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.
Pride And Joy
Marvin Gaye Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
And I just love you, little darlin'
Like a baby boy loves his toy
You've got kisses sweeter than honey
And I work every day to give you all I know
And that's why you're my pride and joy
And I'm tellin' the world
I believe I'm no baby boy
But I know you're mine
My pride and joy
Yeah baby, yeah baby
You, you are my pride and joy
And a love like mine, yeah baby
Is something nobody can ever destroy
You pick me up when I'm down
And when we go out, pretty baby
You shake up the whole town
And that's why
I believe you're my pride and joy
(Pride and joy)
(Pride and joy)
(Pride and joy)
(Pride and joy)
(Baby boy)
(Baby boy)
My pride and joy
And I love you like a baby loves his toy
My pride and joy
In the morning
The lyrics to Marvin Gaye's song Pride and Joy express the love and devotion that the singer has for his significant other. He compares his love to that of a baby boy's love for his toy, indicating that he cherishes his partner greatly. The sweet imagery of kisses sweeter than honey showcases the level of adoration that the singer has for his love. He talks about working hard every day to make sure that he can provide for his partner and make them happy. The sentiment expressed in the lyrics is one of deep love, respect, and appreciation for his lover.
The singer goes on to proclaim to the world that his partner is his pride and joy. He acknowledges that he is not a baby boy, but rather a man who is fully aware of the incredible gift that his partner has been to him. He believes that his partner is the greatest gift of his life and something that nobody can ever take away from him. Finally, he talks about how his partner lifts him up when he is feeling down and how their love is enough to shake up the whole town when they go out together. The song paints a beautiful picture of a loving, devoted relationship that is built on mutual admiration and respect.
Line by Line Meaning
You are my pride and joy
You bring me so much happiness and fulfillment, and I am incredibly proud to have you in my life.
And I just love you, little darlin'
I adore you so deeply, my dear.
Like a baby boy loves his toy
I cherish you with the same level of love and adoration that a young child has for his favorite toys.
You've got kisses sweeter than honey
Your sweet and tender kisses are like nothing else in the world, and they bring me immense joy and satisfaction.
And I work every day to give you all I know
I strive tirelessly to provide you with all the love, support, care, and devotion that I am capable of giving.
And that's why you're my pride and joy
Your role in my life as a source of immense love, happiness, and fulfillment brings me great pride and joy.
And I'm tellin' the world
I want to publicly proclaim to everyone just how much you mean to me and how important you are in my life.
I believe I'm no baby boy
Although I love and cherish you like a little child would his favorite toy, I am not actually a child. I am a grown man who is simply overwhelmed with love for you.
But I know you're mine
I am fully aware that you belong to me and I belong to you, and nothing can ever change that.
My pride and joy
You are everything to me and bring me immense happiness and pride.
Yeah baby, yeah baby
I am overflowing with love and happiness because of you.
And a love like mine, yeah baby
The love that we share is incredibly special, and it's something that nobody can ever take away from us.
Is something nobody can ever destroy
No matter what happens in life, our love is so strong and resilient that it can never be broken or destroyed.
You pick me up when I'm down
When I am feeling low, you are always there to pick me up and lift my mood.
And when we go out, pretty baby
When we're out together, everyone can see just how happy we make each other and how strong our love is.
You shake up the whole town
Your infectious energy, charm, and beauty have a profound effect on everyone around us, and it fills me with pride and happiness.
I believe you're my pride and joy
I firmly believe that you are the most important and special thing in my life, and I will always cherish and adore you.
(Pride and joy)
(Pride and joy)
(Pride and joy)
(Pride and joy)
(Baby boy)
(Baby boy)
My pride and joy
You hold a special place in my heart and bring me endless happiness and fulfillment.
And I love you like a baby loves his toy
My love for you is pure, deep, and unwavering, much like the love that a child has for his favorite toy.
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management, Universal Music Publishing Group, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: William Stevenson, Marvin Gaye, Norman Whitfield
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind