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/
What You Gave Me
Marvin Gaye & Tammi Terrell Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
And as you leave, I can only sigh your name
Cries of anguish echo from way down
But will never reach my lips to make a sound
Though it seems my world is crumblin'
Honey, you don't owe me anything
Is more than enough to last, oh yes it is
And what you gave me, girl
Is more than enough to last, oh yes it is
You've given me so much warmth
I don't see how I could ever grow cold
In my mind, there's a picture of you and I
That nobody has the price to buy
I don't know what made you change your mind
But you'll be back, it's just a matter of time
What you gave me
Is more than enough to last, oh yeah
And what you gave me
Is more than enough to last
Into my life you came like a breath of spring
Givin' me a song to sing, oh yeah, oh yeah
And though I know you're leavin'
I won't be grievin' 'cause I know
Time has a way of showin' us
The things we really need
And no matter where you go
I know you'll find your way back home, oh baby
Though I know it's not reality
You'll always be a part of me
'Cause what you gave me
Is more than enough to last, oh, yeah, yeah
And what you gave me, hey
Is more than enough to last
What you gave me
Is more than enough to last
And what you gave me
Is more than enough to last
The lyrics of "What You Gave Me" by Marvin Gaye and Tammi Terrell are a poetic expression of their gratitude and admiration for someone they believe has given them more love than they ever expected. The song starts with comparing this person to a refreshing breath of spring, and now that they are leaving, the singer can only whisper their name in sadness. The phrase "cries of anguish echo from way down" suggests that the feeling of longing for this person is almost unbearable, but the singer has developed a profound understanding of it and learned how to keep it to themselves.
The song's main message is that this special connection has given the singer all they need to keep going. It has brought such warmth into their life that they cannot imagine feeling cold again. The line "In my mind, there's a picture of you and I that nobody has the price to buy" adds a touch of romance to the lyrics, highlighting the uniqueness of their bond. The song tells the listener that even if the person decides to leave, their impact will always remain, and the singer will continue to cherish the time they spent together.
Overall, "What You Gave Me" is an emotional song that speaks to the universal human experience of love, friendship, and appreciation.
Line by Line Meaning
Like a breath of spring you came
You arrived in my life like a beautiful, refreshing breeze of hope and renewal.
And as you leave, I can only sigh your name
Now that you are gone, your memory is all I have left, and it brings both comfort and sorrow.
Cries of anguish echo from way down
Deep inside, I am hurting, but I am not able to express my pain in words.
But will never reach my lips to make a sound
Despite the emotional turmoil I am feeling, I cannot bring myself to vocalize it.
Though it seems my world is crumblin'
I feel like everything around me is falling apart, and I am struggling to hold on.
Honey, you don't owe me anything
You do not have any obligation to me, and I am grateful for everything you have already given me.
'Cause what you gave me, girl
Is more than enough to last, oh yes it is
And what you gave me, girl
Is more than enough to last, oh yes it is
Your love and kindness have filled me up and sustained me in ways that will endure long after you have gone.
You've given me so much warmth
I don't see how I could ever grow cold
Your affection and tenderness have enveloped me in a comforting, protective cocoon that shields me from the harshness of the world.
In my mind, there's a picture of you and I
That nobody has the price to buy
The image of you and me together is a treasure that cannot be sold or bought, for it is priceless and unique.
I don't know what made you change your mind
But you'll be back, it's just a matter of time
I am unsure what caused you to leave, but I am confident that you will return to me eventually, as our bond is strong and enduring.
Into my life you came like a breath of spring
Givin' me a song to sing, oh yeah, oh yeah
You entered my existence like a joyful, uplifting season that inspired me to express my emotions in music and dance.
And though I know you're leavin'
I won't be grievin' 'cause I know
Although I am aware that you are departing, I am not going to despair or lament, because I trust in the power of our connection.
Time has a way of showin' us
The things we really need
As time passes, we come to realize what truly matters in life and what we should prioritize above all other things.
And no matter where you go
I know you'll find your way back home, oh baby
Even if you wander far away from me, I am confident that you will eventually return to the place where you belong, with me by your side.
Though I know it's not reality
You'll always be a part of me
Even though I accept that our relationship may not be sustainable in the long term, a part of you will always remain with me and shape my perspective.
'Cause what you gave me
Is more than enough to last, oh, yeah, yeah
And what you gave me, hey
Is more than enough to last
What you gave me
Is more than enough to last
And what you gave me
Is more than enough to last
I am grateful for the impact you have made on my life, and the memories of our time together will be enough to sustain me throughout my days.
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: NICKOLAS ASHFORD, VALERIE SIMPSON
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind