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/
Love Woke Me Up This Morning
Marvin Gaye & Tammi Terrell Lyrics
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I had you on my mind, oh oh
Love woke me up this morning
And I haven't had a heartache today, darling
All my little tears are gone away
Skies are blue because of you, I love you
Love woke me up this morning, oh yes indeed
You know, you made me feel all right, oh
Love woke me up this morning
I'm so glad, yes I am
Because of you, happiness is mine
All my cloudy days are all behind
Baby, every place I see your face
And now I smile, you made my life worthwhile
Yes you did
I haven't had a heartache today
And all my little tears are gone away
Because of you, happiness is mine
And all my cloudy days are all behind
I haven't had a heartache today
And all my little tears are gone away
The lyrics of the song "Love Woke Me Up This Morning" by Marvin Gaye and Tammi Terrell describe how the power of love can change everything. The song talks about how waking up in the morning and feeling loved can erase any heartaches or sorrows that the singer may have experienced in the past. The singer is grateful for the love that they have in their life and how it has brought happiness and sunshine into their life.
The song highlights that love is a powerful emotion that can uplift people from their sadness and make them feel hopeful again. The lyrics also reflect on how love can help people to start their day in a positive way and keep them motivated throughout the day. The song's upbeat and soulful tune captures the listener's attention and inspires them to feel joy in their heart.
In summary, the lyrics of "Love Woke Me Up This Morning" emphasize how love has the potential to change everything, even one's outlook on life. The song encourages the listener to embrace love, and to see the positive impact it can have on their life.
Line by Line Meaning
Love woke me up this morning feeling fine
I woke up feeling good because of the love that surrounds me
I had you on my mind, oh oh
I woke up with thoughts of my loved one on my mind
Love woke me up this morning
The love that fills my life is what made me wake up this morning
And I haven't had a heartache today, darling
I am free from pain and heartache today, my love
All my little tears are gone away
All my sorrows and tears have vanished because of the love I have
Skies are blue because of you, I love you
My life is beautiful and bright because of your love; I adore you
Love woke me up this morning, oh yes indeed
Without the love in my life, I wouldn't have woken up so content
Thinking of last night
I am reminiscing about the love we shared last night
You know, you made me feel all right, oh
Your love made everything all right for me
I'm so glad, yes I am
I am filled with joy and happiness because of your love
Because of you, happiness is mine
You are the source of my happiness and contentment
All my cloudy days are all behind
All the difficult and sad times are behind me because of your love
Baby, every place I see your face
Your presence and love are everywhere I look, my dear
And now I smile, you made my life worthwhile
Your love has given meaning and purpose to my life, and now I am smiling
I haven't had a heartache today
I have been free from pain and sorrow today, thanks to your love
And all my little tears are gone away
You have wiped away all my tears and sorrows with your love
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: NICKOLAS ASHFORD, VALERIE SIMPSON
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind