Inner City Blues

Marvin Gaye, John Ellington Blair

About Inner City Blues

"Inner City Blues (Make Me Wanna Holler)", often shortened to "Inner City Blues", is a song by Marvin Gaye, released as the third and final single from and the climactic song of his 1971 landmark album, What's Going On. Written by Gaye and James Nyx Jr., the song depicts the ghettos and bleak economic situations of inner-city America, and the emotional effects these have on inhabitants.


Year:
2004
5:29
38 
#1

 Watch: New Singing Lesson Videos Can Make Anyone A Great Singer

Dah, dah, dah, dah
Dah, dah, dah, dah, dah, dah, dah
Dah, dah, dah, dah
Dah, dah, dah, dah, dah, dah, dah
Dah, dah, dah
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
Dah, dah, dah
Dah, dah, dah
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 know where we're heading
Oh, make me wanna holler
They don't understand
Dah, dah, dah
Dah, dah, dah
Dah, dah, dah

Mother, mother
Everybody thinks we're wrong
Who are they to judge us
Simply cause we wear our hair long

 Become A Better Singer In Only 30 Days, With Easy Video Lessons!


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: Marvin Gaye, James Nyx

Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind


21 facts about this song

Release Date
“Inner City Blues (Make Me Wanna Holler)” was released on October 14, 1971, as the final single from Marvin Gaye’s renowned album “What’s Going On”.
Songwriters
Marvin Gaye co-wrote the song with James Nyx Jr., a Detroit songwriter and one of Gaye's regular collaborators.
Critical Reception
It became a critical success, reaching number 9 on the Billboard Hot 100 and number 1 on the R&B Singles Chart in the United States.
Signature Sound
The song is known for its distinctive bass line and use of percussive instruments like congas and bongos, which were less common in R&B at the time.
Conveying Social Message
The lyrics of "Inner City Blues" paint a bleak picture of America's inner-city struggles, discussing police brutality, poverty, and economic issues.
Political Impact
The song had a significant political impact, becoming an anthem of sorts for the Black Power and civil rights movements, and it is often cited as an example of socially conscious music.
Numerous Covers
Over the years, this song has been covered by numerous artists across genres from jazz musician Grover Washington Jr. to alternative rock band The Dirty Heads, highlighting its cross-genre appeal.
Influence on Musicians
The song has also heavily influenced hip-hop, being sampled by artists like Public Enemy and Ice Cube.
In Popular Culture
"Inner City Blues" has been used in several films and TV shows, again highlighting its enduring popularity and relevance.
Inclusion in “Greatest Songs” Lists
"Inner City Blues" is often included in lists of the greatest songs of all time. For example, Rolling Stone magazine ranked it 297 on their list of 'The 500 Greatest Songs of All Time' in 2003.
Induction into GRAMMY Hall of Fame
In 1998, the song, as a part of the album "What's Going On", was inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame, underscoring its significant cultural impact.
Artist
"Inner City Blues" is a song by American soul singer Marvin Gaye.
Release Date and Album
The song was released on October 21, 1971. - It is the third and final single from Marvin Gaye's landmark album "What's Going On."
Inspiration and Themes
This song was inspired by the economic and political struggles faced by inner-city residents. - It delves into economic inequality, systemic societal problems, political disillusionment, and urban life's harsh realities.
Chart Performance
The single reached number one on the Billboard R&B chart, and it peaked at number nine on the Billboard Pop Singles chart, showcasing its broad appeal.
Production
"Inner City Blues" was produced by Marvin Gaye himself. - The song's lyrics and composition were done by Marvin Gaye and James Nyx Jr.
Impact and Influence
This song established Marvin Gaye as one of the most influential voices of his time. - It helped shape the course of R&B and soul music, influencing many artists who came after Gaye.
Covering and Sampling
"Inner City Blues" has been covered by many artists across genres, including Grover Washington Jr., Etta James, and John Mayer. - It has also been sampled in many hip-hop tracks, underscoring its enduring relevance and influence.
Legacy
In 1998, the song was inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame. - It is also included in the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame's list of the "500 Songs that Shaped Rock and Roll."
Reception
"Inner City Blues" received widespread critical acclaim for its powerful lyrics and emotional depth. - It remains one of Marvin Gaye's most beloved and recognized songs.
Unique Features
The song features a distinctive bass line, layered vocals, and minimalist yet impactful instrumentals. - Its sound design and production quality set new standards in the soul music industry at the time of its release.

Discuss the Inner City Blues Lyrics with the community:

0 Comments

    Citation

    Use the citation below to add these lyrics to your bibliography:

    Style:MLAChicagoAPA

    "Inner City Blues Lyrics." Lyrics.com. STANDS4 LLC, 2024. Web. 29 Mar. 2024. <https://www.lyrics.com/lyric/7825345/Marvin+Gaye/Inner+City+Blues>.

    Missing lyrics by Marvin Gaye?

    Know any other songs by Marvin Gaye? Don't keep it to yourself!

    Watch the song video

    Inner City Blues

    29.5M
    229.5K     7,726

    more tracks from the album

    Resurrection from the Grave

    Browse Lyrics.com

    Quiz

    Are you a music master?

    »
    "Rivers of Babylon" is a hit song sung by which outstanding musical group?
    A Boney M.
    B Chilly
    C ABBA
    D Bee Gees

    Free, no signup required:

    Add to Chrome

    Get instant explanation for any lyrics that hits you anywhere on the web!

    Free, no signup required:

    Add to Firefox

    Get instant explanation for any acronym or abbreviation that hits you anywhere on the web!

    Don't miss Marvin Gaye's

    Upcoming Events

    »
    Marvin Gaye tracks

    On Radio Right Now

    Loading...

    Powered by OnRad.io


    Think you know music? Test your MusicIQ here!