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.
The Shadow Of Your Smile
Marvin Gaye Lyrics
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Like the summer sun
From far away my dear
I can see your face so clear
Making me happy
The world must understand
The shadow of your smile
Will color all my dreams
And light the dark
Look into my eyes, and see
All the lovely things, you are, to me (I love you, I love you)
Our wishful little star
Was far, too high, oh my darling
When a teardrop kissed your lips
And so did I, yes lord
Now when I remember spring
All the joy, love can bring
Ooh girl
I'll be remembering
The shadow of your smile
The Shadow of Your Smile is a song written by Johnny Mandel with lyrics by Paul Francis Webster that was featured in the 1965 film The Sandpiper. Marvin Gaye's rendition of the song was released in 1966 as part of his eighth studio album, Moods of Marvin Gaye.
In the song, Gaye expresses his longing for a lover who is far away from him but brings him warmth and happiness. He compares her to the summer sun and reminisces beautiful memories of the time they have spent together. However, he knows that when she's gone, her absence will cast a shadow on his dreams and make the world a darker place. The lyrics also suggest that the love between them has faced some obstacles, but despite it all, he remains devoted to her.
The Shadow of Your Smile radiates a melancholic yet sensuous mood, with Gaye's soulful voice combining with the somber melody to create a beautiful ballad. The song's vivid imagery and vivid descriptions of love lost and found resonate with many listeners, making it a timeless classic.
Line by Line Meaning
You're so sweet and warm
I am deeply attracted and connected to your kind and affectionate personality
Like the summer sun
Your presence in my life is a source of warmth and light, like the sun in the summer season
From far away my dear
Even from a distance, I can feel your love and connection to me
I can see your face so clear
Your image is always in my mind and memory with utmost clarity
Making me happy
Your presence brings joy and happiness to my life
The world must understand
It is vital for everyone to recognize the significance and the impact of your existence in my life
The shadow of your smile
Your presence in my life is so vivid and unhurried that even after you leave my mind is filled with the memory of your smile
When you, are gone
In the absence of your presence, the shadows of your memories become more intense and overwhelming
Will color all my dreams
In my dreams, the blurred contours of shadow merge with your images making them vivid and colorful
And light the dark
Your memories and presence in the darkness of life makes it brighter and easier to navigate
Look into my eyes, and see
Connect with me through my eyes and you will see the depth of my love for you
All the lovely things, you are, to me (I love you, I love you)
You are a source of beauty and love in my life and I want you to know it again and again
Our wishful little star
Our aspirations and dreams in life that we share together
Was far, too high, oh my darling
The heights of our aspirations were too high for us to achieve, my love
When a teardrop kissed your lips
When you cry, it is as if your tears have kissed your lips
And so did I, yes lord
I too cried with you and felt the same emotions as you
Now when I remember spring
When I reminisce about the past and happier times
All the joy, love can bring
In those past times, we experienced the most profound happiness and joys of love
Ooh girl
Oh my darling
I'll be remembering
I am always remembering and cherishing the memories of our love together
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Peermusic Publishing
Written by: Johnny Mandel, Paul Webster
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind