Got To Give It Up
Marvin Gaye Lyrics


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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

In Marvin Gaye's song Got To Give It Up, the lyrics describe the transformation from being too nervous to dance at parties, to finally breaking free and finding the confidence to move on the dance floor. The song talks about the joy and freedom of dancing, and how it can bring people closer together. The lyrics also suggest that the more someone dances and grooves, the more likely someone might want to make a connection and maybe even spark romance.


As the song progresses, it continues to emphasize the importance of dancing, encouraging everyone to keep moving and giving it up. It's all about having a good time and enjoying the present moment. The lyrics also suggest that dancing can be an "erotic zone," adding to the sensual and celebratory nature of the song. Ultimately, the lyrics imply that dancing can release inhibitions, providing a space to let loose, have fun, and bring people together.


Line by Line Meaning

I used to go out to parties
I was once a party-goer


And stand around
But I used to be too shy to dance


'Cause I was too nervous
I had anxiety and lack of confidence


To really get down
I could not groove and dance like everyone else


But my body yearned to be free
My inner self wanted to bust some moves and be wild


I got up on the floor and found
I finally mustered the courage and began dancing


Someone to choose me
I got someone to dance with me


No more standin'
I did not stand around anymore


Up beside the walls
I did not lean on the walls anymore


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


Now I'm havin' a ball
I'm now having a lot of fun


Long as your groovin'
As long as everyone is dancing


There's always a chance
Someone might be interested in me


Somebody watches
Someone might be admiring me


Might wanna make romance
Someone might be interested in something more intimate


Move your body, ooo baby, you dance all night
Dance with me all night long, love


To the groove and feel all right
Let's dance to the rhythm and feel great


Everybody's groovin' on like a fool
Everyone is dancing like crazy


But if you see me, top down, let me in
But when you see me, let me join you


Baby just party high and low
Let's dance and party all night long


Let me step into your erotic zone
Let us get intimate and sensual with our dancing


Move it up
Raise the intensity of the dance


Turn it 'round
Change up the dance moves


Ooh shake it down (ooh baby)
Shake your body down, love


Owwww
Expressing excitement and enthusiasm


You can love me when you want to babe
My love for you is always open and available


This is such a groovy party baby
This is a great and cool party, love


We're here face to face
We are finally together and in each other's presence


Everybody's swingin'
Everyone is dancing and having a great time


This is such a groovy place
This party has a cool and lively atmosphere


All the young ladies are so fine!
All the beautiful young women are present


You're movin your body easy with no doubts
You're dancing easily and confidently


I know what you thinkin' baby
I know exactly what's on your mind, love


You wanna turn me out
You want to dance with me and get intimate


Think I'm gonna let you do it babe
I'm willing to dance with you and get intimate, love


Keep on dancin'
Keep the party going, keep dancing


Got to give it up
We must surrender ourselves to the music and dance




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

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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