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.
Get My Hands On Some Lovin'
Marvin Gaye Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
I ain't got no problem, I think it's so unfair
Patience it's opportune, that's what I've been told
But I got to get my hand on some lovin'
Before I'm too old, too old, yeah, yeah
I get and I'm probably patient, between my sugar and I
Said I'm gonna rock do one of those patsy demo
Wanna get more cuz I got to get my hand on some lovin
Before I'm too old,much too old, yeah, yeah
I said I need a women, need some lovin'
One love yeah, yeah
I hear that I over valley
Pretty women, pretty women
And I ain't got nobody, think is so unfair
Patience they say it's a virtue that's what I've been told
But I got to get my hand on some lovin'
Before I'm too old, too old, yeah, yeah
Before I'm not too old
Before I'm not too old, yeah
In Marvin Gaye's song "Get My Hands On Some Lovin'", the singer expresses his desire for love and companionship. He is surrounded by pretty girls, but he feels like it is unfair that he still hasn't found the one for him. He acknowledges the common recommendation that patience is a virtue, but he doesn't want to wait for too long. He feels like he needs to get his hands on some loving before he becomes too old to experience it.
The lyrics suggest that the singer is a patient man who has been waiting for love for a long time. He might have had some opportunities in the past, as he mentions that he has some experience with the "sugar" in his life. However, he is still looking for that special someone who will surprise him and make him feel complete. The repetition of the phrase "before I'm too old" emphasizes the urgency of his desire and suggests that he feels like time is running out.
The song's theme of searching for love and companionship is a common one in popular music. Marvin Gaye's smooth and soulful delivery adds depth and sincerity to the lyrics. His use of repetition and catchy hooks makes the song memorable and easy to sing along to.
Line by Line Meaning
Wide it up all round me, pretty girls come at me
I attract pretty girls everywhere I go.
I ain't got no problem, I think it's so unfair
Although I attract pretty girls, I still feel unfulfilled without love.
Patience it's opportune, that's what I've been told
I have been told that patience is important in finding love.
But I got to get my hand on some lovin', Before I'm too old, too old, yeah, yeah
However, I feel that I need to find love soon before it is too late.
I get and I'm probably patient, between my sugar and I
I may be patient, but I still need love between me and my partner.
Said I'm gonna rock do one of those patsy demo, you're my surprise, sure I got it all in my soul
I am confident that with my talent and soul, I can win over the love of my life.
Wanna get more cuz I got to get my hand on some lovin', Before I'm too old,much too old, yeah, yeah
I want to experience more love in my life before it is too late.
I said I need a women, need some lovin', one love yeah, yeah
I am looking for a woman who can give me love and affection.
I hear that I over valley, pretty women, pretty women
I have heard that there are many pretty women in the valley.
And I ain't got nobody, think is so unfair, Patience they say it's a virtue that's what I've been told
However, I am currently without a partner and feel that it is unfair. Despite what I have been told, I struggle to wait patiently for love.
Before I'm not too old, Before I'm not too old, yeah
Again, I reiterate the urgency of finding love before it is too late.
Contributed by Thomas M. Suggest a correction in the comments below.