Between 1959 and 1961, Johnson would issue nine Hot 100 singles including two top ten singles, "You Got What It Takes" and "I Love The Way You Love". He scored his final top 40 single in 1960 with "(You've Got To) Move Two Mountains"
Johnson's early Motown-issued singles would be the precedent to the future sound and success of the label, which by the time Johnson began issuing his Motown records nationally in 1965, had become the biggest independent label in the world. After issuing his final Motown singles in 1968, Johnson remained with Motown working on sales and promotion throughout the 1970s.
Johnson continued singing into the 1990s releasing a solo album on London-based Motor City Records. Johnson died of a stroke on May 16, 1993 in Columbia, South Carolina at the age of 54.
You Got What It Takes
Marv Johnson Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
You don't look like a movie star
And on your money we won't get far
But baby, you got what it takes, to satisfy
You got what it takes to set my soul on fire
Whoa-oh, oh yeah
You got what it takes for me
You don't dress with the best of taste
And nature didn't give you such a beautiful face
But baby, you got what it takes, to satisfy
You got what it takes to set my soul on fire
Whoa-oh and whoa-oh whoa yeah
You got what it takes for me
Now when you're near me, ooh-wee
My head goes around and around
And when you kiss me, oh yeah
My love comes tumblin' down, you send me
You don't live in a beautiful place
You don't dress with the best of taste
And nature didn't give you such a beautiful face
But baby, you got what it takes (yeah yeah), to satisfy
You got what it takes to set my soul on fire
Whoa-oh, and a-whoa-oh
You got what it takes for me
Now when you're near me, little girl
My head goes around and around
And when you kiss me, oh yeah
My love comes tumblin' down, you send me
You don't live in a beautiful place, no
You don't dress with the best of taste
And nature didn't give you such a beautiful face
But baby, you got what it takes, to satisfy
You got what it takes to set my soul on fire
Whoa-oh, oh yeah
You got what it takes for me
Oh yeah
You got what it takes
Don't need no money
Baby, you don't need no car
Come on, you know you got a-what it takes for me, little girl
You got what it takes for me
Yes, baby
You got what it takes for me, oh yeah
In Marv Johnson’s song “You’ve Got What It Takes,” the singer serenades his love interest, praising her for her simple yet endearing qualities. He acknowledges that she does not meet societal standards of beauty, fashion or class status, but he is not interested in any of that as she has the qualities he is looking for in a partner. Although she may not have material possessions or outward beauty, she has a soul that satisfies him, and her simple presence sets him on fire. He is enthralled by her every move and kiss, and he cannot help falling in love with her over and over again.
The lyrics in “You’ve Got What it Takes” show that true love lies in someone’s character and personality rather than anything else. The song communicates that what matters in a relationship is how a person treats the other, the love they share and the connection that they have together. This song highlights the importance of not judging people by their looks or possessions, but instead, cherishing the positive qualities they possess.
Line by Line Meaning
You don't drive a big fast car
You don't have a luxury car.
You don't look like a movie star
You don't have a celebrity-like appearance.
And on your money we won't get far
You don't have a fortune or financial stability.
But baby, you got what it takes, to satisfy
Despite the aforementioned attributes, you possess something special that is able to please me.
You got what it takes to set my soul on fire
You have a quality that can excite and thrill me.
Whoa-oh, oh yeah
Expressing the artist's enthusiasm and agreement to the above statement.
You got what it takes for me
You possess something that catches my attention, something that attracts me.
Now you don't live in a beautiful place
You don't have a grand or aesthetically pleasing home.
You don't dress with the best of taste
You don't have top-tier or stylish clothing.
And nature didn't give you such a beautiful face
You don't have a naturally appealing physical appearance.
Whoa-oh and whoa-oh whoa yeah
An expression of excitement and agreement to the above statement.
Now when you're near me, ooh-wee
When you're in close proximity, an expression of the emotions felt by the artist.
My head goes around and around
A description of the dizzying sensation felt by the artist.
And when you kiss me, oh yeah
An expression of the intense emotions felt when receiving a kiss.
My love comes tumblin' down, you send me
You make the artist feel a rush of overpowering emotions, causing them to feel like falling in love.
Don't need no money
An expression that highlights the idea that the person's monetary status isn't important.
Baby, you don't need no car
The person's mode of transportation isn't relevant, it doesn't matter if they own a car or not.
Come on, you know you got a-what it takes for me, little girl
An urging statement indicating that the person has something special that the artist finds appealing.
Yes, baby
An expression of affirmation or agreement to the person's appealing traits.
You got what it takes for me, oh yeah
Reiterating that the person has something that the artist finds appealing.
Lyrics © Kanjian Music, Universal Music Publishing Group, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: Tyran Carlo, Gwen Fuqua, Berry Gordy Jr.
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@Dagot1948
I'm 75 years old and I still remember the lyrics to this song!
@marycallender5200
Grooving in 2023. Still singing along. Be safe.
@lordelpus6571
This brings back SO MANY memories!! Love it.
@davidwalsh3439
A brilliant track from a great time to be young. It brings me great joy to hear this song again.
@leaholson2548
I’m twelve and I love this song... it really speaks to me. You don’t need to be perfect for someone to love you. :)
@derekmyers3258
I used to be cute. Now I'm just grouchy but lovable. 😝
@paddyeejit1954
Well said
@leaholson2548
@@paddyeejit1954 thank you.. i forgot i made this comment lmao. :D glad you responded, it reminded me of this epic song lol !
@stephenbrooks6174
But it helps.
@ohyesitsyouagain
These comments are cracking me up. He’s not saying “you’ll do” and the lyrics aren’t “abusive.” He’s saying despite not checking all the boxes of being the perfect girl, he likes her and accepts her anyway. I never saw the song any other way.