You Ain't Livin' Till You're Lovin

Tammi Terrell, Marvin Gaye

About You Ain't Livin' Till You're Lovin

"You Ain't Livin' till You're Lovin'" is a 1968 single released on the Tamla-Motown label by Motown vocal duo Marvin Gaye and Tammi Terrell. The song gave the duo a boost in the UK where the single was released. Motown's stateside headquarters issued the song as the b-side to the hit "Keep On Lovin' Me Honey". The song eventually reached the top thirty on the UK Top 50 peaking at number twenty-one. It was the fourth and final release from the duo's best-selling album You're All I Need, and was later covered by Diana Ross and the Supremes and The Marvelettes.  


Year:
2004
2:46
72 
#1

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You think you're so way out
And you got all the action
Still you can't find no satisfaction
Baby - try me, and I'll make you see

You ain't livin' until you're lovin', baby
You ain't livin' until you're lovin', baby
Ooh, until you fall you ain't livin' at all
Ah ah, at all

You like to kiss and run
And that's where it is
'Cause somebody told you
Love was heartaches and tears
Baby, although you're free
I'll make you see

You ain't livin' until you're lovin', baby
You ain't livin' until you're lovin', baby
Oh, until you fall you ain't livin' at all
You ain't livin' at all

To be in love, I know it's not your ambition
But before you go, think about my proposition
You may conquer the world and be king on a throne
But you still ain't nobody, baby
When you're sittin' all alone

You ain't livin' until you're lovin', baby
You ain't livin' until you're lovin', baby
Ooh, until you fall you ain't livin' at all

You ain't livin' until you're lovin', baby
You ain't livin' until you're lovin', baby
Ooh, until you fall you ain't livin' at all

You ain't livin' until you're lovin', baby
You ain't livin' until you're lovin', baby
Ooh, until you fall you ain't livin' at all

You ain't livin' until you're lovin', baby
You ain't livin' until you're lovin', baby
Ooh, until you fall you ain't livin' at all

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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 »

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Written by: NICKOLAS ASHFORD, VALERIE SIMPSON

Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind


10 facts about this song

Song Creation
"You Ain't Livin' Till You're Lovin'" is a soul song written by Nickolas Ashford and Valerie Simpson. The song was specifically crafted for Marvin Gaye and Tammi Terrell.
First Recording
Marvin Gaye first recorded "You Ain't Livin' Till You're Lovin'" in 1968, as a duet with Tammi Terrell. It was featured on their album "You're All I Need."
Commercial Success
Although the song was not a massive commercial hit like some of Gaye's other songs, it is still highly regarded among fans and critics of Motown soul.
Different Versions
A version of the song, without Tammi Terrell, was released on Marvin Gaye's album "In the Groove" (later re-titled "I Heard It Through the Grapevine") in 1968.
Chart Performance
Despite its popularity, "You Ain't Livin' Till You're Lovin'" didn't manage to secure a high place on American charts. However, it reached number 21 on the UK singles chart in 1969.
Deep Lyrics
The song tells the story of a person who believes that one is not truly alive until they experience love. It completely reflects the Motown philosophy of combining soulful melodies with meaningful lyrics.
Live Performances
Marvin Gaye and Tammi Terrell performed "You Ain't Livin' Till You're Lovin'" live on the Ed Sullivan Show in 1969.
Collaborators Contributions
The instrumental backing for "You Ain't Livin' Till You're Lovin'" was provided by The Funk Brothers, the in-house session musicians of Motown Records, adding depth and richness to the song.
Other Artists' Covers
Apart from Marvin Gaye and Tammi Terrell, the song has been covered by other artists, such as The Isley Brothers and Diana Ross & The Supremes with The Temptations, further highlighting its popularity and enduring appeal.
Place in Music History
Merging the rich, smooth vocals of Gaye and Terrell with the poignant lyrics, the track serves as an important contribution to the library of Motown Records and is representative of the distinctive soulful sound of the late 60s.

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