About the song
In the early 1970s, Motown’s most iconic label mates, Diana Ross and Marvin Gaye, were brought together to create a duet album that would showcase their incredible vocal talents. The result was “Diana & Marvin,” a collaborative effort that would produce some of the most memorable songs of the era. Among these tracks was “Stop, Look, Listen (To Your Heart),” a soulful ballad that would become a staple of their repertoire.
Recorded in separate studios, the song features the unmistakable vocals of Diana Ross and Marvin Gaye, with the legendary Funk Brothers providing the instrumentation. Produced by Hal Davis, the song’s smooth, laid-back groove is the perfect backdrop for the duo’s heartfelt harmonies. Released as a UK-only single in 1974, “Stop, Look, Listen (To Your Heart)” quickly became a hit, reaching #25 on the UK Singles Chart.
The song’s enduring popularity can be attributed to its timeless message of love and devotion. The lyrics, penned by Thom Bell and Linda Creed, urge listeners to take a step back and listen to their heart, to trust their instincts and follow their emotions. The result is a song that is both romantic and introspective, a perfect blend of soul and R&B that has stood the test of time.
In recent years, “Stop, Look, Listen (To Your Heart)” has been featured in various films and television shows, including the 2001 movie “Bridget Jones’s Diary.” The song’s inclusion in this popular romantic comedy introduced it to a new generation of music fans, cementing its status as a classic of the genre. With its lush harmonies, smooth instrumentation, and timeless message, “Stop, Look, Listen (To Your Heart)” remains a beloved duet that continues to captivate audiences to this day.
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Lyrics
… Ohh, baby
Ohh, baby
… My mistake was to love you, girl
Love you, girl
My mistake was to give my all
Tell the world
… First I had you
In the palm of my hand
But I let you slip through
Like grains of sand
At the beginning
When I didn’t care
Like my own reflection
You were always there
… My mistake was to love you, girl
To love you, girl
My mistake, baby, was to give my all
Tell the world
… You were sweeter
Than my very own kin
But what did I do for you?
Not a thing
In front of my friends
You broke me down
Since then, darling
It’s hard to track you down
… My mistake was to love you, boy
Love you, boy
My mistake was to give my all
Tell the world
… Yeah, baby
Ohh, my mistake, yeah
… Many a smile
You put on my face
But I paid dearly
With the tears I taste
… My tenderness
Made you cold, not sweet
‘Cause if a girl loves you
You only call her weak
… My mistake was to love you, boy
Love you, boy (oh, love you, girl)
My mistake was to give my all
Tell the world
… My (my, my) mistake
Was to love you, girl (love you, boy)
Love you, girl (love you, boy)
My (my, my) mistake, baby
Was to give my all
Tell the world
… My (my, my) mistake
Was to love you, girl (love you, boy)
Love you, girl (love you, boy)
My (my)Diana Ross & Marvin Gaye