Born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, she entered the music business at the age of 13, regularly performing live. In 1961 she was signed to the fledgling Scepter Records (later Wand Records), recording under the name "Tammy Montgomery". After coming to the attention of James Brown she recorded one single apiece for Brown's own Try Me record label and, in 1964, Checker Records. The year after that, she was spotted by Berry Gordy Jr. while playing live, and signed to his Motown label. Attractive and talented, she became romantically linked with both James Brown and David Ruffin, lead singer of The Temptations.
Tammy Montgomery changed her name to "Tammi Terrell" at the time of her Motown signing, and was teamed with producers Harvey Fuqua and Johnny Bristol. After releasing a pair of minor R&B chart hits, "I Can't Believe You Love Me" and "Come On and See Me," Terrell was chosen to replace Kim Weston as Marvin Gaye's duet partner. The duo recorded a number of successful hits which remain popular today: "Ain't No Mountain High Enough", "Your Precious Love," "Ain't Nothing Like the Real Thing," and "You're All I Need to Get By", all written (and in the case of the latter two, produced by) Ashford & Simpson.
While on tour with Gaye in Virginia in mid-1967, Terrell fainted on stage, and was later diagnosed as having a malignant brain tumor. While Terrell endured several operations and continued to record new material, her health steadily deteriorated. Fuqua and Bristol resorted to having Gaye overdub archived Terrell solo tracks to fill out the Gaye/Terrell duets albums. The final album attributed to Marvin Gaye & Tammi Terrell, "Easy" (1969), actually features co-producer Valerie Simpson subbing for Terrell on all but two of the tracks.
Twelve of Tammi Terrell's solo Motown recordings, including "I Can't Believe You Love Me", "Come On and See Me," and a minor hit cover of The Isley Brothers' "This Old Heart of Mine (Is Weak for You)", were issued as Terrell's only solo album, "Irresistible," in January 1969. Terrell died of brain cancer at age 24 on March 16, 1970.
I'm Your Puppet
Tammi Terrell Lyrics
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I'll do funny things if you want me to, I'm your puppet
I'm yours to have and to hold
Darling you've got full control of your puppet
Pull another string and I'll kiss your lips, I'm your puppet
Snap your finger and I'll turn you some flips, I'm your puppet
Listen, your every wish is my command
All you gotta do is wiggle your little hand
I'm your puppet, I'm your puppet
I'm just a toy, just a funny boy
That makes you laugh when you're blue
I'll be wonderful, do just what I'm told
I'll do anything for you
I'm your puppet, I'm your puppet
Pull them little strings and I'll sing you a song, I'm your puppet
Make me do right or make me do wrong, I'm your puppet
Treat me good and I'll do anything
I'm just a puppet and you hold my string, I'm your puppet
Darling, darling, pull the strings, let me sing you a song any day
I'm your puppet baby, you can sing for me all night long
Honey, yeah
The song "I'm Your Puppet" by Tammi Terrell is a romantic ballad with a twist. The lyrics depict the singer as a puppet who is entirely controlled by her love interest. From winking to kissing, doing flips, and singing a song, the puppet is completely submissive to her master's every whim. It is clear that the puppet loves the master with all her heart, and would do anything to please her. The puppet is fully aware that her existence is for her master's amusement and entertainment, and she accepts her role completely.
The lyrics of the song can be interpreted in many ways. Some critics suggest that it is a metaphor for the plight of women who are often objectified and seen as commodities in relationships. Others believe that it is a thoughtful song about the nature of love and control. It is an ironic twist on the typical love song, which often depicts the singer as the one in control. The song reminds us that love can be both beautiful and dangerous, and that we need to be careful when giving our hearts away.
Line by Line Meaning
Pull the string and I'll wink at you, I'm your puppet
I'll respond to your requests with a wink if you pull my string.
I'll do funny things if you want me to, I'm your puppet
I'll entertain you by complying with your requests for me to do silly things.
I'm yours to have and to hold
I belong to you and exist for your gratification.
Darling you've got full control of your puppet
You possess complete authority over me (the puppet) and can manipulate me according to your will.
Pull another string and I'll kiss your lips, I'm your puppet
I'll engage in intimate behavior, like kissing, if you command me to by pulling my string.
Snap your finger and I'll turn you some flips, I'm your puppet
I'll perform physical feats, like flips, if you signal me to by snapping your finger.
Your every wish is my command
I'm obligated to fulfill any desire of yours.
All you gotta do is wiggle your little hand
You have the power to control me by moving your hand, no matter how small the gesture.
I'm just a toy, just a funny boy
I'm nothing more than an object, a comedic figure.
That makes you laugh when you're blue
I provide you with amusement when you're feeling sad.
I'll be wonderful, do just what I'm told
I'll do my best to please you by obeying your every instruction.
I'll do anything for you
I'm willing to perform any act you desire.
Pull them little strings and I'll sing you a song, I'm your puppet
I'll serenade you if you manipulate me by pulling my strings.
Make me do right or make me do wrong, I'm your puppet
You have the power to compel me to do good or evil deeds.
Treat me good and I'll do anything
If you're kind to me, I'll go to any lengths to please you.
I'm just a puppet an you hold my string, I'm your puppet
You're in charge of our relationship, and I'll comply with everything you ask.
Walking, talking, living, loving puppet
I'm a puppet capable of moving, speaking, existing, and loving.
I'm hanging on a string, I'll do anything now
I'm completely dependent on you, and will execute any orders you give me.
I'm a walking, talking, living, loving puppet, and I love you
I'm a living, breathing puppet with no control over my feelings or actions, and I love you (my master).
Lyrics © Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: SPOONER OLDHAM, DAN PENN
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@averydaymond1560
Not sure how but this is the first time I’ve heard this version of this song. This is by far the best version, there is something magical about the way Marvin Gaye & Tammi Terrell voices bounce off of each other. Their voices actually have similarities to each other, it’s an awesome sound.
@ivannasha5556
Big agree. I cannot believe it doesn't even pop up on google or youtube unless you specify the duo. Internet has failed XD
@roccom5988
Magnificent work Marc.
@loisweiss6678
love this. thanks for the post
@nataliehamn9615
Send to mike
@ginettedufromont3502
belle version
@renatocamo
Ginette Dufromont Great rendition, thanks
@evaaz9694
❤️❤️❤️
@evaaz9694
👍🏻