About the song
In the realm of soul music, Marvin Gaye stands as a towering figure, an artist whose impassioned vocals and heartfelt songwriting resonated with generations of listeners. Among his illustrious discography, “Let’s Get It On” holds a special place, a landmark album that not only solidified Gaye’s status as a soul icon but also redefined the boundaries of the genre.
Released in 1973, “Let’s Get It On” marked a turning point in Gaye’s career. Following the success of his socially conscious album “What’s Going On,” Gaye found himself at a crossroads, grappling with personal struggles and seeking new creative directions. This introspection seeped into his music, giving birth to an album that was both deeply personal and unabashedly sensual.
The album’s title track, co-written with Gaye’s longtime collaborator Ed Townsend, became an instant anthem, its infectious groove and suggestive lyrics setting the stage for a sonic exploration of love, desire, and spiritual connection. Gaye’s vocals, imbued with raw emotion and unrestrained passion, transformed the song into an irresistible plea for intimacy.
Beyond the title track, “Let’s Get It On” showcased Gaye’s versatility as a songwriter and musician. “Come Get to This,” with its pulsating rhythm and playful lyrics, exuded an irresistible energy, while “You Sure Love to Ball” pushed the boundaries of explicitness, challenging societal norms and embracing the raw power of sexuality.
Gaye’s exploration of sexuality extended beyond the physical realm, delving into the spiritual dimensions of intimacy. “Feel So Good,” a tender ballad, intertwined themes of love and faith, suggesting a connection between physical and spiritual fulfillment. “If I Should Die Tonight,” a poignant reflection on mortality, found solace in the embrace of love, offering a testament to the enduring power of human connection.
The album’s production, characterized by the tight grooves of The Funk Brothers and Gaye’s own soulful piano playing, perfectly complemented the album’s themes. Gaye’s innovative use of the Roland TR-808 drum machine, particularly on the title track, added a modern edge to the sound, foreshadowing the rise of funk and R&B in the years to come.
“Let’s Get It On” was a commercial and critical triumph, topping charts worldwide and earning Gaye two Grammy Awards. It became Gaye’s best-selling album during his time at Motown, solidifying his status as a superstar and opening new doors for artistic expression.
The album’s impact extended far beyond its chart success. It ushered in a new era of soul music, one that embraced sensuality and explored the complexities of human relationships with greater openness and honesty. Gaye’s willingness to push boundaries and challenge conventions inspired countless artists to follow suit, paving the way for a more diverse and expressive landscape of R&B.
“Let’s Get It On” remains a cornerstone of Marvin Gaye’s legacy, a testament to his artistry, his fearlessness, and his profound understanding of the human experience. It is an album that continues to captivate listeners, its music as relevant and powerful today as it was when it was first released. As Gaye himself proclaimed in the album’s liner notes, “Let’s Get It On” is an invitation to embrace the full spectrum of human emotion, to celebrate love, desire, and the transformative power of connection.
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Lyrics
‘ve been really tryin’, baby
Tryin’ to hold back this feeling for so long
And if you feel like I feel, baby
Then, c’mon, oh, c’mon, whoa
… Let’s get it on
Ah, baby, let’s get it on
Let’s love, baby
Let’s get it on, sugar
Let’s get it on, woo hoo
… We’re all sensitive people
With so much to give
Understand me, sugar (ooh ooh)
Since we’ve got to be here
Let’s live
I love you
… There’s nothing wrong with me
Loving you, baby no no
And giving yourself to me can never be wrong
If the love is true, oh baby
… Ooh don’t you know how sweet and wonderful life can be ooh (let me love you)
I’m asking you baby to get it on with me ooh ooh (let me love you)
I ain’t gonna worry (let me love you)
I ain’t gonna push, won’t push you baby (let me love you)
So c’mon, c’mon, c’mon, c’mon, c’mon, baby
Stop beatin’ ’round the bush, hey
… Let’s get it on (ooh ooh)
Let’s get it on (ooh ooh)
You know what I’m talkin’ ’bout
C’mon, baby, hey, hey
Let your love come out
If you believe in love
Let’s get it on, ooh
Let’s get it on, baby
This minute, oh yeah
Let’s get it on
Please, please get it on
… I know and you know what I’ve been dreaming of, don’t you baby? (ah, ah, ah, ah)
My whole body makes that feelin’ of love, I’m happy (my body wants ya, my body wants ya)
I ain’t gonna worry, no I ain’t gonna push (ah)
I won’t push you baby, woo (ah ah)
… C’mon, c’mon, c’mon, c’mon, c’mon, darlin’
Stop beatin’ ’round the bush
Oh, gonna get it on (ooh, ooh)
Threatenin’ you, baby (ooh, ooh)
I wanna get it on (ooh, ooh)
You don’t have to worry that it’s wrong (ooh, ooh)
If the spirit moves ya (ooh, ooh)
Let me groove ya good (ooh, ooh)
Let your love come down (ooh, ooh)
Oh, get it on
… C’mon, baby (ooh, ooh)
Do you know the meaning? (ooh, ooh)
I’ve been sanctified (ooh, ooh), hey hey
Girl, you give me good feeling (ooh, ooh) (so good)
So good, somethin’ like sanctified (ooh, ooh)
… Oh dear I, baby (ooh, ooh)
Nothing wrong with love (ooh, ooh)
If you want to love me just let your self go (ooh, ooh)
Oh baby, let’s get it on (ooh, ooh)