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.
Stepping Closer To Your Heart
Marvin Gaye Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
'Cause last night I dreamed
That we were drifting apart
Now I beg you darling please
Say you will set my mind at ease
I wanna be closer
For without it, my darling i couldn't exist
Oh, I beg you darling please
Say you will set my mind at ease
I wanna be closer
Oh wee, honey yeah
Closer closer
Closer closer
Closer to your heart closer to your heart
I wanna be closer closer to your embrace
That's where I long to be forever
Any time or any place
I'm begging you darling please
Say you will set my mind at ease
Let me be closer closer to your heart
Closer to your heart
Just a little bit closer
Closer to your heart i'm heading
Heading your direction i'm looking for
Love and some affection let me closer baby
Just a little closer darling let me closer
In "Stepping Closer To Your Heart," Marvin Gaye expresses his desire to be closer to the person he loves. The lyrics convey a sense of urgency and desperation, as the singer fears that their relationship is drifting apart. He pleads for the opportunity to mend their connection and seeks reassurance that they still share the same feelings.
The repetition of the phrase "closer to your heart" emphasizes the emotional closeness that the singer is yearning for. He believes that being closer to their heart will bring them back together and strengthen their bond. The dream mentioned in the lyrics illustrates the singer's fear of losing the person he loves, which motivates his plea for closeness.
The repeated plea for the person to set his mind at ease reflects the singer's vulnerability and dependence on their affection. He believes that their kiss and embrace are essential for his existence, amplifying the importance of physical and emotional intimacy in their relationship.
Overall, "Stepping Closer To Your Heart" conveys deep longing and the need for closeness and reassurance in a romantic relationship. The lyrics capture the vulnerability and desperation that can arise when one fears losing someone they deeply care for.
Line by Line Meaning
I wanna be closer closer to your heart
I desire to be more intimately connected to your emotions and love
'Cause last night I dreamed
That we were drifting apart
Because I had a dream last night where it seemed like our relationship was slowly falling apart
Now I beg you darling please
Say you will set my mind at ease
Now I plead with you, my love, to assure me and bring peace and tranquility to my thoughts
I wanna be closer
Let me closer closer to your kiss
I yearn to be even closer to you, allow me to be just inches away from the sweetness of your lips
For without it, my darling i couldn't exist
Because without your kiss, my beloved, I feel like my existence loses all meaning
Oh, I beg you darling please
Say you will set my mind at ease
Oh, I implore you, my love, to assure me and alleviate any worry or anxiety within me
Oh wee, honey yeah
Oh, my dear, I express my affection for you
Closer closer
Closer closer
Closer to your heart closer to your heart
I desire to be increasingly closer, inching my way towards your heart
I wanna be closer closer to your embrace
I yearn to be even nearer to your warm and loving embrace
That's where I long to be forever
Any time or any place
Being in your embrace is where I desire to stay eternally, regardless of the time or location
I'm begging you darling please
Say you will set my mind at ease
I am earnestly pleading with you, my love, to assure me and alleviate any worries that trouble me
Let me be closer closer to your heart
Allow me the privilege of drawing nearer and closer to the core of your emotions and love
Closer to your heart
Just a little bit closer
Moving in the direction of your heart, gradually and steadily, but still desiring to be even closer
Closer to your heart i'm heading
Heading your direction i'm looking for
Love and some affection let me closer baby
Just a little closer darling let me closer
I am directing myself toward your heart, seeking not only love but also the warmth and tenderness you offer. Please, my baby, allow me to draw just a little bit closer, dear darling, let me be even nearer
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: HARVEY FUQUA, MARVIN GAYE
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind