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/
This Poor Heart Of Mine
Marvin Gaye & Tammi Terrell Lyrics
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Dizzy spells, I bite my fingernails
I don't think I'm gonna pull through
Everything depends on you
Only your love can save this poor heart of mine
Situation, desperate, honey, save this poor heart of mine
Oh dark days, empty nights
I don't know how long I'm gonna last
So come back baby, I'm sinking fast
Only your love can save this poor heart of mine
Situation, desperate, baby, save this poor heart of mine
Baby, you left me in a burning condition
And my love, to you, has become my affliction
Oh you know my need for you
Is oh so strong it's like fire set up in my bones
Only your love can save this poor heart of mine
Situation, desperate, baby, save this poor heart of mine
Oh I don't think I'm gonna pull through
Everything depends on you
Only your love can save this poor heart of mine
Situation, desperate, honey, save this poor heart of mine
Only your love can save this poor heart of mine
Situation, desperate, honey, save this poor heart of mine
The lyrics of Marvin Gaye & Tammi Terrell's song "This Poor Heart To Mine" describe the desperate, love-sick state of the singer. The repeated phrases "Only your love can save this poor heart of mine" and "Situation, desperate, honey, save this poor heart of mine" emphasize the urgency of the situation and the singer's dependence on their lover's affection. The physical symptoms of heartburn, cold chills, and dizzy spells suggest a deep emotional pain, while the imagery of dark days and empty nights convey a sense of loneliness and desperation.
The song captures the intensity of infatuation and the all-consuming nature of love. The singer's need for their lover is so strong that it feels like fire in their bones. The lyrics also touch on the idea that love can be both a source of joy and a source of pain. The singer's love for their partner has become a "burning condition," and their lover's absence has led to an "affliction."
Overall, "This Poor Heart To Mine" is a powerful expression of love and longing, with lyrics that convey the singer's desperation and the transformative power of love.
Line by Line Meaning
Oh heartburn, cold chills
I am experiencing physical symptoms of heartbreak and anxiety.
Dizzy spells, I bite my fingernails
My anxiety is causing me to feel dizzy and nervous, leading me to bite my fingernails.
I don't think I'm gonna pull through
I am unsure if I can survive this emotional pain and heartbreak.
Everything depends on you
My emotional well-being is tied to your presence and love.
Only your love can save this poor heart of mine
Your love is the only thing that can heal my heart and ease my pain.
Situation, desperate, honey, save this poor heart of mine
My situation is urgent and I need you to save me with your love.
Oh dark days, empty nights
Without you, my life feels bleak and hopeless.
Without your arms to hold me tight
Your physical presence is what brings me comfort and security.
I don't know how long I'm gonna last
I am struggling to cope with my emotions and fear that my strength won't last.
So come back baby, I'm sinking fast
I need you to come back to me quickly before I completely lose control of my emotions.
Baby, you left me in a burning condition
Your absence has left me feeling consumed by pain and suffering.
And my love, to you, has become my affliction
My love for you has caused me so much pain that it feels like a burden or illness.
Oh you know my need for you
I am completely reliant on you for my emotional well-being and happiness.
Is oh so strong it's like fire set up in my bones
My need for you is so intense that it feels like a burning sensation in my body.
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: NICKOLAS ASHFORD, VALERIE SIMPSON
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind