Marvin Pentz Gay, Jr. was born in 1939 to Marvin Gay, Sr. and Alberta Gay in Washington, D.C.. Gaye began his career in Motown in 1958, and soon became Motown's top solo male artist. He scored numerous hits during the 1960s, among them "Ain't That Peculiar", "Stubborn Kind of Fellow", and "How Sweet It Is (To Be Loved By You)", as well as several hit duets with Tammi Terrell, including "Ain't No Mountain High Enough"" and "You're All I Need to Get By", before moving on to his own form of musical self-expression.
Along with Stevie Wonder, Gaye is notable for fighting the hit-making—but creatively restrictive—Motown record-making process, in which performers, songwriters and record producers were generally kept in separate camps. Gaye forced Motown to release his 1971 album What's Going On, which is today hailed as one of the best albums of all time. Subsequent releases proved that Gaye, who had been a part-time songwriter for Motown artists during his early years with the label, could write and produce his own singles without having to rely on the Motown system. This achievement would pave the way for the successes of later self-sufficient singer-songwriter-producers in African American music, such as Luther Vandross and Babyface.
During the 1970s, Gaye would release several other notable albums, including Let's Get It On and I Want You, and released several successful singles such as "Come Get to This", "Got to Give It Up" and "Sexual Healing". By the time of his shooting death in 1984, at the hands of his clergyman father, Gaye had become one of the most influential artists of the soul music era.
Ain't No Mountain High Enough
Marvin Gaye Lyrics
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Ain't no valley low, ain't no river wide enough, baby
If you need me call me, no matter where you are
No matter how far, don't worry, baby
Just call my name, I'll be there in a hurry
You don't have to worry
'Cause, baby, there ain't no mountain high enough
Ain't no river wide enough
To keep me from getting to you, babe
Remember the day I set you free
I told you you could always count on me, darling
From that day on, I made a vow
I'll be there when you want me
Some way, somehow
'Cause, baby, there ain't no mountain high enough
Ain't no valley low enough
Ain't no river wide enough
To keep me from getting to you, babe
Oh no, darling
No wind, no rain
Or winter's cold can stop me, baby, na na, baby
'Cause you are my goal
If you're ever in trouble
I'll be there on the double
Just send for me, oh, baby, ha
My love is alive (woo)
Way down in my heart
Although we are miles apart
If you ever need a helping hand
I'll be there on the double
Just as fast as I can
Don't you know that there
Ain't no mountain high enough
Ain't no valley low enough
Ain't no river wide enough
To keep me from getting to you, babe
Don'tcha know that there
Ain't no mountain high enough
Ain't no valley low enough
Ain't no river wide enough
Ain't no mountain high enough
Ain't no valley low enough
Marvin Gaye's hit song "Ain't No Mountain High Enough" was written by the famous songwriters Ashford and Simpson for Motown Records. The song was first recorded by Tammi Terrell and Marvin Gaye in 1967 and later released as a duet after Tammi Terrell's tragic death. The song is a romantic declaration of commitment and unconditional love. The woman in the song is reassured that there is no distance, obstacle, or challenge that will keep him from being there for her if she ever needs him.
The lyrics begin with the description of the depth of the singer's love, who assures his lover that there is nothing that will prevent him from getting to her even if it means overcoming physical barriers. The singer pledges his devotion and availability to his lover, pledging that he'll be there for her whenever she needs him, regardless of the distance that may separate them. The chorus is the repetition of the central theme of the song, which drives home the idea that their love can transcend any obstacle that may stand in their way. The final verse reassures the woman that his love is unchanging and that he'll be there for her whenever she requires his assistance.
In summary, "Ain't No Mountain High Enough" is an iconic song about reassuring love that will always be there for the one you love, no matter the obstacles that may arise. This uplifting song has brought joy to many generations and is a poignant reminder that when we are in love, anything is possible.
Line by Line Meaning
Listen baby, ain't no mountain high
I want you to know that no matter how challenging the situation, I will always be there for you.
Ain't no valley low, ain't no river wide enough, baby
There is no obstacle that can prevent me from reaching you whenever you need me.
If you need me call me, no matter where you are
You only need to call me, and I will leave everything behind, no matter where I am, just to be with you.
No matter how far, don't worry, baby
The distance between us doesn't matter because I will always be there to support you emotionally and physically.
Just call my name, I'll be there in a hurry
All you need to do is utter my name, and I will come to you as fast as possible because our bond is unbreakable.
You don't have to worry
I want to assure you that I will never let you face your problems alone because I care about you deeply.
'Cause, baby, there ain't no mountain high enough
I am telling you that nothing is too tall, too broad, or too difficult to overcome in my efforts to support you.
Remember the day I set you free
I still remember the day I told you I would always be there for you because I meant it.
I told you you could always count on me, darling
I want you to always remember that no matter what, you can always rely on me to be by your side.
From that day on, I made a vow
I made a promise to you that I will always be there for you whenever you need me the most, and I intend to keep it.
I'll be there when you want me
You can always count on me to be there for you, be it in times of joy, sadness, or need for support.
Some way, somehow
I'll make sure that I find a way to be there for you, somehow or other.
Oh no, darling
I can sense when you're in trouble or need me, and I'll be there for you, without any hesitation or delay.
No wind, no rain
Adverse weather conditions or any other obstacle will not prevent me from making sure you are okay.
Or winter's cold can stop me, baby, na na, baby
I'll be there for you, baby, regardless of rough winter conditions.
'Cause you are my goal
I'm committed to being there for you, no matter what it takes, because I cherish you above everything else.
If you're ever in trouble
Whether you are in trouble, danger, or merely need someone to talk to, I'll be there with you through thick and thin.
I'll be there on the double
I'll be with you as quickly as possible because I'll make sure you get the emotional or physical support you require.
Just send for me, oh, baby, ha
In all situations or conditions, all you have to do is call my name, my love.
My love is alive (woo)
My love for you is strong, and it'll always be, no matter the circumstance.
Way down in my heart
My love for you is ingrained deep within my mind and heart.
Although we are miles apart
Even if there is physical distance between us, I'll always be there for you because my love knows no boundaries.
If you ever need a helping hand
If you ever need any support, I'll be there to offer it, with open arms and an open heart.
I'll be there on the double
I'll be with you as quickly as possible because I'll make sure you get the emotional or physical support you require.
Just as fast as I can
What I can promise is that I'll come to you as quickly as possible, to make sure you know that someone who loves you is always by your side.
Don't you know that there
Always remember that,
Ain't no mountain high enough
Nothing is too tall or too daunting to prevent my love from reaching you.
Ain't no valley low enough
Nothing is too low or too challenging to stop me from being there for you.
Ain't no river wide enough
Nothing is too wide or too dangerous to prevent me from crossing to be with you.
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: Valerie Simpson, Nickolas Ashford
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind