Keep on Lovin' Me Honey
Marvin Gaye & Tammi Terrell Lyrics


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Keep on lovin' me honey, keep on lovin' me true
Baby, I'm gonna love you no matter what you do
For so long I depended on, nothin' but you
So don't you take your love, don't take it away from me
'Cause I would stop right where I stand I'd just be afraid of a man
Don't you take your love, don't take it away from me
'Cause if you leave you might as well take the air I breathe
Keep on lovin' me honey, don't you go nowhere
Don't you know I'm satisfied with your tender care?
And I get my inspiration, darlin', just knowin' you're there
So don't you take your love, don't take it away from me
'Cause like a leaf out on a tree
You've become a part of me
Don't you take your love, don't take it away from me
'Cause if you leave you might as well take the air I breathe

Would you take the heavens out of the sky
Imagine what the world would be like if the rivers ran dry
Oh Tammi what good am I without you I can't do without you, darlin'
Like a sea without a shore
Kicking forever more

Keep on lovin' me honey, don't you change your mind
Sugar, I can't bear the thought of ever leavin' you behind
No matter what I do, another you I'll never find
So don't you take your love, don't take it away from me
'Cause I would stop right where I stand I'd just be afraid of a man
Don't you take your love, don't take it away from me
'Cause if you leave you might as well take the air I breathe
If you leave you might as well take the air I breathe
Don't you take your love, don't take it away from me




'Cause I need your love, I need you so desperately
Don't you take your love, don't take it away from me

Overall Meaning

The lyrics to Marvin Gaye and Tammi Terrell's "Keep on Lovin' Me Honey" express the central theme of the song which is about the importance of an unbreakable and unwavering love. The song tells a story of two lovers who are deeply in love and would do anything to keep their love strong. The chorus of the song "Keep on lovin' me honey, keep on lovin' me true/Baby, I'm gonna love you no matter what you do" emphasizes the faith and commitment both lovers have in each other's love. The lyrics also highlight the idea that the love of the other person is indispensable, and without it, life will lose its meaning.


The lyrics also illustrate the reliance one person has on another for their happiness and inspiration. The second verse states, "And I get my inspiration, darlin', just knowin' you're there/So don't you take your love, don't take it away from me." This shows that the presence of the loved one is essential to one's well-being and happiness. The song's bridge adds further emphasis to this point by asking, "Would you take the heavens out of the sky/Imagine what the world would be like if the rivers ran dry," implying the absence of the woman he loves would be as devastating as the removal of these fundamental elements of life.


Overall, the lyrics of "Keep on Lovin' Me Honey" strike a chord of devotion, faith, and love that couples aim to achieve, aspiring to keep their love eternal and unwavering.


Line by Line Meaning

Keep on lovin' me honey, keep on lovin' me true
Please continue to love me with the same amount of dedication and sincerity


Baby, I'm gonna love you no matter what you do
My love for you is not conditional, and I will love you regardless of your actions


For so long I depended on, nothin' but you
I have been relying on your love and support exclusively for a long time


So don't you take your love, don't take it away from me
Please do not withdraw your love from me


'Cause I would stop right where I stand I'd just be afraid of a man
If you took your love away, I would be so devastated that I would not be able to function


Keep on lovin' me honey, don't you go nowhere
Please continue to love me and do not leave me


Don't you know I'm satisfied with your tender care?
I appreciate and am content with the way you take care of me


And I get my inspiration, darlin', just knowin' you're there
Just knowing that you are in my life gives me the motivation and inspiration I need


'Cause like a leaf out on a tree, You've become a part of me
You have become an integral part of my life, like a leaf is to a tree


Would you take the heavens out of the sky
You are just as important to me as the sky and the heavens


Imagine what the world would be like if the rivers ran dry
My life would be incomplete without your love, just like the world would be incomplete without water


Oh Tammi what good am I without you I can't do without you, darlin'
You are so vital to my existence that I cannot imagine life without you


Like a sea without a shore, Kicking forever more
My love for you is constant and never-ending, like the sea that continues to wave against the shore


Keep on lovin' me honey, don't you change your mind
Please continue to love me and do not alter your feelings towards me


Sugar, I can't bear the thought of ever leavin' you behind
The idea of being without you is unbearable for me


No matter what I do, another you I'll never find
I cannot replace you with anyone or anything else, no matter what I do


'Cause I need your love, I need you so desperately
I am dependent on your love and cannot live without it




Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: NICKOLAS ASHFORD, VALERIE SIMPSON

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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Comments from YouTube:

Cmcduff Cduff

I understand why Marvin Gaye took Tammi Terrell death so hard.They were good friends,she was just 24 at the time.She had a great voice,and her and Marvin sounded great together.RIP Marvin Gaye and Tammi Terrell.

Nicola Bentley

I just learnt about her beautiful voice and her death . Marvin and her so magical x

Bartley Walton

One of my personal favorite songs from Marvin & Tammi

TheAudivisioner

One Of Marvin and Tammi's Best duets.

Christian Boyd

Marvin loved this woman....she was his heart. He was never the same after Tammi's death in 1970. There both together now ♥️

Joe Williams

Marvin Gaye and Tammi Terrell were great singers and great friends; continue to Rest in peace both of you ❤️❤️🥰🥰😘😘😘🌞🌞

Corey Sheppard

This is brilliant. The arrangement is incredible!

Kimberly Mount

I just want to say thank you to who put the majority of their songs on here. I absolutely love this duo, and I just really appreciate it so that I can listen to them while I do my homework. :D Thank you!!!

Tammy Brinkley

This song right here should have been a big hit for Tammi and Marvin I like when she says sugar I can't bear the thought of ever leaving you behind just beautiful

wendell adair

Of their many hits, this is the one that does it for me

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