In the mid-60s, Terrell released a series of minor R&B chart hits, among them "I Can't Believe You Love Me", "Come On and See Me", and "This Old Heart of Mine" (putting on her own spin on The Isley Brothers' classic). In 1967, she was selected to replace Kim Weston as Marvin Gaye's recording partner, with Gaye being one of Motown's biggest singer-songwriters and being hungry to try more. This teaming produced Gaye's most successful duets, and the pair issued a stream of hit singles between 1967 and 1969. Tracks such as "Ain't No Mountain High Enough" and "You're All I Need To Get By" epitomized their style, as Gaye and Terrell wove around each other's voices, creating an aura of romance and eroticism that led to persistent (yet false) rumors that they were in a secret relationship.
Being such close friends and strong admirers of each other's talents, the partnership's non-singles and b-side releases have attracted critical praise as well, with many commenting that both of them sing like passionate actors on a stage totally into their roles. Most of the Gaye/Terrell duets were crafted by two songwriting/production teams: Ashford & Simpson and Harvey Fuqua & Johnny Bristol. Though productions could be intense, given the number of talented musicians in one space at one time, the duo recorded track after track. Yet it all would come to a sudden end soon.
While on tour with Gaye in Virginia during the summer of 1967, Terrell fainted onstage. She was diagnosed as suffering from a brain tumor, much to the shock of her and her friends. Despite a series of major operations over the next three years, her health steadily weakened to the point that she could barely sing. By 1969, Terrell was too weak to perform in public or in the studio, and the duo's co-producer, Valerie Simpson, subbed for Terrell on many of the duo's final recordings. Ironically, one of these tracks, called "The Onion Song", proved to be the most successful of the Gaye/Terrell singles in the U.K.
Tammi Terrell died on March 16, 1970. Her burial service attracting thousands of mourners, including many of her Motown colleagues, numerous musicians in Motown and elsewhere felt shocked. Over the years since, her work with Gaye has proved deeply influential on many later soul and rnb artists. As well, Marvin Gaye's spiritual wanderings and self-reflection upon the passing of such a beloved friend proved a significant life event, and he would soon release his critically acclaimed 'What's Going On' album soon afterward.
Official Motown artist page: http://classic.motown.com/artist_pages/marvin-gaye-tammi-terrell/
Give a Little Love
Marvin Gaye & Tammi Terrell Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Have a little trust, just a little trust in me, oh, I'll
Come through
I know I haven't been good to you
So give a little love, just a little love to me and I'll
Be true
To you, you, oh babe
Will do
The things I should for you
Give a little love, just a little love to me and I'll
Be true
To you, you, you, oh, yes I will
I know I've strayed far, far away from your arms
Hey, hey, baby, just like a fool
I hope and I pray that you'll let me return
So I can make love, make love, make love to only you
Oh my love, if you'll
Have a little trust, just a little trust in me, oh, I'll
Come through
I know I haven't been good to you
So give a little love, just a little love to me and I'll
Be true
To you, you, you, honey
Have a little faith, just a little faith in me and I
Will do
Give a little love, just a little love to me and I'll
Be true
Have a little trust, just a little trust in me, oh, I'll
Come through
Give a little love, just a little love to me and I'll
Be true
The lyrics to Marvin Gaye and Tammi Terrell's Give a Little Love are about a man trying to win back the trust and love of his partner after straying away. He acknowledges that he hasn't been good to her but asks that she give him a little love and trust so he can come through and be true to her. He promises to do things the right way for her and shows remorse for his mistakes. The song speaks to the idea that love is not always easy and that it takes trust and faith to make it work.
The song was released in 1967 as part of Marvin Gaye and Tammi Terrell's second album, United. The duo was known for their successful collaborations in the 1960s, with hits like Ain't No Mountain High Enough and Your Precious Love. Give a Little Love was not as commercially successful as some of their other songs, but its message of redemption and love still resonates with listeners today.
Line by Line Meaning
Oh my love if you'll
If you give me a chance
Have a little trust, just a little trust in me, oh, I'll
Believe in me a little bit and I will...
Come through
Do my best to make things right
I know I haven't been good to you
I acknowledge my mistakes
So give a little love, just a little love to me and I'll
Show me some affection and I will...
Be true
Always be honest and loyal
To you, you, oh babe
Only to you, my love
Have a little faith, just a little faith in me and I
Trust me a little bit and I will...
Will do
Take action and fulfill my promises
The things I should for you
Do everything that I am supposed to do for you
You, you, you, oh, yes I will
Only for you, my love
I know I've strayed far, far away from your arms
I realize that I have been distant and disloyal
Hey, hey, baby, just like a fool
I acted foolishly and made mistakes
I hope and I pray that you'll let me return
I am praying for forgiveness and hoping to come back to you
So I can make love, make love, make love to only you
I want to show you how much I love you and only you
Have a little trust, just a little trust in me, oh, I'll
Believe in me a little bit and I will...
Give a little love, just a little love to me and I'll
Show me some affection and I will...
Be true
Still be honest and loyal
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Royalty Network, Songtrust Ave
Written by: JOHNNY WILLIAM BRISTOL, HARVEY FUQUA, WILBURT JACKSON, JACKSON WILBURT, CLYDE WILSON
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@catirerubio
All their duets were great, but this stand out was/is magnificent!
@creolelady3519
catirerubio
Oh Yeeeeeeeeeees, this is when music was music.
@Brickcitygirl
That's true indeed
@SuperChris1225
I like everything about this song. I have loved it since I first heard in 1967, shortly after my discharge from the U.S. Army. Thank you for posting this marvelous recording by these two greats.
@dggd
One of my all-time favorites from day one as a teen. Tammi's youthful, yet strong, mature developed vocals bring such nourishment to the ears and soul, coupled with Marvin's loving, and sincere longing in his vocals, makes this heavenly duet a masterful artistry that's truly a gift from God. Makes me cry tears of joy and sadness, because it was such a short time they had together. But "what they gave us was more than enough to last" SALUTE FOREVERMORE. TOAST🍷 💞
@Cas82958
Beautiful duet. These 2 could do no wrong together! Rest in peace to both!
@darrenjames7901
Do you hear how smooth Marvin Gaye is ?
@elsalopez8164
Marvin and Tammi were like a King and a Goddess!! I will love them forever❤️
@lenachavez1456
This is one of the most beautifullest songs i have ever heard? Where are rhe others?
@creolelady4096
This is the type of music, that touches the heart ❤️and makes you just want to fall in love and nothing else. Yeeeeeeees indeed 👍👍💯 💯💯💯❤️