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 Nothing Like the Real Thing
Marvin Gaye Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Ain't nothing like the real thing, baby
Ain't nothing like the real thing
No, no, ain't nothing like the real thing, baby
Ain't nothing like the real thing
Oh honey
I've got your picture hanging on the wall
I realize it's just a picture in a frame
Ooh, I read your letters when you're not near me
But they don't move me
And they don't groove me like when I hear
Your sweet voice whispering in my ear
Don't you know
Ain't nothing like the real thing, baby
Ain't nothing like the real thing
I played my game, a fantasy
I pretend, but I know in reality
I need the shelter of your arms to comfort me
No other sound is quite the same as your name
No touch can do half as much
To make me feel better
So, let's stay together
I got some memories to look back on
And though they help me when you're gone
I'm well aware
Nothing can take the place of your being there
Oh, so glad we got the real thing, baby
So glad we got the real thing
Oh, Marvin, (so good) ain't nothing like the real thing, baby, (so good, oh darling)
Ain't nothing like the real thing
Talk to me
Ain't nothing like the real thing, baby (oh, I'm so glad)
Ain't nothing like the real thing
In this classic love song, Marvin Gaye and Tammi Terrell sing about the value of human touch and interaction in contrast to virtual objects such as pictures and letters. The first verse talks about how a picture on the wall can't compare to the real thing - the physical presence of your loved one. Even letters, which can be reread and treasured, are no match for hearing your significant other's voice whispering sweet nothings in your ear. The chorus emphasizes the sentiment that there is truly "nothing like the real thing", meaning that tangible human connection truly can't be replicated.
The second verse expands upon this idea, as Marvin reflects on how he sometimes falls back on fantasies to fill the void of his partner's absence. However, reality reminds him that he needs the comfort that can only be provided by physical touch and the sound of his significant other's loving voice. Memories can be helpful when someone is gone, but they can never replace the feeling of having that person there with you. The duo ends the song affirming that they are grateful to have the "real thing" - a true, genuine love - in their lives.
Overall, the message of the song is clear: human touch and companionship are irreplaceable in a world full of screens and virtual communication. Gaye and Terrell's striking vocals and the beautiful composition make "Ain't Nothing Like the Real Thing" a timeless reminder of the importance of genuine human connection.
Line by Line Meaning
Ooh, baby
The feeling is so strong and exciting, baby
Ain't nothing like the real thing, baby
Nothing else compares to having you with me, baby
Ain't nothing like the real thing
Nothing can replace the real and true love we share
No, no, ain't nothing like the real thing, baby
There is no other love that can match the power of our love, baby
Ain't nothing like the real thing
Our love is unique and one of a kind
Oh honey
My dear love
I've got your picture hanging on the wall
I have a picture of you on my wall as a reminder of our love
But it can't see or come to me when I call your name
Although the picture is beautiful, it cannot replace your physical presence
I realize it's just a picture in a frame
I know that the picture is not you, just a representation of you
Ooh, I read your letters when you're not near me
I read your letters to feel your presence when you are away
But they don't move me
Reading your letters does not give me the same feeling as being with you
And they don't groove me like when I hear
Your letters cannot express the same love and emotion as hearing your voice
Your sweet voice whispering in my ear
Hearing you whisper in my ear is an intimate and unique expression of your love
Don't you know
Do you understand
Ain't nothing like the real thing, baby
Nothing compares to our love and connection, baby
I played my game, a fantasy
I pretended to have something that was not real
I pretend, but I know in reality
I know that my fantasies are not real
I need the shelter of your arms to comfort me
I need your embrace to feel safe and protected
No other sound is quite the same as your name
Hearing your name is a unique and special sound, unlike any other
No touch can do half as much
No other touch can make me feel as good and loved
To make me feel better
To improve my mood and bring happiness to my life
So, let's stay together
Let us continue to be together and cherish our love
I got some memories to look back on
I have some memories of our love that I can reflect on
And though they help me when you're gone
Although memories of our love bring me comfort when you are away
I'm well aware
I know that
Nothing can take the place of your being there
No one else can replace you and the love you bring to my life
Oh, so glad we got the real thing, baby
I'm so happy that we have each other and our true love, baby
So glad we got the real thing
I'm grateful that we have a real and genuine love
Oh, Marvin, (so good) ain't nothing like the real thing, baby, (so good, oh darling)
Marvin, nothing compares to our true love and connection, baby
Talk to me
Tell me your thoughts and feelings
Ain't nothing like the real thing, baby (oh, I'm so glad)
Nothing compares to our love and connection, baby (oh, I'm so happy)
Ain't nothing like the real thing
Our love is unique and one of a kind
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: Nickolas Ashford, Valerie Simpson
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@smokinjz
Ooh, baby
Ain't nothing like the real thing, baby
Ain't nothing like the real thing
No, no, ain't nothing like the real thing, baby
Ain't nothing like the real thing
Oh honey
I've got your picture hanging on the wall
But it can't see or come to me when I call your name
I realize it's just a picture in a frame
Ooh, I read your letters when you're not near me
But they don't move me
And they don't groove me like when I hear
Your sweet voice whispering in my ear
Don't you know
Ain't nothing like the real thing, baby
Ain't nothing like the real thing
I played my game, a fantasy
I pretend, but I know in reality
I need the shelter of your arms to comfort me
No other sound is quite the same as your name
No touch can do half as much
To make me feel better
So, let's stay together
I got some memories to look back on
And though they help me when you're gone
I'm well aware
Nothing can take the place of your being there
Oh, so glad we got the real thing, baby
So glad we got the real thing
Oh, Marvin, (so good) ain't nothing like the real thing, baby, (so good, oh darling)
Ain't nothing like the real thing
Talk to me
Ain't nothing like the real thing, baby (oh, I'm so glad)
Ain't nothing like the real thing
@donnamaria1000
I’m listening to Marvin Gaye and Tammi Terrell in 2024 …. Class man !!! Soul at it finest … church people !!! And God is the same yesterday today and forever !
@ngoddessofvictory3565
Motown nailed it when they put Marvin and Tammi together. They brought the best out of each other vocally.
@conradford7493
Yes they did!
@michaelwoodward9894
Word one of the greatest duet of all time because duo was as successful,yet Marvin was a master at the duet having done songs with Mary Wells,Kim Weston,and later Diana Ross.
@maureskiarussell8341
@@michaelwoodward9894 Tammi 💕 and Marvin were the best together as a duet, though.
@cleverboy07
@@maureskiarussell8341 you better say that again for the world to here.🙌
@theborderer1302
@@michaelwoodward9894 Berri Gordy made Marvin sing in a key that was one pitch higher than his natural voice. It's what creates the tremendous lylical tension between him and TT.
@adedamolalafenwa9302
This song sends chills down my spine. No doubt, it remains one of their best duets together & the first song they ever recorded together, sharing the same microphone. Others were recorded using separate microphones. The result...simply MAGICAL.
@hasake8873
Ain't No Mountain High Enough was the first song they recorded, followed by Your Precious Love, etc. Ashford and Simpson didn't start to produce them until this song.
@thefamousaccountofdavid
@@hasake8873 first song with the same mic, I think they meant