Keep On Lovin' Me Honey
Marvin Gaye Lyrics


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Keep on lovin' me honey, keep on lovin' me true
Baby, I'm gonna love you no matter what you do
Just so long as I can have it all, nothin' but you
So don't you take your love, don't take it away from me
'Cause I would stop right where I stand
I'd just be the frame of a man
Don't you take your love, don't take it away from me
'Cause if you leave you might as well take the air I breathe

Keep on lovin' me honey, don't you go nowhere
Don't you know I'm satisfied with your tender care?
And I get my inspiration, darlin', just knowin' you're there
So don't you take your love, don't take it away from me
'Cause like a leaf out on a tree
You've become a part of me
Don't you take your love, don't take it away from me
'Cause if you leave you might as well take the air I breathe

Would you take the heavens out of the sky
Imagine what the world would be like if the rivers ran dry?
Oh, Tammi
What good am I without you?
There's no thrill without you, darlin'
Like a sea without a shore
Kicking forever more

Keep on lovin' me honey, don't you change your mind
Sugar, I can't bear the thought of ever leavin' you behind
No matter what I do, another you I'll never find
So don't you take your love, don't take it away from me
'Cause I would stop right where I stand
I'd be the frame of a man
Don't you take your love, don't take it away from me
'Cause if you leave you might as well take the air I breathe
If you leave you might as well take the air I breathe
Don't you take your love, don't take it away from me




'Cause I need your love, I need it so desperately
Don't you take your love, don't take it away from me

Overall Meaning

In "Keep On Loving Me Honey," Marvin Gaye and Tammi Terrell sing about the importance of love and the fear of losing it. The song expresses the deep connection the singers share, including the fear of what life would be like if they lost each other. The lyrics emphasize the gravity of this loss by comparing the absence of their partner to losing the air they breathe. By making these comparisons, the song highlights the importance of having someone to love and the devastating consequences of losing that person.


The song is also unique because it features Tammi Terrell's spoken word in the middle of the song. She talks about the unimaginable consequences of taking love away, such as taking the heavens out of the sky, and the rivers running dry. Her words reflect the depth of emotion and fear that the song is conveying.


Overall, "Keep On Loving Me Honey" is a moving song about the significance of love in our lives and the fear of losing it. The lyrics, along with the soulful voices of Gaye and Terrell, create a powerful message that resonates with listeners to this day.


Line by Line Meaning

Keep on lovin' me honey, keep on lovin' me true
Continue loving me sincerely and faithfully


Baby, I'm gonna love you no matter what you do
No matter what you do, I will always love you


Just so long as I can have it all, nothin' but you
As long as I have you, I don't need anything else


So don't you take your love, don't take it away from me
Please don't take away your love from me


'Cause I would stop right where I stand
Without your love, I am nothing


I'd just be the frame of a man
My life would be empty and meaningless


'Cause if you leave you might as well take the air I breathe
Without your love, my life will be like having no air to breathe


Keep on lovin' me honey, don't you go nowhere
Please don't leave me, keep loving me


Don't you know I'm satisfied with your tender care?
Your love and care makes me happy and content


And I get my inspiration, darlin', just knowin' you're there
Knowing that you're there for me inspires and motivates me


'Cause like a leaf out on a tree
You are a part of me and my life


You've become a part of me
You are an integral part of my being


Would you take the heavens out of the sky
Just like the sky needs the heavens, I need you


Imagine what the world would be like if the rivers ran dry?
Without your love, my world will be empty and dry


Oh, Tammi What good am I without you?
My life would be meaningless without you, Tammi


There's no thrill without you, darlin'
I don't find joy or excitement without you, my love


Like a sea without a shore Kicking forever more
My life would be like a sea without a shore, lost and never-ending


Keep on lovin' me honey, don't you change your mind
Please don't change your mind about loving me


Sugar, I can't bear the thought of ever leavin' you behind
I can't imagine my life without you beside me


No matter what I do, another you I'll never find
No one can ever replace you in my heart


I need your love, I need it so desperately
I crave and require your love more than anything else


Don't you take your love, don't take it away from me
Please don't take your love away from me




Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: NICKOLAS ASHFORD, VALERIE SIMPSON

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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Comments from YouTube:

Cmcduff Cduff

I understand why Marvin Gaye took Tammi Terrell death so hard.They were good friends,she was just 24 at the time.She had a great voice,and her and Marvin sounded great together.RIP Marvin Gaye and Tammi Terrell.

Nicola Bentley

I just learnt about her beautiful voice and her death . Marvin and her so magical x

Bartley Walton

One of my personal favorite songs from Marvin & Tammi

TheAudivisioner

One Of Marvin and Tammi's Best duets.

Christian Boyd

Marvin loved this woman....she was his heart. He was never the same after Tammi's death in 1970. There both together now ♥️

Joe Williams

Marvin Gaye and Tammi Terrell were great singers and great friends; continue to Rest in peace both of you ❤️❤️🥰🥰😘😘😘🌞🌞

Corey Sheppard

This is brilliant. The arrangement is incredible!

Kimberly Mount

I just want to say thank you to who put the majority of their songs on here. I absolutely love this duo, and I just really appreciate it so that I can listen to them while I do my homework. :D Thank you!!!

Tammy Brinkley

This song right here should have been a big hit for Tammi and Marvin I like when she says sugar I can't bear the thought of ever leaving you behind just beautiful

wendell adair

Of their many hits, this is the one that does it for me

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