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.
Night Song
Marvin Gaye Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Neon signs are shining through
The tired trees lovers walking to and fro
Everyone has someone and a place to go
Listen, hear the cars go past
They don't even see me flying by so fast
Lovers walking to and fro
Ah, where do you go
When you feel that your brain
Your brain is on fire? Ah, where do you go
When you don't even know what
It is you desire?
Listen, laughter's everywhere
Ah, hear it, life is in the air
And as the night comes and the town awakes
Sounds of children calling
And the squeal of brakes
Ah, music but a lonely song
When you can't, can't help wondering
Where do I belong music but a lonely song
When you can't, oh, you can't help wondering
Where do I belong
Oh, oh, mmm, mmm thank you
The lyrics to Marvin Gaye's "Night Song" capture the atmosphere of a summer night, where there is a lack of breeze and the city is illuminated by neon signs. The tired trees and lovers walking aimlessly reflect a sense of restlessness and longing. The opening lines suggest that everyone around the singer has someone and somewhere to go, highlighting a feeling of isolation or not having a place in the bustling city.
Gaye goes on to describe the fast-paced nature of life, as he mentions how he feels invisible amidst the sound of cars passing by. This might signify a sense of disconnection from the world and a longing for a deeper connection. The repetition of lovers walking to and fro further emphasizes the contrast between his solitude and the presence of companionship around him.
In the chorus, Gaye poses the question of where to go when one's mind is overwhelmed and on fire, expressing a sense of confusion or frustration. The lyrics suggest a yearning for clarity, a desire for personal fulfillment that is unknown or elusive. This further reinforces the feeling of not belonging or lacking a clear purpose.
Gaye then introduces the element of laughter, indicating that life is vibrant and present all around. The sound of laughter and the feeling of life in the air can be seen as a juxtaposition to the singer's inner state of confusion and longing.
Towards the end, the lyrics express how the night brings about the awakening of the town, with sounds of children calling and the squeal of brakes. However, even in this environment, where music fills the air, Gaye still feels a sense of loneliness and questions his place in the world. The repetition of the phrase "where do I belong" highlights his search for identity and a sense of belonging, which music alone cannot fulfill.
In the final line of the song, Gaye expresses gratitude, perhaps implying that despite the feelings of loneliness and uncertainty, he appreciates the opportunity to express himself through music and for the catharsis it provides.
Line by Line Meaning
Summer, not a bit of breeze
The weather is still and stagnant, lacking any refreshing air
Neon signs are shining through
Bright, flashy signs are cutting through the darkness
The tired trees lovers walking to and fro
Couples wander aimlessly, tired and lost
Everyone has someone and a place to go
Every person has a companion and a destination, except for me
Listen, hear the cars go past
Pay attention, notice the cars speeding by
They don't even see me flying by so fast
No one acknowledges my presence as I move swiftly
Lovers walking to and fro
Couples continue to wander aimlessly
Everyone has someone and a place to go
Every person has a partner and a purpose, except for me
Ah, where do you go
Oh, where do you seek solace
When you feel that your brain
When your mind
Your brain is on fire? Ah, where do you go
Your mind is overwhelmed? Oh, where do you find peace
When you don't even know what
When you are uncertain of
It is you desire?
What you truly long for?
Listen, laughter's everywhere
Pay attention, joyous sounds are heard all around
Ah, hear it, life is in the air
Oh, notice it, vitality fills the atmosphere
And as the night comes and the town awakes
When darkness falls and the city comes alive
Sounds of children calling
Echoes of kids' voices calling out
And the squeal of brakes
And the sharp noise of brakes screeching
Ah, music but a lonely song
Oh, music serves as a lonesome tune
When you can't, can't help wondering
When you can't stop yourself from pondering
Where do I belong music but a lonely song
Where do I fit in? Music seems lonely
When you can't, oh, you can't help wondering
When you can't resist wondering
Where do I belong
Where is my place in this world?
Oh, oh, mmm, mmm thank you
Expressing gratitude with sounds of appreciation
Lyrics © Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: IRVING MILLS, JUAN TIZOL
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind