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.
I'm Crazy 'Bout My Baby
Marvin Gaye Lyrics
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It takes some hugging and kissing, but most of all some understanding
And I've got all of the hugging and kissing and understanding I want
That's why I'm crazy 'bout my baby
Crazy about my baby
Mad about my baby
And I know for sure she crazy 'bout me
Now you can talk about your real fine chicks, say they're nice and sweet as they can be
But I've got a woman suits me to a T
Now she may not look like Venus, she's good enough for me
And I'm crazy 'bout my baby
Crazy about my baby
Wild about my baby
And it's plain to see she crazy 'bout me
Now me and my baby, yeah, yeah, we're doing all right
We love one another, vow to treat each other right
Now I've got enough woman to last me for the rest of my life
Mad about my baby
Wild about my baby
So wild about my baby
And I know for sure she crazy 'bout me
The lyrics to Marvin Gaye's "I'm Crazy 'Bout My Baby" express an immense amount of love and appreciation for his partner. The singer highlights the importance of understanding, hugging, and affection in a relationship as crucial elements to love a good man. He emphasizes that he has all of these things in abundance with his partner, which is why he is so "crazy" about her.
Gaye goes on to say that there may be some "real fine chicks" out there, but his woman suits him perfectly. He acknowledges that she might not have the physical beauty of Venus, but to him, she is the best thing ever. He expresses his love multiple times throughout the song, making it clear that she is the only woman he needs for the rest of his life.
Overall, the song is a heartfelt tribute to a loving relationship that is built on trust, affection, and understanding. The lyrics clearly reflect the depth of love and appreciation Gaye had for his partner.
Line by Line Meaning
It takes a real good woman to know how to love a good man
A good man needs a woman who knows how to love him properly.
It takes some hugging and kissing, but most of all some understanding
Showing physical affection is important, but true love requires understanding and empathy.
And I've got all of the hugging and kissing and understanding I want
I have found a woman who gives me all the love and affection I need, both physically and emotionally.
That's why I'm crazy 'bout my baby
I am deeply in love with my partner.
Now you can talk about your real fine chicks, say they're nice and sweet as they can be
Other people might praise other women for their beauty and sweetness.
But I've got a woman suits me to a T
But I have found a woman who is perfect for me in every way.
Now she may not look like Venus, she's good enough for me
My partner may not be conventionally beautiful, but I love her just the way she is.
Wild about my baby
I am extremely passionate about my partner.
Now me and my baby, yeah, yeah, we're doing all right
My partner and I are doing well in our relationship.
We love one another, vow to treat each other right
We have a strong bond based on love and mutual respect.
Now I've got enough woman to last me for the rest of my life
I am content with the love and companionship of my partner and don't need anyone else.
And it's plain to see she crazy 'bout me
My partner loves me deeply and I can tell.
Writer(s): W Stevenson
Contributed by Lincoln V. Suggest a correction in the comments below.