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 Ain't Livin' Till You're Lovin'
Marvin Gaye & Tammi Terrell Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
And you got all the action
Still you can't find no satisfaction
Baby - try me, and I'll make you see
You ain't livin' until you're lovin', baby
You ain't livin' until you're lovin', baby
Ooh, until you fall you ain't livin' at all
You like to kiss and run
And that's where it is
'Cause somebody told you
Love was heartaches and tears
Baby, although you're free
I'll make you see
You ain't livin' until you're lovin', baby
You ain't livin' until you're lovin', baby
Oh, until you fall you ain't livin' at all
You ain't livin' at all
To be in love, I know it's not your ambition
But before you go, think about my proposition
You may conquer the world and be king on a throne
But you still ain't nobody, baby
When you're sittin' all alone
You ain't livin' until you're lovin', baby
You ain't livin' until you're lovin', baby
Ooh, until you fall you ain't livin' at all
You ain't livin' until you're lovin', baby
You ain't livin' until you're lovin', baby
Ooh, until you fall you ain't livin' at all
You ain't livin' until you're lovin', baby
You ain't livin' until you're lovin', baby
Ooh, until you fall you ain't livin' at all
You ain't livin' until you're lovin', baby
You ain't livin' until you're lovin', baby
Ooh, until you fall you ain't livin' at all
The lyrics of Marvin Gaye and Tammi Terrell's You Ain't Livin' Till You're Lovin' describe the idea that no matter how much success or action one has in life, they cannot truly live until they experience love. The opening lines address someone who thinks they are ahead of the game and has all the excitement, but still cannot find satisfaction. The singer urges them to try love and promises to show them what they have been missing. The chorus reinforces the belief that life is not complete until love is experienced.
The second verse addresses someone who is content with fleeting moments of passion but believes love only leads to heartache and tears. Although this person may feel free, the singer insists that they haven't truly lived until they have felt love's power. The bridge implores the listener to consider the proposition that love is not their goal, but it is still a necessary part of life. The song concludes with a repeat of the chorus, emphasizing that life without love is not a life at all.
Overall, the lyrics of You Ain't Livin' Till You're Lovin' express the idea that love is a crucial part of life that cannot be substituted by success, excitement, or momentary passion. True living requires the experience of love, and until it is felt, life is incomplete.
Line by Line Meaning
You think you're so way out
You believe yourself to be exceptional
And you got all the action
You have many opportunities for pleasure
Still you can't find no satisfaction
You are unable to truly enjoy your life
Baby - try me, and I'll make you see
I will show you a better way to live
You ain't livin' until you're lovin', baby
Your life is incomplete without love
Ooh, until you fall you ain't livin' at all
You must take risks in love to truly live
You like to kiss and run
You prefer casual relationships
And that's where it is
That is the extent of your emotional depth
'Cause somebody told you
You have been misled about love
Love was heartaches and tears
You believe love is painful and not worth pursuing
Baby, although you're free
Despite your independence
I'll make you see
I will change your perspective
To be in love, I know it's not your ambition
You do not prioritize seeking love
But before you go, think about my proposition
Consider what I am offering you
You may conquer the world and be king on a throne
You can achieve great worldly success
But you still ain't nobody, baby
Without love, you are incomplete
When you're sittin' all alone
In moments of solitude
You ain't livin' until you're lovin', baby
You must experience love to truly live
Ooh, until you fall you ain't livin' at all
Taking risks in love is necessary for a fulfilling life
You ain't livin' until you're lovin', baby
Your life is incomplete without love
Ooh, until you fall you ain't livin' at all
You must take risks in love to truly live
You ain't livin' until you're lovin', baby
Your life is incomplete without love
Ooh, until you fall you ain't livin' at all
Taking risks in love is necessary for a fulfilling life
You ain't livin' until you're lovin', baby
Your life is incomplete without love
Ooh, until you fall you ain't livin' at all
Taking risks in love is necessary for a fulfilling life
You ain't livin' until you're lovin', baby
Your life is incomplete without love
Ooh, until you fall you ain't livin' at all
Taking risks in love is necessary for a fulfilling life
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: NICKOLAS ASHFORD, VALERIE SIMPSON
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@johncraven8867
All the music they did together was good.
@musicmakesmysoulfly
So nice! Tammi has such a clear sweet voice.
@jackbutler2989
Pure class, simple true lyrics great track brings me waaaay back to the fantastic days of Motown
@LESLEYALOVE-ws7mx
CONGRATULATIONS TO
LEGENDARY
NICK ASHFORD & VALARIE SIMPSON FOR ANOTHER
GENUINE CLASSIC HIT SONG
I FOUND WAY BACK IN THE DAY, WHEN I JUST FLIPPED THAT 45'
ANOTHER TIME WITH THIS GENUINE CLASSIC PRECIOUS DIAMOND JEWEL
@shanitrahan2959
Marvin gave & tammi Terrell greatest hits i love you
@sharonhill8916
This track takes me back to the "wheel" in 1969. Great times ,great friends, still sounds great. Marvin and Tammi, no duo any better.
@virginiahall4030
I so love this song Marvin and Tammi 🤩🥰😍
@jbri1
So good. Makes me happy
@sdeschanel1
Love it! Thanks @MyOldiesButGoodies - they sure are!
@pseudofox
Excellent! :-D