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.
Never Let You Go
Marvin Gaye Lyrics
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You sing along my baby and my love
For you are my love, you are my lady
You say that you need me only
So I come on back to you, baby
Cause you can hold my hand so sweet
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It's crazy, it's been all along
Said I'd never, I'd never, let you go
Boop pop baloo pop
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Baby, oh, my baby, I love you so, yes I do
And there is one thing that I wanna know
That I love you and I will never let you go
Ah, you been so good to me, baby
And you can hold my hand so sweet
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The way you hold me in your arms
It's crazy, it's been all along
Said I'd never, I'd never, let you go
Boop pop baloo pop
In Marvin Gaye's song "Never Let You Go", the lyrics discuss the singer's adoration for his partner and the dedication he has to keeping their love alive. The chorus is a repetition of the phrase "Said I'd never, I'd never, let you go" which serves as a consistent reminder of the singer's commitment to his lover. The song describes the way the singer's companion makes him feel, from the way they hold hands to the way they embrace each other. Gaye's use of onomatopoeia ("Boop pop baloo pop") in the opening lines of the song adds a playful element to the romantic lyrics, illustrating the joy and happiness the singer feels when he is with his partner.
Throughout the song, the singer expresses his appreciation for his lover and acknowledges that they have never let him down. He promises his lover that he will always be there for them, emphasizing the importance of their relationship. The soft, upbeat melody of the song adds to the overall feeling of joy and positivity. It is clear that the singer is entirely devoted to his lover and will do anything to keep their love alive. "Never Let You Go" is a celebration of love and commitment, highlighting the beauty of true companionship.
Line by Line Meaning
Boop pop baloo pop
The repetition of this phrase throughout the song serves as a playful, lighthearted refrain that adds a catchy and memorable element to the melody.
You sing along my baby and my love
This line expresses the close bond and affection between the singer and his beloved, as well as highlighting her musical talents and the joy they bring him.
For you are my love, you are my lady
This declaration of love and commitment reinforces the special connection between the two individuals, emphasizing the singer's deep emotional attachment and devotion to his partner.
You say that you need me only
The singer values the fact that his partner only needs him in her life, and sees this as a testament to the strength and purity of their relationship.
So I come on back to you, baby
This line suggests a sense of homecoming and comfort, implying that the singer finds solace and reassurance in the presence of his partner, and seeks out their company whenever he can.
Cause you can hold my hand so sweet
The act of holding hands is both a physical and emotional expression of love and intimacy, and the singer cherishes this gesture as a symbol of the closeness and trust between himself and his partner.
The way you hold me in your arms
Being held in someone's arms is an intimate and vulnerable experience, and the singer feels safe and loved when his partner embraces him in this way.
It's crazy, it's been all along
Despite the intensity of their feelings and the strength of their connection, the singer still finds it hard to believe that such a wonderful love story could have been unfolding right in front of him all this time.
Said I'd never, I'd never, let you go
This repeated refrain underscores the depth of the singer's commitment and resolve, stating unequivocally that he will never let go of the person he loves and trusts so completely.
Baby, oh, my baby, I love you so, yes I do
This heartfelt declaration of love captures the intense emotion and passion that the singer feels for his partner, expressing his desire to stay by their side and cherish them forever.
And there is one thing that I wanna know
The singer is eager to find out something important, perhaps seeking further affirmation of his partner's love and commitment to their relationship.
That I love you and I will never let you go
This repetition of the central theme of the song serves to emphasize the singer's unwavering loyalty and devotion to his partner, and his promise to always be there for them through thick and thin.
Ah, you been so good to me, baby
The singer acknowledges the many ways in which his partner has been a positive influence in his life, expressing his gratitude and appreciation for all they do.
Writer(s): HARVEY FUQUA, ANNA GAYE
Contributed by Charlie A. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
Martin Tanksley
3 1/2 stars......