You Ain't Livin' Till You're Lovin'
Marvin Gaye & Tammi Terrell Lyrics


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You think you're so way out
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
Ah ah, 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

Overall Meaning

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
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Comments from YouTube:

@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

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