Marvin Pentz Gay, Jr. (2 April 1939 - 1 April 1984) was an American soul an… Read Full Bio ↴Marvin Pentz Gay, Jr. (2 April 1939 - 1 April 1984) was an American soul and rnb singer, songwriter, producer, and multi-instrumentalist, known as "The Prince of Soul", or "The Prince of Motown." Originally a member of the doo-wop group The Moonglows, he pursued a solo career after the group disbanded and released many successful solo hits including "I Heard It Through the Grapevine", "Let's Get It On" and "What's Going On". His best albums are still held in extremely high regard, and he is often cited as one of the finest singers of his era.

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.

How You Gonna Keep It
Marvin Gaye Lyrics

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How you going to keep it after you get it?
I want to know, sugar darling, yeah
How you going to keep it after you get it?
Oh baby
Sweet thing

Now I think of games sometimes
But when it comes to this heart of mine

I don't miss a bus
If you ain't got the right stuff
So I'm laying it on the line
And it's something you'd best be mine
Don't fight the fire without the words to give it up

Oh how you going to keep it after you get it?
Oh tell me sugar, tell me sugar
How you going to keep it after you get it?
I want to know right now

Listen, your sweet talking sure sound good
And your kissing satisfied
And when you hold me in your arms
I get weak, I won't deny
But I'm not in for a one-night thrill
You've got to have enough love to pull us all over the hill

Oh how you going to keep it?
I want to know
How you going to keep it?
I want you to think, think about it baby
Stop and start yourself
Don't let your mind ruin your heart
Is what you're laying on me fake
Or have you really got what it takes?

Oh how you going to keep it?
I want to know
How you going to keep it?
If I let you be careful with my ship
How you going to keep it?
I want to know, will you be able to hold your grip?
How you going to keep it?
When hard times come, (tell me about it) honey, would you pack up your bags and run?
How you going to keep it?
Sweet thing now, how you going to keep it?
I want to know
How you going to keep it?
I want to know
How you going to keep it?

And I want to know
How you going to keep it?

Overall Meaning

The lyrics of "How You Gonna Keep It" by Marvin Gaye and Tammi Terrell revolve around the theme of commitment in a romantic relationship. The song explores the question of what happens after the initial infatuation wears off and the couple is left to build a lasting connection. The singer asks her lover how he plans to keep the relationship going once he has won her heart.

The lyrics suggest that the singer is not interested in a casual relationship that will fizzle out quickly. She desires a partner who can sustain their love through the ups and downs of life. The singer encourages her lover to examine his intentions and make sure that he is ready to commit for the long haul. She asks him to be honest with himself and with her about his feelings and his ability to handle the challenges that may arise in their relationship.

In essence, the lyrics of "How You Gonna Keep It" are a plea for authenticity and commitment in a romantic relationship. The song emphasizes the importance of communication, honesty, and perseverance in building a lasting connection.

How You Gonna Keep ItMarvin Gaye Lyrics

How You Gonna Keep It
Marvin Gaye Lyrics