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.
Soldier's Plea
Marvin Gaye Lyrics
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Remember, I'm over here, fighting to keep us free
Just be my little girl and always be true
And I'll be a faithful soldier boy to you
They say I'm now a man and should be spotted hard
But I don't think I'll make it, dear, if you don't play your part
Just say you'll be my girl and always be true
Soldier boy to you
We all must do our share and darlin' I don't mind
The only thing that's greed in me is leaving you behind
Just say you'll be my girl and always be true
And I'll be a loving soldier boy, I'll be a faithful soldier boy,
I'll be a loving soldier boy to you
The lyrics to Marvin Gaye's Soldier's Plea convey the feelings and emotions of a soldier who is far away from his love and fighting for his country. He is asking his love interest, his "little girl," if she thinks of him often while he is away. He reminds her that he is over there fighting for their freedom and asks her to always be true to him. He expresses his fear that he might not be able to make it if she does not play her part in their relationship. He asks her to be his girl and promises to be a faithful soldier boy to her.
The lyrics paint a picture of the challenging life of a soldier who is torn between his loyalty to his country and his love for his girlfriend. The soldier is willing to do his share and fight for his country, but he is also aware of the sacrifice he has to make in leaving his loved one behind. He wants her to reassure him of her love and loyalty while he is away, so he can have the courage to keep fighting. The theme of the song is universal and timeless. It highlights the emotional impact that war has on soldiers and their loved ones, and how important it is to have someone to lean on during challenging times.
Line by Line Meaning
While I'm away, darlin', how often do you think of me?
How much do you miss me when I'm not there, my love?
Remember, I'm over here, fighting to keep us free
I'm putting my life on hold so that we can stay safe and free.
Just be my little girl and always be true
Stay faithful to me and I'll take care of you.
And I'll be a faithful soldier boy to you
I won't let you down and will always be there for you.
They say I'm now a man and should be spotted hard
People expect me to be strong and resilient.
But I don't think I'll make it, dear, if you don't play your part
I can't do this alone, I need your love and support.
We all must do our share and darlin' I don't mind
I'm willing to do my part to keep us safe, and I know you are too.
The only thing that's greed in me is leaving you behind
The one thing that scares me is the thought of being without you.
And I'll be a loving soldier boy, I'll be a faithful soldier boy, I'll be a loving soldier boy to you
I promise to be there for you, through the good times and the bad, and to love you always.
Contributed by Blake B. Suggest a correction in the comments below.