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.
Sweet Lorraine
Marvin Gaye Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Can't believe it yet, but it's true,
I'll give you just one guess,
My sweet Lorraine said "yes"
Waiting for the time, soon to be,
When the bells will chime merrily,
(I'm so happy,) when it's raining I don't miss the sun,
Just think that I'm the lucky one
Who will lend her down the aisle
Each night I pray
That nobody steals her heart away,
Just can't wait until that happy day,
When I marry sweet Lorraine
Everything is set, skies are blue,
Can't believe it yet, but it's true,
I'll give you just one guess,
My sweet Lorraine said "yes"
Waiting for the time, soon to be,
When the bells will chime merrily,
(I'm so happy,) when it's raining I don't miss the sun,
For it's in my sweeties smile,
Just think that I'm the lucky one
Who will lend her down the aisle
Each night I pray
That nobody steals her heart away,
Just can't wait until that happy day,
When I marry sweet Lorraine
The lyrics to Marvin Gaye's "Sweet Lorraine" express the pure joy and anticipation of a man who has just received a positive answer from his love interest. The opening lines set the scene, describing a perfect day with blue skies and everything falling into place. The singer then reveals the good news that his Lorraine has said yes, and he couldn't be happier. He eagerly waits for the day when they will become man and wife, when the bells will chime merrily.
The lyrics also show the depth of the singer's love for Lorraine. He says that when it's raining, he doesn't miss the sun as it's in her smile. He feels like the luckiest man in the world and looks forward to being the one who will walk her down the aisle. He prays that nobody will steal her heart away, and he just can't wait for their wedding day to arrive.
Overall, "Sweet Lorraine" is a simple yet heartwarming love song that captures the joy and excitement of finding true love and looking forward to spending the rest of your life with someone.
Line by Line Meaning
Everything is set, skies are blue,
The situation is perfect and favorable.
Can't believe it yet, but it's true,
Even though it's hard to believe, it really is happening as anticipated.
I'll give you just one guess,
It's not hard to figure out what has happened.
My sweet Lorraine said "yes"
Lorraine accepted a proposal from the artist.
Waiting for the time, soon to be,
The moment is approaching, and the artist is ready.
When the bells will chime merrily,
The bells ringing happily, symbolizing a joyful occasion.
(I'm so happy,) when it's raining I don't miss the sun,
The singer's happiness is independent of externalities, as the joy comes from Lorraine's affection and presence.
For it's in my sweeties smile,
Lorraine's smile is the source of the artist's happiness.
Just think that I'm the lucky one
The artist feels fortunate and blessed to have Lorraine in their life.
Who will lend her down the aisle
The artist will escort Lorraine to the altar during the wedding ceremony.
Each night I pray
The singer prays regularly.
That nobody steals her heart away,
The artist is concerned about other people attempting to woo Lorraine.
Just can't wait until that happy day,
The singer is eager and excited for the wedding day.
When I marry sweet Lorraine
The singer is looking forward to marrying Lorraine.
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: Mitchell Parish, Clifford Burwell
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind