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've Got What It Takes
Marvin Gaye Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
You don't drive a big fine car
And you don't look like a movie star
And on that little ol' paycheck, we won't get far
But you got it (I got it), baby, you got what it takes for me
Whoah, ya satisfy
You got it (I got it), baby, you got what it takes for me
Huh, come here dammit, let me tell you somethin' (I'm here, baby)
Honey, you don't live in a beautiful place
And you don't dress with the best of taste
And nature didn't give you such a beautiful face but you got it (boy, I got it)
Baby, you got it, what it takes for me
You satisfy, you got what it takes to set my soul on fire
You've got it (I know it), honey, you've got it, what it takes for me
Now when you kiss me
Oh, baby, my head goes round and round
Honey, honey, when you're near me
Oh, baby, my love comes tumblin' down
You send me, honey
Oh, you don't live in a beautiful place
And you don't dress with the best of taste
And nature didn't give you such a beautiful face
But you got it, baby, you got it, what it takes for me
Oh, you know you satisfy (ooh)
You got what it takes to set my soul on fire
You've got it, ooh, baby, you got it, what it takes for me
I know, I know you've got it, baby, you've got it, what it takes for me
You set my little soul on fire, you've got it
Whoa, baby, you've got it, what it takes for me
I know, I know, baby, you've got what it takes for me
Whoah, yeah
Tammi, Tammi, you've got it
Marvin, you've got it, what it takes for me
I know you've got it, baby, you've got it
What it takes for me
I know you've got it, ooh baby, you got
In “You Got What It Takes” by Marvin Gaye and Tammi Terrell, the two singers acknowledge that they’re not the typical couple in terms of status symbols or appearance, but they find what they need in each other nonetheless. In each verse, they point out their partner’s apparent shortcomings, but then quickly assert that they don’t care because they have something deeper that connects them. The chorus repeats, with both singers declaring that the other person has “what it takes” for them, and describing how their love makes them feel. Tammi insists that Marvin satisfies her, while Marvin says that Tammi sets his soul on fire. The bridge underscores this point, as Tammi swoons over the intensity of Marvin’s kisses, and the two of them harmonize about how they’ve found what they’ve been looking for in each other.
While the lyrics of “You Got What It Takes” might seem overly simplistic, they’re a testament to the idea that love goes beyond the surface level. Marvin and Tammi don’t need Hollywood looks or fancy cars; they’re content to bask in the glow of each other’s affection. Furthermore, the song’s upbeat tempo and catchy melody give it a fun, lighthearted feel that’s easy to dance to.
Line by Line Meaning
Come here, Marvin, let me tell you something (yeah, baby)
Tammi is calling Marvin to her to express something important.
You don't drive a big fine car
Marvin doesn't have an expensive car.
And you don't look like a movie star
Marvin's appearance is not like that of a celebrity.
And on that little ol' paycheck, we won't get far
Their income is not enough for a luxurious lifestyle.
But you got it (I got it), baby, you got what it takes for me
Despite not having materialistic things, Marvin has other qualities that Tammi values.
Whoah, ya satisfy
Marvin can bring Tammi satisfaction.
You got what it takes to set my soul on fire
Marvin has all the qualities that Tammi desires, and he can ignite her passion.
Huh, come here dammit, let me tell you somethin' (I'm here, baby)
Tammi calls out to Marvin again to express something. She uses a stronger tone this time.
Honey, you don't live in a beautiful place
Marvin's living place is not attractive.
And you don't dress with the best of taste
Marvin's sense of fashion is not up to Tammi's expectations.
And nature didn't give you such a beautiful face but you got it (boy, I got it)
Marvin may not have conventionally attractive features, but he has other appealing qualities that attract Tammi.
Baby, you got it, what it takes for me
Marvin has all the qualities that Tammi desires.
You satisfy, you got what it takes to set my soul on fire
Marvin can bring Tammi satisfaction, and he has all the qualities that she desires that can ignite her passion.
You've got it (I know it), honey, you've got it, what it takes for me
Tammi reaffirms that Marvin has all the qualities that she desires.
Now when you kiss me
Tammi is changing the topic of conversation to kissing.
Oh, baby, my head goes round and round
Tammi feels an intense sensation when Marvin kisses her.
Honey, honey, when you're near me
Marvin's proximity also brings Tammi a similar intense feeling.
Oh, baby, my love comes tumblin' down
Tammi's love for Marvin is so intense that it's hard to control.
You send me, honey
Marvin's actions and gestures make Tammi fall deeper for him.
I know you satisfy (ooh)
Tammi is sure that Marvin can satisfy her.
You got what it takes to set my soul on fire
Marvin has all the qualities that Tammi desires, and he can ignite her passion.
You've got it, ooh, baby, you got it, what it takes for me
Marvin has all the qualities that Tammi desires.
I know, I know you've got it, baby, you've got it, what it takes for me
Tammi is certain that Marvin has all the qualities that she needs.
You set my little soul on fire, you've got it
Marvin's qualities make Tammi's soul burn with passion.
Whoa, baby, you've got it, what it takes for me
Marvin has all the qualities that Tammi desires.
I know, I know, baby, you've got what it takes for me
Tammi is convinced that Marvin has all the qualities she desires.
Whoah, yeah
The song ends on a happy and positive note.
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: Tyran Carlo, Gwen Fuqua, Berry Gordy Jr.
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind