Marvin Pentz Gay, Jr. (2 April 1939 - 1 April 1984) was an American soul an… Read Full Bio ↴Marvin Pentz Gay, Jr. (2 April 1939 - 1 April 1984) was an American soul and rnb singer, songwriter, producer, and multi-instrumentalist, known as "The Prince of Soul", or "The Prince of Motown." Originally a member of the doo-wop group The Moonglows, he pursued a solo career after the group disbanded and released many successful solo hits including "I Heard It Through the Grapevine", "Let's Get It On" and "What's Going On". His best albums are still held in extremely high regard, and he is often cited as one of the finest singers of his era.

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.

Satisfied Feelin'
Marvin Gaye Lyrics

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People are wondering about
The change that's come over me
Because a smile upon my face
Is something rare for them to see
But how can I tell someone else
What I don't understand myself?
It's like walking into the sunshine
Out of the glow, and oh baby

It's just a satisfied feeling,
Oh yeah, down in my soul
Imagine something so strong
That keeps the world from doing you wrong
It gives you power, it gives you drums
And there ain't nothing you can't overcome
Like a puzzle when the pieces fit
I know that this is it
It's like watching a brand new day
Begin to glow, and oh baby

Just a satisfied feeling
Down in my soul
And I don't know what
It is about you
But I can't stand the thought
Of ever ever being without you
So I'm going to love you
And never let you out of my sight
'Cause the way you make me feel
Has got to be right

Oh baby, you know it's like a flame
Burning within
And I know people can see it from afar
And it gives you a special something
That makes you wonder who you are
If we had words, we could tell it all
The joys big and small
But I'm afraid the love we got
Can never be told

Oh baby, it's just a satisfied feeling
Down in my soul

Overall Meaning

The song "Satisfied Feelin'" by Marvin Gaye and Tammi Terrell is a beautiful example of soul music from the 60s. The song talks about a change that has come over the singer, leaving people around them wondering what has happened. The lyrics describe a deep feeling of happiness and contentment, almost like a flame burning within, that keeps the world from doing them any wrong. This feeling of joy gives the singer power and confidence, allowing them to overcome anything life throws their way.

The singer is unable to explain what has caused this transformation, as it is something they don't understand themselves. It's like walking into the sunshine, out of the darkness, and finding oneself renewed in spirit and mind. The feeling is like a puzzle when the pieces fit, and the singer knows that this is it. It's like watching a brand new day begin to glow, leaving the singer with a satisfied feeling down in their soul.

The lyrics also express the importance of love and the fear of being without someone special. The singer confesses that they don't know what it is about their loved one, but they can't stand the thought of ever being without them. The way this person makes them feel is just right, giving them a deep sense of satisfaction and contentment. The song expresses the joy of finding someone who completes them, leaving them with a satisfied feeling deep down in their soul.

Satisfied Feelin'Marvin Gaye Lyrics

Satisfied Feelin'
Marvin Gaye Lyrics