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.
His Eye Is On The Sparrow
Marvin Gaye Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
I wanna know why should the shadow come
Oh tell me why why should I feel lonely, so lonely
And long for heaven and a home
Since Jesus is my portion
A constant friend he is
His eye is on the sparrow
His eye is on the sparrow
And I know he watches over me
I sing because I'm happy
And I sing because I'm free
His eye is on the sparrow
And I know Jesus watches me
Marvin Gaye's rendition of "His Eye Is On The Sparrow" carries a powerful message of faith and comfort in difficult times, which is emphasized through his soulful and emotive vocals. The lyrics speak to feelings of discouragement, loneliness, and a longing for a heavenly home, and ask the question, "Why should I feel so discouraged?" The answer comes in the form of a reminder that Jesus is there, as a constant friend and protector, watching over even the tiniest sparrow. The repetition of the verse "His eye is on the sparrow, and I know he watches me" offers a sense of hope and reassurance that the listener is not alone in their struggles, and that they too are being watched over and cared for.
Line by Line Meaning
Why should I feel so discouraged
I'm wondering why I should feel hopeless or disheartened
I wanna know why should the shadow come
I'm asking why darkness or negativity clouds my mind
Oh tell me why why should I feel lonely, so lonely
I'm pleading for an explanation as to why I feel so isolated and alone
And long for heaven and a home
I yearn for a sense of belonging and eternal peace
Since Jesus is my portion
Because Jesus is my provider and source of comfort
A constant friend he is
He is always there for me as a reliable and supportive companion
His eye is on the sparrow
God is watching over the smallest and seemingly insignificant creatures
And I know he watches over me
I have faith that God is also watching over me, caring for my needs and well-being
I sing because I'm happy
I express joy and gratitude through singing
And I sing because I'm free
I also sing to celebrate my freedom, both physically and spiritually
His eye is on the sparrow
Again, I believe God is watching over all creatures, including myself
And I know Jesus watches me
I trust that Jesus is looking out for me and guiding me in my life
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: HARVEY FUQUA
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@AlexVonCrank
Hits you right in the heart when he says "Jesus" 💚
@user-su1jw7en7u
I believe these are the songs heaven is made of.
@TheTinyAutistsGuideToTheGalaxy
The finest religious / spiritual song ever .
@ebonykaleidoscope
EVERYTHING that made Marvin Gaye great vocally is on this song.....
@hixlix70
I truly missed this man, you cannot help but love his voice, his songs, his legacy! Another blessed genius taken too soon! This song will be played at my funeral RIP Marvin.
@jacklynmorales4960
Thank you JESUS for MARVIN GAYE💙
@ThriftingGrandmaOf19
For me there has never been another singer to compare to Marvin Gaye!
@vogboguv
To me no other person can sing this song like Marvin Gaye, I play Marvin Gaye songs almost daily. I've been doing this since the very early 60's because when you want the best, well you have the best with Marvin Gaye, PERIOD.
@robindowell309
Verline Ogbogu AMEN!
@jeb711
Verline Ogbogu YES!