Got to Give It Up
Marvin Lyrics


Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴  Line by Line Meaning ↴

I used to go out to parties
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'
Up beside the walls
Now I've got myself together, baby
Now I'm havin' a ball
Long as your groovin'
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
Ooh shake it down (ooh baby)
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 baby
Got to give it up




Keep on dancin'
Got to give it up

Overall Meaning

Marvin Gaye's "Got To Give It up" is a song about personal liberation and self-expression through dance. The lyrics depict the singer's journey from being too nervous to move at parties to finally finding the confidence to get up and dance. The song's opening lines evoke a sense of discomfort, as the singer describes standing around at social events, too afraid to let loose and have fun. However, as the song progresses, the singer begins to let go of their inhibitions and embrace their body's desire to move freely. The refrain "Got to give it up" serves as a mantra, encouraging the listener to let go of their fears and enjoy themselves.


The lyrics of "Got To Give It up" are emblematic of the disco era, a time when dance music was used as a form of escapism and self-expression. The song's upbeat tempo and catchy melody make it an instant classic, while the message of the lyrics serves as a reminder that everyone has the right to let loose and have fun. Through his music, Marvin Gaye provides a message of hope and celebration, encouraging listeners to embrace their true selves and celebrate life.


Line by Line Meaning

I used to go out to parties
I used to attend parties


And stand around
I would just stand there without dancing or enjoying myself


'Cause I was too nervous
I was too anxious and shy to join in the party activities


To really get down
To truly let myself loose and have fun


And my body yearned to be free
My body longed for freedom and independence


So I got up on the floor and found
I got onto the dance floor and found someone to dance with


Someone to choose me
Someone to pick me as their dance partner


No more standin' along the side walls
I am not standing alone by the walls anymore


Now I've got myself together, baby
I have composed myself and gained confidence


And I'm havin' a ball
I am now having a great time


Long as you prove it
As long as you show me your skills on the dance floor


There's always a chance
There is always an opportunity


Somebody watches
When someone is watching me


I'm gonna make romance
I am going to dance sensually with my partner


With your body, ooo baby, you dance all night
With your body, oh baby, we can dance all night long


Get down and prove it, feel all right
Show off your dancing moves and let's feel good


Keep on dancin'
Continue dancing without stopping


Got to give it up
I have to let go and surrender to the rhythm of the music




Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: Marvin P Gaye

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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Most interesting comment from YouTube:

@KorumEmrys

I used to go out to parties
And stand around
'Cause I was too nervous, baby
To really get down
But my body
Yearned to be free
I got up on the floor and thought
Somebody could choose me
No more standin'
There beside the walls
Finally got myself together, baby
And I'm havin' a ball
As long as you're groovin'
There's always a chance
Somebody watchin'
Might wanna make romance
Move your body
Ooh baby, you dance all night
To the groove and
Feel alright
Everybody's groovin'
On like a fool
But if you see me
Spread out and let me in
Baby, just party
High and low
Let me step into
Your erotic zone
Ooh, move it up
Turn it 'round
Ooh, ooh, baby, shake it down, oh, baby, ooh
You can love me when you want to, babe
This is such a groovy party, baby
We're here face to face
Baby, everybody's swingin'
This is such a groovy place
All the young ladies are so fine
Geez, movin' your body
Easy with no doubts
I know what you thinkin', baby
You wanna turn me out, hey
Keep on dancin' (baby, ha, like a lady, lady)
You got to give it up
Keep on dancin' (baby, ha, like a lady, lady)
You got to give it up
Keep on dancin' (baby, ha, like a lady, lady)
You got to give it up
Keep on dancin' baby, ha, like a lady, lady
You got to give it up
Keep on dancin' baby, ha, like a lady, lady (ooh, baby)
You got to give it up
Keep on dancin' baby, ha, like a lady, lady (oh, oh)
You got to give it up
Keep on dancin' baby, ha, like a lady, lady
You got to give it up
Keep on dancin' baby, ha, like a lady, lady
You got to give it up
Keep on dancin' baby, ha, like a lady, lady
You got to give it up
Keep on dancin' baby, ha, like a lady, lady
You got to give it up
Keep on dancin' baby, ha, like a lady, lady
You got to give it up
Keep on dancin' baby, ha, like a lady, lady
You got to give it up (give it up)
Keep on dancin' baby, ha, like a lady, lady (give it up, give it up, baby)
You got to give it up
Keep on dancin' baby, ha, like a lady, lady
You got to give it up
Keep on dancin' baby, ha, like a lady, lady
You got to give it up, keep on...
Let's dance, and shout
That's what it's all about
Let's dance, and shout
That's what it's all about, get down
Let's dance, and shout
That's what it's all about
Let's dance, and shout
That's what it's all about
Let's dance, and shout
That's what it is!
Let's dance, and shout
That's, aw!
Let's dance, and shout (hey baby)
That's what it's all about
Let's dance, and shout
That's what it's all about
Let's dance, and shout
That's what it's all about
Let's dance, and shout
That's what it's all about, yeah!
Let's dance, and shout
Oh baby, ooh
Hey
Sourc



All comments from YouTube:

@edmaverick

tengo 87 años soy de mexico y me encanta esta cansion

@luisanadurazo2430

apoco si

@luisanadurazo2430

fuentes:deortiz xd

@mr.a_sa.5432

La cancion esta perra!!!

@melanierodriguez717

Omaiga Ed, te gusta está canción? Que genial, es la primera vez que veo que no tienes tantos likes, pero en fin, igual me gustan tus canciones uwu

@pureblack3363

I don't even know what you just said but✌🏿

17 More Replies...

@tinamartin7422

I was a kid when this song came out. I can just see my Mom right now, snapping her fingers and dancing to it! This memory makes me smile! RIP Mom

@feliciawilliams5720

Mine too 🫰🏾👏🏾🎶💜. Good times

@BBY-LoVeLy-50

I can relate I feel the same way about this song may are Mother's rest peacefully in heaven Together dancing to this fantastic song
😢🙏🏼 ❣️

@Goldenrod1

Aye sometimes old school be booming no cap

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