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.
Midnight Lady
Marvin Gaye Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
The club was rockin', ooh
Super freaks hangin' out
Wall to wall
They tell me something's goin' on in the men's room
Soon as we come out we'll be high soon
Did you save a line for the ladies?
(We're not into that, are you crazy?)
Oh, when she starts to shake it, I can't take it
Get in the groove and boogie to the beat baby
Get in the groove and boogie to the beat baby
Shake your legs, shake your titties
We got the party, we got the sounds
We're off the streets and all the freaks are gettin' down
Get in the groove baby and boogie to the beat baby
Shake, shake your thing
You freaky thing, the way you move you drive me crazy (hey)
You freaky thing, you freaky thing
You freaky thing, the way you move you drive me crazy (hey)
You like to rock
You like to rock
You freaky thing, the way you move you drive me crazy
You freaky thing, the way you move you drive me crazy
You turn me on
The way you dance
The way you dance (oh)
Hey
Midnight lady, sexy dancer
Hot and hardy, love to party (let's check it out)
We're jammin' to love
Major love, minor love
Jammin' to a great crescendo
Let's party baby, shake it baby, shake it
Party night to remember
Oh, everybody's havin' fun
(Come on and party, turn the green light on, ooh)
When I saw you
I had to stop
I had to stop in the middle of a bop
I had to stop
I got the rhythm
I got the rhythm in my soul to win your heart
Love is everywhere for the makin'
Freaks is everywhere for the takin'
Blues is in the air if you sin' it
Happiness come back if you brin' it
I'm havin' me a good time my lady (midnight lady, midnight lady)
Rockin' and finger poppin', baby, ooh
Somebody said you was a super freak
I'm here to tell you I'm a super freak, baby
Get in the groove, get on your feet (freak)
You got to come on down to the boogie
You got to hop, you got to brin' it
You got to come on down to the boogie, hey!
Hey, ooh, check it out (feelin' good) ooh
Check that classy rhythm
Give me that sexy beat
I dig that feelin' jam, oh jam, oh
You are the love I'm lookin' for, hey (midnight lady, sexy)
I never, never, never knew before, ooh (sexy, sexy, sexy)
Hey baby, you're lookin' so good (midnight lady, you super freaky)
I'll give you all the lovin' that you know you should (super freaky, super freaky)
Aw baby, you got me (midnight lady, you super freaky)
Ooh, emotional (super freaky)
Ooh (midnight lady)
The lyrics to Marvin Gaye's song Midnight Lady describe a night at a club where the atmosphere is wild, full of super freaks, and everyone is enjoying themselves. The song's narrator describes the camaraderie and fun that comes with going out with friends and dancing the night away. The lyrics also contain a romantic element, with the singer being drawn to a woman he sees on the dance floor who he describes as a "sexy dancer." He is taken with her moves and rhythm and wants to win her heart.
The song is a celebration of music, dancing, and the joy of being alive. The lyrics convey a sense of freedom and release that comes from shaking off the constraints of everyday life and letting loose on the dance floor. It's a classic Marvin Gaye track, full of energy, soul, and emotion, and a testament to his enduring talent as a singer and songwriter.
Line by Line Meaning
Oh let me tell you 'bout Saturday night
Let me tell you about a night that happened on a Saturday.
The club was rockin', ooh
The club was lively and energized.
Super freaks hangin' out
People with unusual and abnormal behavior were present at the club.
Wall to wall
The club was completely full of people.
They tell me something's goin' on in the men's room
I heard rumors that something unusual was happening in the men's restroom.
Soon as we come out we'll be high soon
We will feel great after coming out of the restroom.
Did you save a line for the ladies?
Did you reserve some drugs for the women?
(We're not into that, are you crazy?)
We are not interested in drugs, are you insane?
Who's the super freak in the red dress?
Who is the unusual and abnormal person wearing a red dress?
Oh, when she starts to shake it, I can't take it
I cannot resist when she starts dancing provocatively.
Get in the groove and boogie to the beat baby
Start feeling and moving to the rhythm and music.
Shake your legs, shake your titties
Move your legs and female breasts in a provocative manner.
We got the party, we got the sounds
We are hosting the party and providing music and sounds.
We're off the streets and all the freaks are gettin' down
We are no longer on the streets and all the unusual people are dancing.
Shake, shake your thing
Move your body and dance provocatively.
You freaky thing, the way you move you drive me crazy (hey)
Your unusual behavior and provocative dance moves excite and arouse me.
You like to rock
You enjoy dancing and moving to the music.
You freaky thing, the way you move you drive me crazy
Your unusual and provocative dance moves excite and arouse me.
You turn me on
Your behavior and actions are sexually arousing to me.
The way you dance
Your dance moves are seductive and sexy.
Hey
An exclamation indicating agreement or understanding.
Midnight lady, sexy dancer
A beautiful and seductive female dancer who operates at night.
Hot and hardy, love to party (let's check it out)
Attractive and energetic, enjoys attending parties and events.
We're jammin' to love
We are dancing to music about love.
Major love, minor love
Different types and intensities of love are being expressed in the music.
Jammin' to a great crescendo
Dancing to a powerful and exciting climax in the music.
Let's party baby, shake it baby, shake it
Let's celebrate and dance provocatively.
Party night to remember
This party will be remembered as a fun and exciting night.
Oh, everybody's havin' fun
Everyone is enjoying themselves and having a good time.
(Come on and party, turn the green light on, ooh)
Encouraging others to join the party and have a good time.
When I saw you
When I first saw you.
I had to stop
I was so captivated or surprised that I had to pause and pay attention.
I had to stop in the middle of a bop
I had to pause while dancing.
I got the rhythm
I feel the beat and tempo of the music.
I got the rhythm in my soul to win your heart
I am confident that my rhythm and music can help me win your affection.
Love is everywhere for the makin'
Love is present and available for people to find.
Freaks is everywhere for the takin'
Unusual and abnormal people can be found everywhere.
Blues is in the air if you sin' it
Melancholy or sad emotions can be felt and heard in the music.
Happiness come back if you brin' it
Bringing joy and positive emotions can lead to an increase in overall happiness.
I'm havin' me a good time my lady (midnight lady, midnight lady)
I am having a good time enjoying the company of the beautiful woman present at night.
Rockin' and finger poppin', baby, ooh
Dancing and making hand snapping noises with a woman.
Somebody said you was a super freak
Someone told me you were an unusual and abnormal person.
I'm here to tell you I'm a super freak, baby
I am also revealing that I am an unusual and abnormal person.
Get in the groove, get on your feet (freak)
Get into the rhythm and stand up (if you're unusual or abnormal).
You got to come on down to the boogie
You must come and join the dance party.
You got to hop, you got to brin' it
You must move and bring your dancing energy.
Hey, ooh, check it out (feelin' good) ooh
An exclamation indicating excitement and interest in something.
Check that classy rhythm
Observe and appreciate the sophisticated and high-quality music.
Give me that sexy beat
Play the music that is seductive and erotically appealing.
I dig that feelin' jam, oh jam, oh
I enjoy the musical jam session and its positive emotional energy.
You are the love I'm lookin' for, hey (midnight lady, sexy)
You are the person I am searching for to love, hey (seductive and attractive night-time woman).
I never, never, never knew before, ooh (sexy, sexy, sexy)
I was unaware of these feelings before, oh (seductive, seductive, seductive).
Hey baby, you're lookin' so good (midnight lady, you super freaky)
Hello, you are attractive and appealing, oh (seductive and unusual night-time woman).
I'll give you all the lovin' that you know you should (super freaky, super freaky)
I will provide you with all the love and passion that you deserve (unusual and abnormal).
Aw baby, you got me (midnight lady, you super freaky)
Oh, you have captivated and attracted me (seductive and abnormal night-time woman).
Ooh, emotional (super freaky)
Experiencing strong feelings and emotions (abnormal and unusual behavior).
Ooh (midnight lady)
An expression of excitement focused specifically on the seductive night-time woman.
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: Marvin P Gaye
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind