heard it through the grapevine
Not much longer would you be mine baby
I know a man ain't supposed to cry
But these tears I can't hold inside
Losin' you would end my life you see
'Cause you mean that much to me
You could have told me yourself
That you loved some one else
Instead I heard it through the grapevine
Not much longer would you be mine
Oh, I heard it through the grapevine
And I'm just about to lose my mind
Honey, honey yeah
I heard it through the grapevine
Not much longer would you be mine, baby
People say believe half of what you see
Son and none of what you hear
But I can't help but be confused
If it's true please tell me dear
Do you plan to let me go
For the other guy you loved before?
Don't you know I heard it through the grapevine
Not much longer would you be mine, baby yeah
I heard it through the grapevine
I'm just about to love my mind
Honey, honey, yeah
I heard it through the grapevine,
Not much longer would you be mine, baby yeah
The lyrics of I Heard It Through The Grapevine tell a story of a man who has learned through gossip that his lover is planning to leave him for another man. He expresses his hurt and betrayal, lamenting that she didn't tell him the truth herself. The song is an emotional plea for her to reconsider and stay with him. The chorus repeats the phrase "I heard it through the grapevine," emphasizing the idea that the news was only hearsay and not directly from his lover.
The use of the metaphorical "grapevine" refers to the process by which information is spread via word of mouth. In the original version of the song by Gladys Knight & The Pips, the lyrics are slightly altered to include the line "people say you've been messin' around," further emphasizing the idea of gossip and speculation. The song is a reflection of the universal experience of feeling betrayed and hurt by someone we care about, adding to its timelessness and popularity.
Line by Line Meaning
I bet you're wonderin' how I knew
You may be curious as to how I found out
'Bout your plans to make me blue
About your intentions to make me upset
With some other guy you knew before
You have rekindled a relationship with a previous acquaintance
Between the two of us guys
Of the two men involved
You know I loved you more
I had stronger feelings of affection for you than the other guy did
It took me by surprise I must say
It was unexpected and startling for me
When I found out yesterday
When I learned of it recently
Don't you know that I heard it through the grapevine
I learned of it through gossip, not directly from you
Not much longer would you be mine
We will not be together for much longer
Oh I heard it through the grapevine
I learned of it through gossip, not directly from you
Oh I'm just about to lose my mind
I am very upset and emotional about this news
I know a man ain't supposed to cry
Men are typically expected to hold in their tears
But these tears I can't hold inside
I am unable to contain my sadness
Losin' you would end my life you see
Your departure would have an extremely negative impact on me
'Cause you mean that much to me
You hold immense importance in my life
You could have told me yourself
It would have been more respectful and appropriate for you to have informed me directly
That you loved some one else
That you had feelings for another person
People say believe half of what you see
It is often suggested to be skeptical of what you hear
Son and none of what you hear
It is advised not to trust rumors and hearsay
But I can't help but be confused
I am unable to prevent myself from being uncertain and perplexed
If it's true please tell me dear
If this is accurate information, please confirm it with me directly
Do you plan to let me go
Are you intending to end our relationship
For the other guy you loved before?
Because of a previous romantic interest in another man?
Not much longer would you be mine, baby
We will not remain in a relationship for much longer
Honey, honey yeah
A term of endearment or affection
Lyrics © Kanjian Music, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Tratore
Written by: Norman Whitfield, Barrett Strong
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind