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.
Now That You've Won Me
Marvin Gaye Lyrics
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I hope that you'll remember how
Don't you forget it (no, baby)
Because you know I love you now
Keep on being sweet and kind
In the same old way
Keep on saying that you're mine
Each and every day
Now that you've won me
Now that you've won me
Now that you've got me
I hope the heartaches don't begin
I hope my heart was not just
A bet you had to win
Keep on kissing me day and night
Don't you ever change keep holding me tight
Don't you dare start acting strange
Now that you've won me
Now that you've got me
I felt it quite a while ago
But I had to say "no"
I wouldn't admit it to myself
But I guess it's right that the
Truth comes to the light
I'll admit, this is it, baby
I'll admit, this is it
Now that I'm yours
I hope you keep me for you own
Don't misuse me and then leave me all alone
Keep on saying the things that you
Said when we first met
I hope you still remember them
I hope you don't forget
Now that you've won me now that I'm yours
Now that you've got me
Now that you've won me now that I'm yours
Now that you've got me
"Now That You've Won Me" is a love song by Marvin Gaye that expresses the singer's vulnerability and hopefulness in a new relationship. The lyrics suggest that the singer had initially resisted falling in love but has now given in to their feelings for their partner. The repetition of the phrase "Now that you've won me" emphasizes the singer's surrender and acceptance of their love for the other person.
In the first verse, the singer asks their partner not to forget how much they love them and to continue being sweet, kind, and affirming of their relationship. The repetition of the phrase "Keep on saying that you're mine" highlights the singer's desire for reassurance and commitment from their partner. The chorus echoes the same sentiment of acknowledging the other person's victory in winning over their heart.
The second verse addresses the singer's fear of heartache and possible manipulation. They hope that their partner's intentions were genuine and not just a game or a bet to be won. The verse also emphasizes the importance of physical affection and the need for the partner to continue loving and holding them tightly. The repetition of the phrase "Now that you've got me" further emphasizes the singer's vulnerability and dependence on their partner.
The bridge of the song reveals the singer's realization and admission of their true feelings. They confess that they had known deep down that they were falling in love but resisted admitting it to themselves. The repetition of the phrase "I'll admit, this is it, baby" shows the singer embracing their emotions and accepting the truth.
In the final verse, the singer expresses the hope that their partner will cherish and value the relationship. They ask their partner not to misuse them and then leave them alone. The repetition of the phrase "Keep on saying the things that you said when we first met" signifies the importance of communication and the desire for their partner to maintain the same level of affection and commitment as in the beginning of the relationship.
Overall, "Now That You've Won Me" explores the vulnerability, hope, and desires that come with falling in love and fully surrendering to a romantic partner.
Line by Line Meaning
Now that you've won me
Now that you have captured my heart and won my love
I hope that you'll remember how
I hope you will remember the way you won me over
Don't you forget it (no, baby)
Please do not forget the efforts you made to make me yours
Because you know I love you now
You are aware of my deep affection for you at this moment
Keep on being sweet and kind
Continue to demonstrate your gentle and caring nature
In the same old way
Just as you have always done before
Keep on saying that you're mine
Consistently express to the world that I belong to you
Each and every day
Every single day without fail
Now that you've got me
Now that you have captured my heart and won my love
I hope the heartaches don't begin
I hope that there will not be any pain or heartbreak in our relationship
I hope my heart was not just
I hope that my heart was not merely
A bet you had to win
Something you considered a challenge and had to conquer
Keep on kissing me day and night
Continue showering me with kisses throughout the day and night
Don't you ever change keep holding me tight
Please do not ever change and always hold me tightly
Don't you dare start acting strange
Do not even think of behaving strangely or differently
I felt it quite a while ago
I sensed it a long time ago
But I had to say "no"
But I had to deny or reject my feelings
I wouldn't admit it to myself
I refused to acknowledge it within myself
But I guess it's right that the
But I suppose it is appropriate that the
Truth comes to the light
The truth eventually becomes known or revealed
I'll admit, this is it, baby
I will confess, this is the real thing, baby
Now that I'm yours
Now that I belong to you
I hope you keep me for your own
I hope you cherish and keep me exclusively
Don't misuse me and then leave me all alone
Please do not take advantage of me and then abandon me in loneliness
Keep on saying the things that you
Continue expressing the words that you
Said when we first met
Uttered when we initially encountered each other
I hope you still remember them
I hope those words are still fresh in your memory
I hope you don't forget
I hope you do not let them slip from your mind
Now that you've won me now that I'm yours
Now that you have captured my heart and won my love, and now that I belong to you
Now that you've got me
Now that you have captured my heart and won my love
Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS
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