What You Gave Me

Tammi Terrell, Marvin Gaye

About What You Gave Me

"What You Gave Me" is a hit duet written and produced by Ashford & Simpson and issued as a single originally by the vocal duo of Marvin Gaye and Tammi Terrell in 1969 on the Tamla label. Recorded on the throes of the final stage of Gaye and Terrell's duet recordings, it was the second release off their album, Easy. Like much of the album, it's debated whether The then-ailing Terrell took part in the recording or did co-writer Valerie Simpson sub for Terrell. While Marvin later insisted Terrell was subbed by Simpson, Simpson was recently quoted that Terrell took part in the recordings. Whatever the case, the song gave the duo a modest charting, peaking at number forty-nine pop and number six R&B. 


Year:
2011
2:43
102 
#1

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Like a breath of spring you came
And as you leave, I can only sigh your name
Cries of anguish echo from way down
But will never reach my lips to make a sound

Though it seems my world is crumblin'
Honey, you don't owe me anything

'Cause what you gave me, girl
Is more than enough to last, oh yes it is
And what you gave me, girl
Is more than enough to last, oh yes it is

You've given me so much warmth
I don't see how I could ever grow cold
In my mind, there's a picture of you and I
That nobody has the price to buy

I don't know what made you change your mind
But you'll be back, it's just a matter of time

What you gave me
Is more than enough to last, oh yeah
And what you gave me
Is more than enough to last

Into my life you came like a breath of spring
Givin' me a song to sing, oh yeah, oh yeah
And though I know you're leavin'
I won't be grievin' 'cause I know

Time has a way of showin' us
The things we really need
And no matter where you go
I know you'll find your way back home, oh baby

Though I know it's not reality
You'll always be a part of me

'Cause what you gave me
Is more than enough to last, oh, yeah, yeah
And what you gave me, hey
Is more than enough to last
What you gave me
Is more than enough to last
And what you gave me
Is more than enough to last

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Marvin Gaye

Marvin Gaye (April 2, 1939 – April 1, 1984), born Marvin Pentz Gay, Jr., was an American singer-songwriter and musician whose career spanned more than two decades. Born and raised in Washington, D.C., he was the son of a storefront minister of a local Pentecostal church sect and grew up singing gospel in church revivals as a young child. Gaye branched out into secular music as a teenager, joining the doo-wop group The Marquees, after returning from an honorable discharge from the United States Air Force, before the group was hired by Harvey Fuqua to be Harvey & The Moonglows. Following the band's separation in 1960, Gaye began working as a session drummer for the Detroit music label, Anna, before signing with Motown Records in 1961, adding an "e" to his s… more »

8 fans

Written by: NICKOLAS ASHFORD, VALERIE SIMPSON

Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind


10 facts about this song

Artists
"What You Gave Me" is a soulful duet performed by legendary singer-songwriter Marvin Gaye and Tammi Terrell. They were one of the most successful duos in the history of rhythm and blues.
Genre
The song perfectly exemplifies the smooth, soulful R&B genre that was popular during the late 1960s, marked by strong vocal performances and lush, layered instrumental arrangements.
Songwriting
The song was written by the prominent Motown songwriting and production team known as Ashford & Simpson.
Album Presence
The track “What You Gave Me” is a part of the album titled ‘Easy’ released in 1969, which was the third and final duet studio album by Marvin Gaye and Tammi Terrell.
Chart Performance
Not specifically charting as a single, the song was popular on radio, and the album ‘Easy’ peaked at #38 on the Billboard pop albums chart.
Terrell's Illness
The release of the song was shadowed by the severe illness of Tammi Terrell. She was diagnosed with a brain tumor while recording the album, which eventually led to her early demise in 1970.
Vocal Challenges
Due to Terrell's illness, for some parts of the songs in the album including "What You Gave Me," her vocals had to be replaced by singer Valerie Simpson who mimicked Terrell's vocal style.
Song Meaning
“What You Gave Me” is about a person expressing gratitude to their lover for showing them real love which has changed their life and perspective immensely.
Legacy
After Tammi Terrell’s death, “What You Gave Me” along with the other songs in the album became particularly symbolic and poignant, considered some of the duo’s best work that reflected their rich musical chemistry.
Motown Era
The song “What You Gave Me” is regarded as a classic piece from the Motown era and has been sampled and covered by various artists over the decades, clearly testifying to its enduring influence in the music industry.

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    What You Gave Me

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    Top Hot 100 Songs 1969

    Billboard #49


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