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.
Just A Little Love
Marvin Gaye Lyrics
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Have a little trust, just a little trust in me, oh, I'll
Come through
I know I haven't been good to you
So give a little love, just a little love to me and I'll
Be true
To you, you, oh babe
Will do
The things I should for you
Give a little love, just a little love to me and I'll
Be true
To you, you, you, oh, yes I will
I know I've strayed far, far away from your arms
Hey, hey, baby, just like a fool
I hope and I pray that you'll let me return
So I can make love, make love, make love to only you
Oh my love, if you'll
Have a little trust, just a little trust in me, oh, I'll
Come through
I know I haven't been good to you
So give a little love, just a little love to me and I'll
Be true
To you, you, you, honey
Have a little faith, just a little faith in me and I
Will do
Give a little love, just a little love to me and I'll
Be true
Have a little trust, just a little trust in me, oh, I'll
Come through
Give a little love, just a little love to me and I'll
Be true
The lyrics to Marvin Gaye and Tammi Terrell's Give a Little Love are about a man trying to win back the trust and love of his partner after straying away. He acknowledges that he hasn't been good to her but asks that she give him a little love and trust so he can come through and be true to her. He promises to do things the right way for her and shows remorse for his mistakes. The song speaks to the idea that love is not always easy and that it takes trust and faith to make it work.
The song was released in 1967 as part of Marvin Gaye and Tammi Terrell's second album, United. The duo was known for their successful collaborations in the 1960s, with hits like Ain't No Mountain High Enough and Your Precious Love. Give a Little Love was not as commercially successful as some of their other songs, but its message of redemption and love still resonates with listeners today.
Line by Line Meaning
Oh my love if you'll
If you give me a chance
Have a little trust, just a little trust in me, oh, I'll
Believe in me a little bit and I will...
Come through
Do my best to make things right
I know I haven't been good to you
I acknowledge my mistakes
So give a little love, just a little love to me and I'll
Show me some affection and I will...
Be true
Always be honest and loyal
To you, you, oh babe
Only to you, my love
Have a little faith, just a little faith in me and I
Trust me a little bit and I will...
Will do
Take action and fulfill my promises
The things I should for you
Do everything that I am supposed to do for you
You, you, you, oh, yes I will
Only for you, my love
I know I've strayed far, far away from your arms
I realize that I have been distant and disloyal
Hey, hey, baby, just like a fool
I acted foolishly and made mistakes
I hope and I pray that you'll let me return
I am praying for forgiveness and hoping to come back to you
So I can make love, make love, make love to only you
I want to show you how much I love you and only you
Have a little trust, just a little trust in me, oh, I'll
Believe in me a little bit and I will...
Give a little love, just a little love to me and I'll
Show me some affection and I will...
Be true
Still be honest and loyal
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Royalty Network, Songtrust Ave
Written by: JOHNNY WILLIAM BRISTOL, HARVEY FUQUA, WILBURT JACKSON, JACKSON WILBURT, CLYDE WILSON
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind