I Heard It Through the Grapevine
Strong Barrett Lyrics
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'Bout your plans to make me blue
With some other guy you knew before
Between the two of us guys
You know I loved you more
It took me by surprise I must say
When I found out yesterday
Don't you know that I heard it through the grapevine
Oh I heard it through the grapevine
Oh I'm just about to lose my mind
Honey, honey yeah.
I heard it through the grapevine
Not much longer would you be mine baby
I know a man ain't supposed to cry
But these tears I can't hold inside
Losin' you would end my life you see
'Cause you mean that much to me
You could have told me yourself
That you loved some one else
Instead I heard it through the grapevine
Not much longer would you be mine
Oh, I heard it through the grapevine
And I'm just about to lose my mind
Honey, honey yeah
I heard it through the grapevine
Not much longer would you be mine, baby
People say believe half of what you see
Son and none of what you hear
But I can't help but be confused
If it's true please tell me dear
Do you plan to let me go
For the other guy you loved before?
Don't you know I heard it through the grapevine
Not much longer would you be mine, baby yeah
I heard it through the grapevine
I'm just about to love my mind
Honey, honey, yeah
I heard it through the grapevine,
Not much longer would you be mine, baby yeah
The lyrics of “I Heard it Through the Grapevine” by Strong Barrett tells a story about a man and his experience of finding out about his partner’s infidelity through gossip. The singer of the song is surprised to learn from other people that his partner has been seeing someone else. This revelation is a blow since he believed that he loved her more than the other guy. The singer is hurt, and he finds it hard to keep it together since losing her would mean the end of his life. He wished that she had told him about the affair herself instead of hearing from others. The song showcases the idea that rumors are often true, and people shouldn't believe everything they see or hear, and direct communication is important.
Line by Line Meaning
I bet you're wonderin' how I knew
You're probably surprised that I found out
'Bout your plans to make me blue
That you were trying to make me sad
With some other guy you knew before
You started seeing someone you knew previously
Between the two of us guys
It was just you and me competing for your love
You know I loved you more
I had stronger feelings for you than the other guy
It took me by surprise I must say
I was shocked when I found out
When I found out yesterday
I just found out recently
Don't you know that I heard it through the grapevine
I heard it from someone else, not you
Not much longer would you be mine
Our relationship would end soon
Oh I heard it through the grapevine
I got the news through the grapevine
Oh I'm just about to lose my mind
I'm going crazy over this
Honey, honey yeah.
Term of endearment for the person being addressed
I know a man ain't supposed to cry
Men are generally expected not to cry
But these tears I can't hold inside
I cannot contain my emotions
Losin' you would end my life you see
Losing you would be devastating for me
'Cause you mean that much to me
I care about you deeply
You could have told me yourself
You should have shared the news with me directly
That you loved some one else
That you had romantic feelings for someone besides me
Instead I heard it through the grapevine
Someone else told me about your feelings
People say believe half of what you see
Not everything you hear or see is true
Son and none of what you hear
The artist is addressing someone younger, saying to not believe what they hear
But I can't help but be confused
I'm still uncertain and doubtful
If it's true please tell me dear
If what I heard is accurate, please confirm it personally
Do you plan to let me go
Are you going to break up with me?
For the other guy you loved before?
For the guy you previously had feelings for?
Not much longer would you be mine, baby yeah
Our relationship will end soon, honey
I'm just about to love [sic] my mind
I'm going crazy over this
Honey, honey, yeah
Term of endearment for the person being addressed
I heard it through the grapevine,
I got the news through the grapevine
Not much longer would you be mine, baby yeah
Our relationship will end soon, honey
Lyrics © Kanjian Music, Tratore, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: Norman Whitfield, Barrett Strong
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
MineWheaties
RIP Barrett Strong. You showed a lot of talent
musik102
I've just discovered Barrett ( although I've known of him for 50+ years ). What a talent. Terrific singer, and a top songwriter.
Blurryfase Swayez
Me too he’s slept on
Deirdre Horan
So sad to hear of his death today, what a lovely recording to exist of Music History.
Stephen Eccles
Love this stripped-down version of "Grapevine", with fantastic vocals by Barrett Strong. As a songwriter and lyricist, Strong has few peers going back many decades. But I didn't know until recently what a talented singer Barrett Strong was . . . and is. And I trust there will be a special place in heaven for Strong because of his role as the writer of the perceptive and heart-breaking lyrics for "Papa Was A Rolling Stone".
oldsoul
Barrett sadly has died today. He will be taking his place in heaven alongside Lamont, Norman and the Funk Brothers. That is a recording studio to spend eternity in!!!!
Doug Morgan
This is one of the best live CDs I own. Strong, Ric Ocasek, Janis Ian, Richard Thompson and others talking about songwriting.
Kevin McHugh
What a talented man!
Jose Sisyowma
Barrett Strong Original songwriter. Small window into the past.. Thank you for the memories Mr. Strong Rest now Rest in Peace 🕊️ 🎶
Kevin Tyson
If Barrett Strong had recorded this song back in the day. I know it would have been a hit.