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.
Forever
Marvin Gaye Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
You can break my heart
Forever, if you want to
I'll play the part of a fool
Just to be with you forever
Forever, darling, forever
You can taunt me
Take my love for granted
Just to be with you forever
I'll be your slave
For the rest of my days
Love you more in so many ways
Just to be with you thrills me through and through
And darlin', forever, forever
You can taunt me
Take my love for granted
But I'll always be just a fool
Just to be with you forever
Forever, forever, I'll love you so
Marvin Gaye's song "Forever" is a classic love ballad that captures the passion and devotion that comes with being in love. The opening lines of "Darlin', forever, forever" immediately set the tone for the song. The singer professes his undying love for someone, even if it means being a fool.
Throughout the song, he acknowledges that he is willing to withstand any obstacle or trial that may come his way as long as he can be with his beloved. He speaks of being a slave to her, devoting his every moment to her, and loving her in so many ways. He is willing to endure taunts and take his love for granted just to be with her forever.
The repeated chorus of "Forever, darling, forever" solidifies the message of the song. The singer reinforces his willingness to be with this person until the end of time, despite any hardships or obstacles they may face. The song ends with a final declaration of love, "Forever, forever, I'll love you so."
Overall, "Forever" is a poignant love song that showcases the depth of emotions that come with loving someone. It speaks to the devotion and commitment that one is willing to undertake for the person they love.
Line by Line Meaning
Darlin', forever, forever
The singer is pleading with their lover to commit to a lifetime of love and devotion.
You can break my heart
The singer is willing to endure heartbreak and emotional pain just to be with their lover forever.
Forever, if you want to
The singer is willing to make a lifelong commitment to their lover, no matter the cost or sacrifice.
I'll play the part of a fool
The artist is willing to be vulnerable and put aside their pride to prove their love and devotion.
Just to be with you forever
The artist is willing to do anything to ensure that their love lasts a lifetime.
You can taunt me
The singer is willing to endure mistreatment from their lover if it means being together forever.
Take my love for granted
The singer is willing to give their all even if their love goes unappreciated or unreciprocated.
But I'll always be just a fool
The artist is acknowledging that their actions may seem foolish, but their commitment to their lover remains steadfast.
I'll be your slave
The artist is willing to submit themselves entirely to their lover, putting their needs and desires above their own.
For the rest of my days
The artist envisions their love being a lifelong commitment, even until death separates them.
Love you more in so many ways
The singer feels an overwhelming, all-consuming love for their lover, expressed in countless ways.
Just to be with you thrills me through and through
The artist is elated by the mere thought of being with their lover forever and feels a deep sense of joy and excitement at the prospect of it.
And darlin', forever, forever
The singer reiterates their desire to be with their lover for an eternity, highlighting the depth and sincerity of their commitment.
I'll love you so
The singer expresses their love and devotion to their lover, promising to give them everything they have, always.
Lyrics © CONCORD MUSIC PUBLISHING LLC, Songtrust Ave
Written by: John B Williams
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Jason Espinoza
Definitely the best is by Marvin.. doesn't get any better than this...gold!
Mike Fournier
Nobody will ever come near his voice or genius...the incomparable Mr Gaye...beyond smooth
madminute
He was also a outstanding drummer, a true professional.
NkrumahTure
Agreed. Easily the greatest singing voice of his time.
Mr Right
Mike Fournier
I think Sam Cooke and David Ruffin may be in his class vocally... but yes I definitely get your point
NkrumahTure
@Mr Right Well, yeah. Neither one could out sing the other, but Cooke and Ruffin are definitely in there as two of the greatest.
NkrumahTure
@madminute Marvin played great piano too.
L. Anthony Stanford
I love this version just as much as The Marvelettes! It's a great song!
Barbara Baker
This will be FOREVER my favorite version!
big2kahuna
This was one of my favorite songs when I was in High School. The band I played in used to do this song for all the young and in love couples. Great memories of better times.....