Way Over There
The Marvelettes Lyrics


Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴  Line by Line Meaning ↴

I've got a lover way over there on the mountain side
And I know that's where I should be
Don't you know
I've got a lover way over there across the river wide
I can hear her calling to me
Oh, she's calling my name
So sweet so plain I can hear her saying
(Come to me, baby)
I'm on my way
(Come to me baby)
I'm gonna stay
(Come to me baby)

They tell me that the river's too deep
And it's much too wide
Boy, you can't get over to the other side
But they don't know I got to get there
And hold her in my arms just one more time
Like I did before when she was mine, all mine
'Cause I hear her saying,
(Come to me baby)
I'm on my way
(Come to me baby)
I'm gonna stay




I'm gonna get to you
No matter what I have to do

Overall Meaning

The Marvelettes' song "Way Over There" is a romantic ballad about the singer's longing for their lover who is far away on the mountain side and across the river. The singer expresses that they know they should be with their lover but they are being held back by physical barriers such as the deep and wide river. However, their love for their partner is so strong that they are determined to find a way to get to them, no matter what it takes.


The lyrics deal with themes of distance, longing, and determination. The song expresses the emotional turmoil that comes with being separated from a loved one and the unwavering dedication to overcoming any obstacles to ultimately unite with them. The repetition of the phrase "Come to me baby" reinforces the idea of the lover's strong desire to be reunited with their partner.


Overall, the song's lyrics evoke a sense of longing and passionate dedication. The singer's strong determination to reach their lover, no matter how difficult the journey may be, demonstrates the power of love and the lengths one is willing to go to be with the person they love.


Line by Line Meaning

I've got a lover way over there on the mountain side
I have a romantic partner who lives on the other side of the mountain.


And I know that's where I should be
I feel that I belong with my lover and should be with them.


Don't you know
Do you understand or realize?


I've got a lover way over there across the river wide
My partner also lives across a wide river.


I can hear her calling to me
I feel like my lover is calling out for me.


Oh, she's calling my name
My partner's call for me is very personal and meant only for me.


So sweet so plain I can hear her saying
Her voice is gentle and clear, and I can hear her saying...


(Come to me, baby)
She is pleading with me to come to her.


I'm on my way
I am already coming to you.


(Come to me baby)
Again, she is urging me to come to her.


I'm gonna stay
When I reach her, I plan to stay with her for a while.


(Come to me baby)
A third time, she is asking me to come to her.


They tell me that the river's too deep
People have warned me that the river is too deep.


And it's much too wide
Additionally, the river is also very wide.


Boy, you can't get over to the other side
People have told me that it's impossible to cross the river.


But they don't know I got to get there
Despite their negative comments, I am determined to reach her.


And hold her in my arms just one more time
I want to feel the embrace of my lover once again.


Like I did before when she was mine, all mine
I am reminiscing about a time when we were together and things were good.


'Cause I hear her saying,
She's still urging me to come to her, even now.


(Come to me baby)
She is still waiting for me to come to her.


I'm on my way
I am already on my way to her.


(Come to me baby)
One final time, she pleads with me to come to her.


I'm gonna get to you
I am determined to reach my lover no matter what.


No matter what I have to do
I am willing to face any obstacles in my way to be with my lover once again.




Lyrics © BMG Rights Management, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: BERRY GORDY JR, BERRY JR GORDY, SMOKEY ROBINSON, WILLIAM ROBINSON JR.

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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Comments from YouTube:

Cal Waite

Gladys Horton just killin it here! Rough, raspy, edgy...my favortite version. Great post.

Dawson Nash

Fun to compare to The Miracles's version. Both are good. The Marvelettes always did a great job with Smokey's songs.

elamite66

Am I correct in assuming this was released on an LP in any case it's great with all due respect to the Miracles

Steve

Commenter today says "1961 On their Please Mr Postman LP" That should be easy enough to verify.

Chrystal Craig

I like Wanda Rogers' and Gladys Horton's voices equally as well. 😃👍✌️

MY QUEEN ima give my dumass opinion cause

CLASSIC ❤️ I bet those were good ole days..... tho I were born in 81' but I can definitely feel the vibe and energy of those times...

MrSoulPatrol

Absolutely amazing! That voice.. Just wow!

Sth LDN QPR

definitely the best version , that t real raw vocal , pounding Soul beat , real women ,cant be beat !

loveyouall66

WANDA YOUNG'S VOICE WAS NICE, BUT THERE WAS SOMETHING VERY SPECIAL ABOUT GLADYS HORTON'S.

Steve Eaton

Undoubtedly. She started my permanent soul addiction.

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