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/
If This World Were Mine
Marvin Gaye & Tammi Terrell Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
All that I own, you've been so good to me
If this world were mine
I'd give you the flowers, the birds and the bees
For with your love inside me, that would be all I need
If this world were mine
I'd give you anything
With wealth untold, you could have anything
If this world were mine
I'd give you each day so sunny and blue
If you wanted the moonlight, I'd give you that too
If this world were mine
I'd give you anything
Oh baby, you're my consolation
And there's no hesitation
When you want me, honey, just call me
And whoah, you're my inspiration
Yeah, I feel so much sensation
When I'm in your arms, when you squeeze me, whoah
Every sky would be blue
Long as you're lovin' me
Whoa-oa-oah, with you here in my arms life is so wonderful
Whoa-oa-oah, give me plenty lovin', baby
Give me plenty lovin', honey
Keep on lovin' me
Whoa-oa-oah, you know I need you, baby
Reall-really need you, honey
The lyrics to Marvin Gaye and Tammi Terrell's "If This World Were Mine" express undying love and devotion towards a significant other. The song's central message is that if they were to own the world, they would give everything to their partner to show their love and appreciation. The opening line, "If this world was mine, I'd place it at your feet," is a grand gesture, conveying the singer's willingness to give up everything for their lover. The song continues with the two singers singing together as a duet, with each verse showcasing their love for their partner. The chorus, "If this world were mine, I'd give you anything," echoes the sentiment that the singer would do anything for their lover.
The song's themes of love, devotion, and sacrifice are accentuated by the soulful melody, intricate instrumentation, and the singers' heartfelt delivery. The song's instrumentation features strings, horns, and gospel-inspired backing vocals, adding to the song's passionate quality. The singers' harmonious vocals complement each other beautifully, further emphasizing the song's message of blissful togetherness. The song's passionate delivery and its message of willing devotion make it a timeless classic that continues to resonate with audiences.
Line by Line Meaning
If this world were mine, I'd place at your feet
If I owned the entire world, I would still consider you above everything else and devote it all to you.
All that I own, you've been so good to me
You have been great to me and I am grateful for everything I have because of you.
If this world were mine
Expressing the idea of giving everything to the person they love.
I'd give you the flowers, the birds and the bees
Offering the beauty of the world and nature to the person they love.
For with your love inside me, that would be all I need
They feel the love that the other person gives them and it is enough to make them happy.
I'd give you anything
They are willing to give up anything to make the other person happy.
If this world were mine, I'd make you a king
They would spare no expense in making the person they love feel like royalty.
With wealth untold, you could have anything
They want to provide their loved one with all the riches in the world.
I'd give you each day so sunny and blue
Promising to provide a life full of happiness and positive energy.
If you wanted the moonlight, I'd give you that too
Willing to do the impossible to give their loved one everything they desire.
Oh baby, you're my consolation
The other person is a source of comfort for them.
And there's no hesitation
They are willing to do anything for the other person.
When you want me, honey, just call me
They are always available to their loved one and willing to help whenever they need.
And whoah, you're my inspiration
The other person inspires them to be a better person.
Yeah, I feel so much sensation
Being with their loved one is an extremely emotional experience for them.
When I'm in your arms, when you squeeze me, whoah
Being close and intimate with the other person is an amazing feeling.
Every sky would be blue
Wishing that the world would be a happier place with their loved one by their side.
Long as you're lovin' me
As long as they are loved, the world will be a wonderful place for them.
Whoa-oa-oah, with you here in my arms life is so wonderful
Being with the other person is a source of absolute happiness.
Whoa-oa-oah, give me plenty lovin', baby
Asking for more love from the other person.
Give me plenty lovin', honey
Asking for even more love from the other person.
Keep on lovin' me
Showing their need for the other person's love.
Whoa-oa-oah, you know I need you, baby
Expressing their desire and need for the other person.
Reall-really need you, honey
Expressing their deep and genuine need for the other person.
Lyrics ยฉ Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: MARVIN GAYE, MARVIN P GAYE
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
S T
If this world were mine, I'd place at your feet
All that I own; you've been so good to me
If this world were mine
I'd give you the flowers, the birds and the bees
For with your love inside me, that would be all I need
If this world were mine
I'd give you anything
If this world were mine, I'd make you a king
With wealth untold, you could have anything
If this world were mine
I'd give you each day so sunny and blue
If you wanted the moonlight, I'd give you that too
If this world were mine
I'd give you anything
Oh baby, you're my consolation
And there's no hesitation
When you want me, honey, just call me
And honey, you're my inspiration
I feel so much sensation
When I'm in your arms, when you squeeze me
And the sky would be blue
As long as you're lovin' me
With you here in my arms
Life is so wonderful
Give me pretty lovin', baby
Give me pretty lovin', honey
Keep on lovin' me
You know I need you, baby
Really, really need you, baby
thabeautiful1
I didn't know Marvin and Tammi recorded this before Luther Vandross and Cheryl Lynn. I've always loved their version but this one brought tears to my eyes. Absolutely beautiful. May they both rest in peace.
Corrynthia I AM
Marvin Gaye wrote this..I too thought this was Luther song.
Alice Myers
I love this song so much. It's the original. No other artist had been able to perform this song like Tammy and Marvin. Miss them so much. They were amazing together. They were magic. โค
ARTMANTHEGREAT
Sorry but Luther killed it
K W
Luther and Cheryl version is smoother, nicer flow. But can't knock the original either.
voicegirl555
She has been gone 49 years now. If this world was mine, she would still be here. Miss you Tammi!
Luis Bohorquez
๐๐๐โค๐๐ค๐๐๐๐
megan mangray
Lovely said
Brandy Nguyen
๐ฏโฅ๏ธ
Gary Williams
What a voice