About the song
“Missing You” is a poignant and powerful ballad that resonated with music lovers worldwide when it was released in 1984. Performed by the legendary American singer Diana Ross, this song was a tribute to the late Marvin Gaye, who was tragically murdered by his father earlier that year. Written, composed, and produced by the renowned Lionel Richie, “Missing You” is a heartfelt and emotional tribute to Gaye’s memory.
The song was born out of conversations between Ross and Richie, who shared stories and memories of Gaye. Their discussions sparked the creation of a song that would become a timeless classic. Released as the fourth single from Ross’s album Swept Away, “Missing You” was a commercial success, reaching the top ten on the U.S. pop singles chart in the spring of 1985. The song’s impact was even more significant on the R&B singles chart, where it reached number one and became the 3rd biggest hit of 1985.
The song’s success was not limited to its chart performance. The music video for “Missing You” was a groundbreaking moment in music history, as it was the first video to be played on VH1. The video was preceded by a clip of Marvin Gaye performing “The Star-Spangled Banner,” a poignant tribute to the legendary singer. “Missing You” was a testament to the enduring power of music to bring people together and to honor the memory of those who have left us too soon. The song’s impact was felt not only in the music industry but also in the hearts of fans around the world, who continue to cherish this beautiful and emotional tribute to Marvin Gaye.
Video
Lyrics
Since you’ve been away, I’ve been down and lonely
Since you’ve been away, I’ve been thinking of you
Trying to understand the reason you left me
What were you going through?
Ooh-ooh, ooh-ooh-ooh, I’m missing you
Tell me why the road turns
Ooh-ooh, ooh-ooh-ooh, I’m missing you
Tell me why the road turns
As I look around, I see things that remind me
Just to see you smile made my heart fill with joy
I still recall all those dreams we shared together
Where did you run to, boy?
Ooh-ooh, ooh-ooh-ooh, I’m missing you
Tell me why the road turns (tell me why the road turns)
Ooh-ooh-ooh-ooh, I’m missing you
Tell me why the road turns
Sometimes I’ve wondered, I didn’t understand
Just where you were tryna go, only you knew the plan
And I tried to be there, but you wouldn’t let me in
But now you’ve gone away, boy
I feel so broken-hearted (oh)
I knew the day we started
That we were meant to be
If only you’d let me
I’ve cried so many tears (oh)
Gotta face now all my fears (oh)
We let time slip away
I need you, boy, here today
There was so much you gave me to my heart, to my soul
There was so much of your dreams that were never told
You had so much hope for a brighter day
Why were you, my flower, plucked away?
Tell me why the road turns (tell me why the road turns)
Ooh-ooh (ooh-ooh, I’m missing you)
Tell me why the road turns (tell me why the road turns)
Tell me, tell me why (ooh-ooh, I’m missing you)
Tell me why the road turns (tell me why the road turns)
Oh, don’t understand it (ooh-ooh, I’m missing you)
Ah-hah, can you hear me, baby?
Tell me why the road turns (tell me why the road turns)
(Ooh-ooh, I’m missing you)