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/
Keep on Lovin' Me Honey
Marvin Gaye & Tammi Terrell Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
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
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
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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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