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/
Two Can Have a Party
Marvin Gaye & Tammi Terrell Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Who needs the records turned up loud
Oh, when two, we two can have a party all alone? (two can have a party)
Oh yeah (two can have a party)
Oh, pretty music, a cozy chair
Lights down low and I'm holding you near
Oh baby, we two can have a party all alone (two can have a party)Oh yeah
When we are together, I'm like a feather
Floating in the air
Oh, I don't care where we're going
Just as long as you are there
Baby, baby
Me and you, you and me
We can have a party, just wait and see
Oh well, two, we two can have a party all alone (two can have a party)
Yes we can (two can have a party)
When we are together, I'm like a feather
Floating in the air
Ooh, I don't care where we're going
Just as long as you are there
Oh baby
Me and you, you and me
We can have a party, just wait and see
Oh well, two, we two can have a party all alone (two can have a party)
Baby, two, we two can have a party all alone (two can have a party)
Nobody else, you and me, hah, all alone
Pretty, pretty music, a cozy chair, yeah
The lyrics to Marvin Gaye and Tammi Terrell's "Two Can Have a Party" convey the idea that sometimes, it's best to have a party with only two people. The first two lines of the song demonstrate that sometimes it's better not to be around the noisy and loud atmosphere of a typical party. Instead, the two lovers in the song can create their party and enjoy each other's company with a cozy chair, pretty music, and lights down low. The chorus of the song emphasizes the point that they don't need anyone else but each other to have a good time. The verses then go on to describe how being together makes them feel light and free, and they can have a good time no matter where they are, as long as they are with each other.
The song's message can be interpreted as a tribute to the beauty of solitude, paired with the importance of human connectivity through the eyes of a romantic partner. The two lovers depicted in the song find comfort in their own company, which can be seen as a metaphor for self-love, self-care, and introspective thinking. The song teaches that being in a stimulating environment doesn't necessarily promote happiness, but surrounding oneself with the right person or people can increase fulfilment and joy.
In addition to the song's thought-provoking lyrics, "Two Can Have a Party" has a lush, soulful sound that has become synonymous with Motown. It's an upbeat number that showcases the best elements of the Motown sound, from the upbeat rhythm section to the swelling horns to the back-and-forth between Marvin Gaye and Tammi Terrell. It's a song you could dance to or simply sit back and enjoy.
Line by Line Meaning
Who needs the noise of a party crowd
We don't need the chaos of a loud party.
Who needs the records turned up loud
We don't need the music blasting to enjoy ourselves.
When two, we two can have a party all alone
We only need each other to make our own party.
Oh yeah
We absolutely love being together.
Pretty music, a cozy chair
Soft background sounds and a comfortable setting provide the perfect ambiance.
Lights down low and I'm holding you near
With the lights dimmed, cuddling with you is all I need.
When we are together, I'm like a feather
Floating in the air
I don't care where we're going
As long as you are there
Being with you gives me an amazing feeling of lightness and happiness, regardless of where we are or what we're doing.
Oh baby
Me and you, you and me
We can have a party, just wait and see
Together, we can create our own fun and excitement.
Yes we can
We are confident in our ability to make our own enjoyment together.
Nobody else, you and me, hah, all alone
You and me all alone
It's just the two of us, and that's all we need to have a great time.
Don't you know
It's you and me all alone
We revel in the joy of being together without anyone else around to detract from our happiness.
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: HARVEY FUQUA, JOHNNY WILLIAM BRISTOL, THOMAS KEMP
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@A1DJPaul
Sadly ALL The REALLY Great people Who Did Great things are No Longer Here on this Earth.
This Aft, I was Sat Behind a car with a Sticker " PAUL WALKER " ( UK Rally Driver, ) 1973 - 2013.
It Said, :-
" Don't cry If I don't Make It, I was SMILING at the time "
( Or similar words. ) I wish i could remember that ' Quote ' . Exactly as he Said it.
??
I Live By those Same Words.
MY Words, :-
THAT TREE / WALL etc, WERE THERE FAR LONGER THAN ME, IT WAS MY MISSION TO AVOID THEM.
I Cannot Ever Say " WHO the Hell Planted that tree or Built that Wall.
GO DOWN SMILING & HAPPY, Never in Sadness or Despair.
" IF IN DOUBT, FLAT OUT " is another " FAMOUS QUOTE " .
@thomasconyers8790
Greatest duet of all times.
And this was my favorite.
Could always get a girl on the floor with this one ❤🎉❤🎉❤🎉
@michaelmccarthy8628
For me, Nothing, no-one matches these two. The joy of love.
@slaz1966
2 minutes of timeless joy ! Absolutely unbeatable !!!
@MickyG1152
Both had very sad endings and taken away from us far too young.
Difficult to hold back the tears listening to this lovelly song.
God bless Tammi & Marvin.
@PattyT-xl1zv
I loved this song when it came outand I loved it then and now Apr27,2024 am listening again! RIP Marvin and Tammi! We miss you
@paulselkirk2345
A brilliant Motown song I love this one great to dance to ktf ❤🎉🤩😊😎🤗
@juliestrutt5933
This is absolutely fantastic.. my eyes fill up with tears and my skin goosebumps .. it makes my heart pump all these years
@davidhubbert9445
Hi Julie I'm the same what a tune spreads so much happiness.
@JohnJennings-l2g
I prefer this version as opposed to the other one.
@geoffsnr5252
Yes they sure where brilliant together. I grew up in the 60's, I had a wonderful time listening and dancing to Tamla Motown. I'm sixty now and I still get excited listening to this wonderful music. Tammi was pure class, sadly missed and loved the world over.