About the song
Marvin Gaye’s 1973 album, *Let’s Get It On*, stands as a seminal work in the realms of soul, funk, and R&B, encapsulating the artist’s journey through music, love, and personal redemption. Released under Motown’s Tamla Records, the album marked a departure from Gaye’s earlier socially conscious themes towards a more intimate exploration of sexuality and romance.
Recorded between 1970 and 1973 across studios in Detroit and Los Angeles, *Let’s Get It On* not only showcased Gaye’s musical versatility but also delved into his personal struggles, particularly his turbulent relationship with his father and the consequent impact on his views on sex and spirituality. This introspective backdrop provided fertile ground for the album’s lyrical content, which was characterized by its unabashedly sexual themes—a departure from Motown’s traditional “Motown Sound” formula.
The album’s title track, co-written with Ed Townsend, became an instant classic, embodying the album’s sensual essence with its smooth, soulful vocals and suggestive lyrics. Supported by the Funk Brothers and other session musicians, Gaye created a sound that blended traditional soul with elements of funk, setting a new standard for romantic balladry and influencing generations of R&B artists to come.
*Let’s Get It On* wasn’t just a commercial success—it became Gaye’s best-selling album at Motown, solidifying his status as both a musical innovator and a cultural icon. Its impact on the music industry was profound, not only popularizing funk but also pioneering the slow jam and quiet storm formats that would define R&B in the decades following its release.
Critically acclaimed, the album has consistently appeared on lists of the greatest albums of all time, including Rolling Stone’s 500 Greatest Albums of All Time. Its recognition by the Grammy Hall of Fame further underscores its historical significance in the evolution of soul music.
Beyond its musical achievements, *Let’s Get It On* serves as a testament to Marvin Gaye’s artistic evolution and personal triumph over adversity. By intertwining themes of love and spirituality, Gaye crafted an album that resonated deeply with audiences then and continues to captivate listeners today, reaffirming its place as a timeless masterpiece in the pantheon of soul and R&B.
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Lyrics
I’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)