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-makingโbut creatively restrictiveโMotown 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.
How Sweet It Is
Marvin Gaye Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
How sweet it is to be loved by you
Ooh, baby, I needed the shelter of someone's arms
And there you were
I needed someone to understand my ups and downs
And there you were
Deeply touching my emotions
I wanna stop (stop) and thank you, baby
I wanna stop (stop) and thank you, baby, hey now
How sweet it is to be loved by you, oh, baby
How sweet it is to be loved by you, yes, it is
Close my eyes at night
And wonder what would I be without you in my life
Everything was just a bore
All the things I did, seems I've done 'em before
But you brightened up all my days
With a love so sweet in so many ways
I wanna stop (stop) and thank you, baby
I wanna stop (stop) and thank you, baby, yeah
How sweet it is to be loved by you, oh, yes, it is, baby
How sweet it is to be loved by you, yes, it is, baby
You were better to me than I've been to myself
For me, there's you and nobody else
Stop (stop) and thank you, baby
I wanna stop (stop) and thank you, baby
Oh, how sweet it is to be loved by you, tell the truth, baby
How sweet it is to be loved by you, well, it's like sugar in my soul
How sweet it is to be loved by you, oh, yes, it is
"How Sweet It Is" by Marvin Gaye is a sweet love song about the joy and gratitude that comes from experiencing reciprocal love, devotion, and understanding in a relationship. The opening lyrics, "How sweet it is to be loved by you, yes, baby, ooh," expresses how wonderful it feels to be loved by someone who understands and supports us. The verse goes on to explain how the singer needed someone to hold and comfort him/her during tough times, and how his/her lover was there to provide that support. The chorus repeats the sentiment that being loved by his/her partner is a wonderful experience, and the love he/she feels brightens up all his/her days.
The second verse of the song goes on to describe how the singer had a boring life before their lover showed up, and now everything is exciting and vibrant because of their love. The lyrics, "But you brightened up all my days/With a love so sweet in so many ways," exemplifies the transformative power of love. The final verse of the song gives credit where credit is due by acknowledging how much better the lover was to the singer than he/she has been to themselves. The song ends with the chorus, with the singer exulting in how sweet it is to be loved by their partner.
Overall, "How Sweet It Is" is a simple but effective love song that speaks to the joy and gratitude that comes from experiencing a reciprocal, supportive relationship. Gaye's soulful performance adds depth and emotion to the already meaningful lyrics.
Line by Line Meaning
How sweet it is to be loved by you, yes, baby, ooh
It feels really good to be the recipient of your love, my dear.
Ooh, baby, I needed the shelter of someone's arms
And there you were
I needed someone to understand my ups and downs
And there you were
I was feeling vulnerable and needed someone to support me, emotionally and physically, and you stepped in to provide that.
With sweet love and devotion
Deeply touching my emotions
Your affection and commitment to me are genuinely heartwarming and meaningful to me.
I wanna stop (stop) and thank you, baby
I wanna stop (stop) and thank you, baby, hey now
I want to take a moment to express my gratitude towards you for all the love you've given me.
Close my eyes at night
And wonder what would I be without you in my life
Everything was just a bore
All the things I did, seems I've done 'em before
But you brightened up all my days
With a love so sweet in so many ways
I can't imagine where I'd be without you, as everything just seemed mundane and unfulfilling before you. But your love has made everything bright and exciting again.
You were better to me than I've been to myself
For me, there's you and nobody else
You have given me more love and care than I ever gave myself, and I couldn't see myself being with anyone else but you.
Stop (stop) and thank you, baby
I wanna stop (stop) and thank you, baby
Oh, how sweet it is to be loved by you, tell the truth, baby
How sweet it is to be loved by you, well, it's like sugar in my soul
How sweet it is to be loved by you, oh, yes, it is
Once again, I just want to let you know how thankful I am for the incredible love you've shown me. It's truly an indescribable feeling, and being loved by you is like having sunshine in my heart.
Lyrics ยฉ Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: Brian Holland, Edward Jr. Holland, Lamont Dozier
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@hussey115
When I was a young teenager, anytime this song played on a Saturday or Sunday my father would grab my mother and they would dance around the living room floor. Such love! I am 70 years old and I remember it like it was yesterday. Great song. Great voice.
@ladybhive1210
๐๐
@bocahangonper
wow, i feel so excited when read about ur experience. i am 23 yo and i am vintage/old song lover like this one.
@k.b8684
No one can ever take memories away, they are a lifetime & evermore.
@mikenealon4042
what a story
keep dancing
@theresamerritt3231
Omg I have the exact memories. God we were lucky. Sometimes these memories roll down my cheeks.
@InChrist777
My daughter dedicated the song to me one day and it just knocked me out I felt so proud as a father and really felt like I was doing something right I have fed her with so many great words of wisdom And from the things that I see All around her I know that she is greatly loved I have great confidence and believe the best in her and this song I will never forget in that she has sent me!
I love you Karina my lil sweepy
Papa:)
@andyhawkins642
How lovely
@CHARLOTTE16700
Thatโs so sweet
@ThaddeusVilain
What a loving message. Thanks for sharing about your wonderful connection with your daughter.