Inner City Blues (Make Me Wanna Holler)
Marvin Gaye
Watch: New Singing Lesson Videos Can Make Anyone A Great Singer
Rockets, moon shots Spend it on the have nots Money, we make it Fore we see it you take it Oh, make you wanna holler The way they do my life Make me wanna holler The way they do my life This ain't livin' This ain't livin' No, no baby, this ain't livin' No, no, no Inflation no chance To increase finance Bills pile up sky high Send that boy off to die Make me wanna holler The way they do my life Make me wanna holler The way they do my life Hang ups, let downs Bad breaks, set backs Natural fact is I can't pay my taxes Oh, make me wanna holler And throw up both my hands Yea, it makes me wanna holler And throw up both my hands Crime is increasing Trigger happy policing Panic is spreading God knows where We're heading Oh, make me wanna holler They don't understand Make me wanna holler They don't understand
The easy, fast & fun way to learn how to sing: 30DaySinger.com
.jpg/260px-Marvin_Gaye_(1973_publicity_photo).jpg "Marvin Gaye")
6 fans
Written by: Marvin Gaye, James Nyx
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
26 facts about this song
Artist and Release"Inner City Blues (Make Me Wanna Holler)" is a song by American soul singer Marvin Gaye, released in 1971.
|
AlbumIt is the final track on Gaye's landmark album, "What's Going On."
|
Music GenreThe song is categorized under the Soul and R&B genre.
|
Chart PerformanceUpon its release, "Inner City Blues (Make Me Wanna Holler)" peaked at #9 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart and #1 on the R&B chart.
|
Social MessageThe song addresses social and political issues, painting a grim picture of the urban decay and desolation in the inner cities of America at that time.
|
CollaboratorsMarvin Gaye co-wrote "Inner City Blues (Make Me Wanna Holler)" with James Nyx Jr., a Motown songwriter.
|
Unique Sound ElementsThe song is notable for its distinctive bass line and percussion, which set the tone for the passionately delivered lyrics.
|
Cover VersionsOver the years, several artists have covered "Inner City Blues," including Grover Washington Jr., who earned a Grammy nomination for his rendition in 1972.
|
InspirationsMarvin Gaye was reportedly inspired to write the song after observing the poverty and struggle of the people who lived in the urban neighborhoods of America.
|
Impact"Inner City Blues (Make Me Wanna Holler)" has had a lasting impact on music and culture, with Rolling Stone ranking the song at #276 on their list of the 500 greatest songs of all time.
|
Notable LyricsThe song's chorus, "Make me wanna holler / The way they do my life," is often acknowledged for its simple yet poignant commentary on social issues.
|
LegacyThe song and its album "What's Going On" are considered milestones in the development of the subgenre of “message-oriented” soul music.
|
Film Connection"Inner City Blues (Make Me Wanna Holler)" has been used in various film soundtracks, reflecting the song's continuing cultural relevance.
|
Live PerformancesMarvin Gaye performed the song on television programs like "Soul Train" and in major concerts, making it an essential part of his live repertoire.
|
Release Details"Inner City Blues (Make Me Wanna Holler)" was released by Motown Records on September 16, 1971. It was the third and final single from Marvin Gaye's album "What's Going On."
|
Song CompositionThe song was co-written by Marvin Gaye and James Nyx, a songwriter known for his work with the Motown label. Although Nyx wasn't initially credited for his contributions, it was cleared up later.
|
Critical AcclaimThe song enjoyed great success. It peaked at No. 9 on the Billboard Pop Singles chart and topped the R&B Singles chart for two weeks in 1971. It was also praised by critics for its socially conscious and poignant lyrics.
|
Lyrics Inspiration"Inner City Blues" reflected the harsh realities of the inner city life that Marvin Gaye had witnessed. It touched upon social issues like police brutality, inflation, and unemployment. The song's closing refrain "Make Me Wanna Holler" represented an emotional and primal outlet against these societal ills.
|
Instrumental CompositionThe use of unconventional materials for percussion, like a can of spray paint, gives the song a distinct sound and highlights its urban themes.
|
Cover Versions"Inner City Blues" was covered by several noted musicians across various genres, including Gil Scott-Heron, Grover Washington Jr., and Etta James. Moreover, its instrumental was sampled by numerous hip hop artists like "A Tribe Called Quest" and "Ice Cube."
|
Cultural InfluenceThe song is an important piece in the context of American music history. It’s regarded as one of the most iconic examples of a politically charged track, reflecting the turbulence and social unrest during the 70s.
|
Impact on Marvin Gaye's Career"Inner City Blues" cemented Marvin Gaye's reputation as an artist unafraid to tackle political and social problems in his music.
|
Music VideoAlthough the song was released in 1971, its official music video was released much later in 2019. The video gives a visual depiction of the themes in the song.
|
Legacy"Inner City Blues" is often considered a defining song of Marvin Gaye's career and soul music in general. It continues to resonate with listeners even decades after its release.
|
In MediaThe song has been featured several times in television shows and movies. It was recently heard in the 2017 film "Detroit," which takes place during the 1967 Detroit riots.
|
Awards and AccoladesMarvin Gaye won a Grammy Hall of Fame Award in 1998 for his contribution to the music industry, which included his groundbreaking song "Inner City Blues."
|
Citation
Use the citation below to add these lyrics to your bibliography:
Style:MLAChicagoAPA
"Inner City Blues (Make Me Wanna Holler) Lyrics." Lyrics.com. STANDS4 LLC, 2023. Web. 2 Oct. 2023. <https://www.lyrics.com/lyric/3608927/Marvin+Gaye/Inner+City+Blues+%28Make+Me+Wanna+Holler%29>.
Powered by CITE.ME
Discuss the Inner City Blues (Make Me Wanna Holler) Lyrics with the community:
Report Comment
We're doing our best to make sure our content is useful, accurate and safe.
If by any chance you spot an inappropriate comment while navigating through our website please use this form to let us know, and we'll take care of it shortly.
Attachment
You need to be logged in to favorite.
Log In