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.
Memories
Marvin Gaye Lyrics
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Even all the tears I shed will be there along with your warm caress
Oh darling, there's no need for me to pretend
That this love will never end, it's possible, you see
So I'll store them away in my memory chest just for me
Every letter that you write to me I'll store in my memory chest
I'm not sayin' that you're going to leave me
But there's one thing I do believe, it's possible, you see
Baby, I'm gonna store them away in my memory chest just for me
Every kiss, each caress, all your love and tenderness
In my memory chest, baby
You promised me that our love would last till the end of time
Just in case you see another girl that can change your mind
Every happy moment I spend with you I'll store in my memory chest
Oh baby, you have filled my life, my life with much love and tenderness
Oh darlin', there's no need for me to pretend
That this love will never end, it's possible, you see
So I'll store them away in my memory chest, every little thing
Baby, gonna store in my memory chest
Every letter, baby
Oh, yes I will darlin'
Just for me
Just for me
Oh darling, just for me, baby
Baby, baby, just for me
The song "Memory Chest" is a beautiful love ballad that speaks about a love so profound that the singer wants to hold onto every single moment, both happy and sad. Marvin Gaye and Tammi Terrell sing about cherishing all the kisses, tears, caresses, and letters, and storing them in a memory chest that only they can access. The two singers understand that their relationship is not perfect and recognize that anything could happen in the future, but they still choose to love each other unconditionally and to hold onto every single moment that passes between them.
Throughout the song, we see the singers making a conscious choice to ignore the negativity and focus only on the beautiful moments. This is exemplified in the lyrics "Oh darling, there's no need for me to pretend, that this love will never end, it's possible, you see." They acknowledge that their love might not be forever, but they choose to focus on the present and cherish it rather than dwell on the what-ifs of the future.
All in all, "Memory Chest" is a beautiful and powerful love song that explores the depths of love and cherishing the moments that make a relationship truly special.
Line by Line Meaning
Every little kiss you give to me I'll store in my memory chest
I will treasure all your affection and keep it safe in my heart
Even all the tears I shed will be there along with your warm caress
Both happy and sad moments spent with you will be remembered forever
Oh darling, there's no need for me to pretend
I won't fake my feelings for you, they're true and real
That this love will never end, it's possible, you see
Our love may face challenges, but we can overcome them
So I'll store them away in my memory chest just for me
I will keep all the memories with you for myself and cherish them
Every letter that you write to me I'll store in my memory chest
Your written words mean a lot, and I will treasure them dearly
Oh Tammi, so I can look back and read the words and I'll reminisce
I will read them again and again, and remember the moments shared with you
I'm not sayin' that you're going to leave me
I don't doubt your loyalty, but I am prepared for any scenario
But there's one thing I do believe, it's possible, you see
I trust that our love can last, but I am realistic too
Baby, I'm gonna store them away in my memory chest just for me
My love for you is precious, and I will keep it hidden in my heart
Every kiss, each caress, all your love and tenderness
Your affectionate gestures will be treasured forevermore
In my memory chest, baby
All the moments that we shared are safe and sound in my heart
You promised me that our love would last till the end of time
You gave me your word that our bond is eternal
Just in case you see another girl that can change your mind
I am ready to face any obstacle that might come our way
Every happy moment I spend with you I'll store in my memory chest
All the times spent with you bring me immense joy, and I keep them close
Oh baby, you have filled my life, my life with much love and tenderness
Your presence in my life has made it much richer and meaningful
So I'll store them away in my memory chest, every little thing
Every little detail of our time together is special, and I will treasure each one
Baby, gonna store in my memory chest
All the memories shared with you are priceless to me
Every letter, baby
Your written words are a testament to our love, and I will keep them close
Oh, yes I will darlin'
I won't forget any moment shared with you
Just for me
All the memories shared with you are mine only to cherish
Oh darling, just for me, baby
All the moments shared with you are special and exclusive to me
Baby, baby, just for me
All the love shared between us is unique and special to me only
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: HARVEY FUQUA, JOHNNY WILLIAM BRISTOL
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind