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/
You've Got What It Takes
Marvin Gaye & Tammi Terrell Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
And you don't look like a movie star
And on that little ol' paycheck, we won't get far
But you got it (I got it baby) you got what it takes for me
Whoah, ya satisfy
You got what it takes to set my soul on fire
You got it (I got it), baby, you got what it takes for me
Honey, you don't live in a beautiful place
You don't dress with the best of taste
And nature didn't give you such a beautiful face but you got it
Baby you got it, what it takes for me
You satisfy, you got what it takes to set my soul on fire
You've got it, honey, you've got it, what it takes for me
Now when you kiss me
Oh, baby, my head goes around and round
Honey, honey, when you're near me
Oh, baby, my love comes tumblin' down
You send me, honey
Oh, you don't live in a beautiful place
And you don't dress with the best of taste
And nature didn't give you such a beautiful face
But you got it, baby, you got it, what it takes for me
Oh, you know you satisfy
You got what it takes to set my soul on fire
You've got it, ooh, baby, you got it, what it takes for me
I know you've got it, you've got it, what it takes for me
You set my little soul on fire, you've got it
Whoa, you've got it, what it takes for me
I know, I know, baby, you've got what it takes for me
Whoah, yeah
Tammi, Tammi, you've got it
Marvin, you've got it, what it takes for me
I know you've got it, baby you've got it
What it takes for me
The song "You've Got What It Takes" by Marvin Gaye and Tammi Terrell is about how looks and money are not what make a person attractive to someone, but rather their personality and inner qualities. The lyrics talk about how the person being sung about doesn't have a fancy car, doesn't look like a movie star, and doesn't live in a beautiful place or dress with the best of taste. However, despite these things, the person has what it takes to make the singer happy and set their soul on fire. The chorus repeats the line "you've got it, what it takes for me" emphasizing the idea that the person has all the qualities that matter to the singer.
The song also explores the physical attraction between the two people, with the lyrics saying that when the person kisses the singer, their head spins and their love comes tumbling down. This touch of physical attraction adds a layer of complexity to the song, showing that while inner qualities are important, physical attraction is still a factor.
Overall, the message of the song is that looks and money don't necessarily make a person attractive, but rather their inner qualities and personality. The lyrics emphasize that the person being sung about may not have much in the way of material possessions or physical beauty, but they have all the qualities that matter to the singer.
Line by Line Meaning
You don't drive a big fine car
You may not have a flashy car to show off your wealth
And you don't look like a movie star
Your appearance may not match the glamorous standards set by Hollywood
And on that little ol' paycheck, we won't get far
Your income may not be large enough for a lavish lifestyle
But you got it (I got it baby) you got what it takes for me
Despite all these material shortcomings, you possess the qualities that matter to me the most
Whoah, ya satisfy
Spending time with you makes me completely content and gratified
You got what it takes to set my soul on fire
Your personality and character are intensely alluring and captivating to me
Honey, you don't live in a beautiful place
The surroundings you live in might not be as picturesque or luxurious as some people's
You don't dress with the best of taste
Your fashion choices might not match the current trends or high-end designer brands
And nature didn't give you such a beautiful face but you got it
You might not have striking, conventionally attractive features, but you possess an inner quality that shines through
Baby you got it, what it takes for me
You possess the characteristics that matter the most to me personally
Now when you kiss me
The physical intimacy we share leaves me dizzy and exhilarated
Oh, baby, my head goes around and round
The sensation of your lips on mine is entrancing and disorienting in the best way
Honey, honey, when you're near me
Being in your presence fills me with warmth and comfort
Oh, baby, my love comes tumblin' down
The strength of my affection for you is overwhelming and all-encompassing
You send me, honey
You have an irresistible and powerful effect on my emotions and feelings
I know you've got it, baby you've got it
I am sure you have the unique combination of characteristics that makes you perfect for me
Tammi, Tammi, you've got it
I acknowledge the same qualities that were evident in my former duet partner Tammi Terrell
Marvin, you've got it, what it takes for me
Just like Tammi, you have the special qualities that make you the ideal partner for me
Whoah, yeah
I am filled with enthusiasm and passion for the relationship we have together
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: TONY BERRY, RAQUEL DAVIS, GWEN GORDY
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind