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.
You're All I Need To Get By
Marvin Gaye Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
(You're all I need to get by, ah)
Like sweet morning dew
I took one look at you
And it was plain to see
You were my destiny
I threw away my pride
I'll sacrifice for you
Dedicate my life for you (oh)
I will go where you lead (come on, baby)
Always there in time of need (oh, oh)
And when I lose my will
You'll be there to push me up the hill
There's no, no looking back for us
We got love sure 'nough, that's enough
You're all, you're all I need to get by
Oh, yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah, Tammi, listen
Like an eagle protects his nest
For you, I'll do my best
Stand by you like a tree
And dare anybody to try and move me
Darling, in you I found
Strength where I was torn down
Don't know what's in store
But together we can open any door (oh, baby)
Just to do what's good for you (come on, darling)
And inspire you a little higher (oh)
I know you can make a man
Out of the soul that didn't have a goal
'Cause we, we got the right foundation
And with love and determination
You're all, you're all I want to strive for and do a little more
You're all, all the joys under the sun wrapped up into one
You're all, you're all I need
You're all I need, you're all I need to get by (oh)
Oh, baby, oh, baby
Honey, honey, honey, honey, honey, yeah
I need you, darling
Oh, I need you (you're all, all I need)
All your love, oh, ho-ho-ho-ho
I love you, darling (oh, baby)
All I need (you're all I need)
I need your love (you're all I want)
Oh, all your love now (oh, yeah)
Marvin Gaye's "You're All I Need To Get By," released in 1968, is a classic love song that conveys a sense of commitment and loyalty. The lyrics are filled with poetic metaphors that suggest the depth of the singer's love for his partner. The chorus line is a repeated reminder that the partner is all there is to his existence - he doesn't need anything else to survive. The song is a testament to a love that can overcome any obstacle and is the foundation required for a mutual union.
In the first verse, the singer likens his need for his partner to the sweet morning dew. He says that once he saw her, the path ahead became clear, and he knew that she was his destiny. He says that he will make sacrifices and dedicate his life to her because he only needs her. He promises to follow her wherever she goes and whenever she needs him. In the second verse, the singer continues to speak about his loyalty to his partner, comparing himself to an eagle protecting its nest or a tree that cannot be moved. He tells her that he has found his strength in her and that they can tackle any obstacle together.
Line by Line Meaning
You're all I need to get by
You are the only person I need in my life to be complete and happy.
Like the sweet morning dew, I took one look at you
Meeting you was refreshing and pure, like the calming of the early morning sun.
And it was plain to see, you were my destiny
From the moment I met you, I was certain that you were the person I was meant to spend my life with.
With my arms open wide, I threw away my pride
I am completely vulnerable and open to you, and I am willing to give up everything for your love.
I'll sacrifice for you, dedicate my life for you
I am committed to putting your needs above my own and making you the sole focus of my life.
I will go where you lead, always there in time of need
I am willing to follow you anywhere and be there to support you whenever you need me.
And when I lose my will, you'll be there to push me up the hill
When I am feeling lost or struggling, you will encourage and motivate me to keep pushing forward.
There's no, no looking back for us, we got love sure 'nough, that's enough
We are completely committed to each other and have a love strong enough to overcome anything that comes our way.
Like an eagle protects his nest, for you I'll do my best
I will fiercely protect and care for you, just as an eagle would protect its young.
Stand by you like a tree, dare anybody to try and move me
I am steadfast and unwavering in my commitment to you, and I will never let anyone or anything shake my devotion to you.
Darling in you I found, strength where I was torn down
You have given me the strength and support to overcome my struggles and be the best version of myself.
Don't know what's in store but together we can open any door
We don't know what the future holds, but I am confident that we can face any challenge together and come out stronger for it.
Just to do what's good for you and inspire you a little higher
I am motivated by the desire to make you happy and push you to be your best self.
I know you can make a man out of a soul that didn't have a goal
Your love and support have given me direction and purpose in life, and I am more fulfilled and complete because of you.
'Cause we, we got the right foundation and with love and determination
Our relationship is built on a strong foundation of love and commitment, and we have the strength and determination to overcome any obstacle.
You're all, you're all I want to strive for and do a little more
I am inspired to work hard and do my best because I want to make you proud and show you how much you mean to me.
You're all, all the joys under the sun wrapped up into one
You bring me so much happiness and joy, and I feel like all of the good things in life are embodied in you.
You're all, you're all I need
Again, you are the only person I need in my life to be complete and happy.
You're all I need to get by
Reiterating that you are my everything and I need you to survive and thrive.
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: Valerie Simpson, Nickolas Ashford
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@Smartass_Jedi
Both died way way too young, but they left us with several masterpieces. This is one of em. Rest easy, Marvin and Tammi ❤
@jessicaeverett218
Well Said!
@garyrobinson1568
One of the most perfectly written and performed songs in the history of modern music. My heart bleeds for such a simple and pure time we as black folks never fully appreciated. 😭😭😭
@stevenowens9031
It's a beautiful, perfect song. My wife and I shared this for our first dance at our wedding. I come back to it often.
@ripline6668
R.I.P. Marvin Gaye (1939–1984) and Tammi Terrell (1945–1970). You could have been a great duo that would have lasted through the decades…
@TalkWithDarkkSunn
I felt very sad a lot growing up. But whenever my parents would put this song on it's like I would be in a whole other world of Joy, Sunshine & Love
@mazinman3
Not only is this song a classic, showing the great talents of Tammy T. & Marvin G., but whomever put this simple video together with the lyrics & graphics, did an awesome job that lends itself to such an incredible & indelible song.
@lawrencezeinner7080
This song is a piece of timeless art. It holds more currency then most current music.
@Nikkij333-lf8qs
Early Motown was the best! One of a kind ❤
@soulfulman1971
I won't lie. This song has a grown man crying.