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.
Sweeter as the Days Go By
Marvin Gaye Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
And you've got a heart that's made of pure gold, oh baby
You've given me so much that I'm grateful of
Such a faithful love
And it gets sweeter as the days go by
Sweeter as the days go by
Oh I'd be lost without you baby
'Cause your sweet kiss turns on my sunshine, oh yeah baby (baby)
At night the stars, they wink at you
I-I-I have seen them, baby
Ah, but I guess every single star knows how sweet you are
You get sweeter as the days go by
Sweeter, honey, as the days go by (sweeter as the days go by)
Yeah, (Just a little sweeter, baby)
(Just a little sweeter, baby)
(Just a little sweeter, baby)
(Just a little sweeter, baby)
Now there are so many reasons for me to love you, oh, baby (baby)
And I'm so lucky to have you and that's no lie, no baby
Yes, you're a candymaker's dream come true
And darlin', sugar has nothin' on you
And you get sweeter as the days go by
Sweeter as the days go by
Honey
You're sweeter than honey
You're sweeter than sugar
In "Sweeter as the Days Go By," Marvin Gaye beautifully expresses his deep affection for his sweetheart. He begins the song by comparing her smile to that of an angel's, describing her heart as pure gold. He's grateful for her unwavering love and loyalty, and he feels that their relationship is getting better and better with each passing day. He's so dependent on her that he would be lost without her, and he implores her to never leave him. He finds her kiss to be the source of his sunshine, and he notes that even the stars in the sky recognize how sweet she is. He concludes by saying that he has countless reasons to love her, and that she's sweeter than any ingredient in a candy maker's recipe.
The song's lyrics exude sweet and sincere love, with Marvin Gaye expressing sincere gratitude for his lover. He highlights the value of authentic love and devotion in his life, and notes that his relationship has improved over time. The song is retro and nostalgic, but its message remains timeless, reminding listeners of the beauty and sweetness of true love.
Line by Line Meaning
Oh, you've got a smile like a sweet lovin' angel, oh baby
You have a beautiful smile that reminds me of an angel and I love it.
And you've got a heart that's made of pure gold, oh baby
You have a heart of gold, which means you are caring, kind, and sincere.
You've given me so much that I'm grateful of Such a faithful love
You have given me so much love and I am grateful for the loyalty and devotion you have shown me.
And it gets sweeter as the days go by Sweeter as the days go by
Our love is constantly growing and becoming more beautiful with each passing day.
Oh I'd be lost without you baby
I would be lost and incomplete without you by my side.
Now, don't ever leave me
Please don't leave me, I need you and cannot imagine my life without you.
'Cause your sweet kiss turns on my sunshine, oh yeah baby (baby)
Your sweet kiss fills me with joy and happiness, like the sun shining on a bright day.
At night the stars, they wink at you I-I-I have seen them, baby
Even the stars in the sky recognize how sweet and wonderful you are, and I have noticed it too.
Ah, but I guess every single star knows how sweet you are
I believe that everyone, including the stars, knows how special and lovely you are.
You get sweeter as the days go by Sweeter, honey, as the days go by (sweeter as the days go by)
Your love and the bond we share becomes even more beautiful and fulfilling with each passing moment.
Now there are so many reasons for me to love you, oh, baby (baby)
There are countless reasons why I love you, my darling.
And I'm so lucky to have you and that's no lie, no baby
I feel extremely fortunate to have you in my life and I am not exaggerating.
Yes, you're a candymaker's dream come true
You are like a dream come true, just like the perfect candy that everyone desires.
And darlin', sugar has nothin' on you
You are even sweeter than sugar, my love.
And you get sweeter as the days go by Sweeter as the days go by Honey You're sweeter than honey You're sweeter than sugar
Our love keeps growing and getting better each day, and you are even more wonderful than the sweetest things in the world.
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: JR., FRANK EDWARD WILSON, MARCUS GORDON, MARCUS, JR. GORDON
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Caroline C
Marvin always blows me away. What an angelic voice he had!
alan ball
This is another class track. I wonder why it was never released? Peace!
irishmary24
Well, I was looking for a different song when I found this! ;-) Wow, could that man sing! I just love Marvin Gaye-- and all the rest that flashed by in the video! Very Cool! Thanks for posting. 5 stars!
marknorthwest93
A totally sweet soulful unreleased side from Marvin that finally saw the light of day!
John G Byrne
MotownMagic1959
I was on holiday for a week, so have only just returned to my collections, indeed it was the great Frank Wilson who wrote this nice song, with Marvin here singing in his magic style, it was forgotten for so long and I love to find ones that have never been heard until now. So far I'm up to 561 so I'm glad you liked Marvin's song, I saw him once and he was just superb. :-) JOHN
standenberg
It's a great song, great songs and Marvin Gaye will alway's go together hand in hand. I first came across this track on a CD entitled "tamla motown- big hits & hard to find classics-vol 4", I purchased it in England.
sergelapelle
@THESILENTBOATMAN Crazy isn't it! I think they did a lot of stunning alternate cuts, for example the bonus tracks on Whats Goin' On are incredible, so the stuff we've never heard must be just as good as what we have
John G Byrne
yes, as you say, Sam Cooke was to me the first SOUL singer and Marvin was equally as good a singer, so I like this tune, I always like the more unusual ones anyway. Thanks for the comment. JOHN
Alberto J
I only had listened Chris Clark's version,but this one is so great to!
John G Byrne
MotownMagic1959
Gracias Alberto, I'm very glad you like them all (550 so far!!) Keep listening eh? JOHN