About the song
In 1977, Marvin Gaye released “Got to Give It Up”, a song that would become a defining moment in his career and a testament to his ability to adapt to changing musical trends. Written and produced by Gaye himself, the song was a response to his record label’s request to create a disco track. At the time, disco was the dominant force in popular music, and Gaye’s label was eager to capitalize on the trend. However, Gaye was not a fan of the genre, and he saw the request as an opportunity to create a song that would poke fun at the disco craze while still showcasing his own unique style.
The result was a song that blended Gaye’s signature soulful vocals with the infectious rhythms and synthesizers of disco. The song’s lyrics, which focus on a man’s transformation from a wallflower to a confident dancer, are both humorous and relatable. Gaye’s vocal delivery is, as always, impeccable, and his ability to switch between falsetto and tenor vocals adds depth and variety to the song.
The song’s production is also noteworthy, with Gaye and his team creating a party atmosphere that is both energetic and laid-back. The use of vocal chatter and scatting adds a playful touch, and the saxophone solo in the second half of the song is a highlight. The song’s arrangement is also noteworthy, with a standard drum beat and synthesizers giving way to a funkier jazz arrangement in the second half.
Upon its release, “Got to Give It Up” was a huge success, topping three different Billboard charts and becoming a worldwide hit. The song’s success helped to cement Gaye’s status as a disco icon, and it remains one of his most beloved and enduring songs. The song’s influence can also be heard in later disco and funk tracks, and it continues to be celebrated as a classic of the genre.
In recent years, “Got to Give It Up” has been the subject of controversy, with some critics accusing Gaye of copying the song’s melody and structure from Johnnie Taylor’s “Disco Lady”. However, Gaye’s team has consistently denied these allegations, and the song remains a beloved and iconic track in Gaye’s discography.
Overall, “Got to Give It Up” is a masterpiece of disco and funk, and it remains one of Marvin Gaye’s most beloved and enduring songs. Its blend of humor, energy, and musicality makes it a standout track in Gaye’s discography, and it continues to be celebrated as a classic of the genre.
Video
Lyrics
I used to go out to parties
And stand around
‘Cause I was too nervous, baby
To really get down
But my body
Yearned to be free
I got up on the floor and thought
Somebody could choose me
No more standin’
There beside the walls
Finally got myself together, baby
Now I’m havin’ a ball
As long as you’re groovin’
There’s always a chance
Somebody watchin’
Might wanna make romance
Move your body
Ooh, baby, you dance all night
To the groove and
Feel alright
Everybody’s groovin’
On like a fool
But if you see me
Spread out and let me in
Baby, just party
High and low
Let me step into
Your erotic zone
Move it up
Turn it ’round
Ooh, shake it down
Oh, baby, oh
You can love me when you want to, babe
This is such a groovy party, baby
We’re here face to face
Baby, everybody’s swingin’
This is such a groovy place
All the young ladies are so fine
Geez, movin’ your body
Easy with no doubts
I know what you thinkin’, baby
You wanna turn me on, hey
Think I’m gonna let you do it, baby
Keep on dancin’, oh (baby, dancing lady)
You got to give it up (you got to get it)
Keep on dancin’, ooh (dancing lady, dancing lady)
You got to give it up, yeah
Keep on dancin’ (dancing lady)
Ooh, you got to give it up
Keep on dancin’, baby (dancing lady)
You got to give it up (dancing lady)
Keep on dancin’, oh, darling, yeah (dancing lady)
You got to give it up
If you want to dance some more
Dance some more, ooh
Feels so good, dancing
Oh, yeah, looks so good
Look at me, baby, oh
You look so good, have mercy
Non-stop express party
Standing by
Get down
Non-stop express party, y’all
Feels good, this trance, I’ve got to dance
Get down
Let’s dance, let’s shout
Get funky, what it’s all about
Let’s dance, let’s shout
Get funky, what it’s all about
Let’s dance, let’s shout
Get funky, what it’s all about
Let’s dance, let’s shout