About the song
## 1967: Marvin Gaye – I Heard It Through The Grapevine
Marvin Gaye’s soulful rendition of “I Heard It Through the Grapevine” is a timeless classic that encapsulates the raw emotion and vulnerability of heartbreak. Released in 1967, the song quickly became a chart-topper, solidifying Gaye’s status as one of the most influential soul singers of his generation.
The song’s poignant lyrics, penned by Norman Whitfield and Barrett Strong, delve into the painful experience of learning about a romantic partner’s infidelity through gossip. Gaye’s soulful vocals convey a deep sense of betrayal and longing, as he grapples with the devastating news. The song’s arrangement is equally powerful, featuring a driving rhythm section, soaring horns, and Gaye’s emotive falsetto.
What sets “I Heard It Through the Grapevine” apart is its universality. The song’s themes of love, loss, and betrayal resonate with listeners of all ages and backgrounds. Gaye’s ability to convey such raw emotion in his singing makes the song both heartbreaking and cathartic. The song’s enduring popularity is a testament to its timeless appeal and Gaye’s extraordinary talent.
While the song’s lyrics may seem straightforward, Gaye’s performance is anything but. His vocals are filled with nuance and subtlety, as he conveys a range of emotions from anger and despair to hope and resignation. The song’s bridge, in particular, is a tour de force of vocal performance, as Gaye delivers a powerful and heartfelt plea for understanding.
“I Heard It Through the Grapevine” is more than just a popular song; it is a masterpiece of soul music that continues to inspire and move listeners. Gaye’s performance is a testament to his artistry and his ability to connect with audiences on a deep emotional level. Whether you’re a longtime fan of Gaye’s music or discovering his work for the first time, “I Heard It Through the Grapevine” is a must-listen.
Video
Lyrics
Ooh, I bet you’re wonderin’ how I knew
‘Bout your plans to make me blue
With some other guy you knew before
Between the two of us guys
You know I love you more
It took me by surprise, I must say
When I found out yesterday
Don’t you know that I heard it through the grapevine
Not much longer would you be mine
Oh, I heard it through the grapevine
Oh, I’m just about to lose my mind
Honey, honey, yeah
(Heard it through the grapevine)
(Not much longer would you be mine, baby)
I know a man ain’t supposed to cry
But these tears, I can’t hold inside
Losin’ you would end my life, you see
‘Cause you mean that much to me
You could have told me yourself
That you loved someone else, instead
I heard it through the grapevine
Not much longer would you be mine
Oh, I heard it through the grapevine
And I’m just about to lose my mind
Honey, honey, well
(Heard it through the grapevine)
(Not much longer would you be mine, baby)
People say, “Believe half of what you see
Son, and none of what you hear”
But I can’t help but be confused
If it’s true, please, tell me, dear
Do you plan to let me go
For the other guy you loved before?
Don’t you know I heard it through the grapevine?
Not much longer would you be mine
Baby, I heard it through the grapevine
Ooh, I’m just about to lose my mind
Honey, honey, yeah
(Heard it through the grapevine)
(Not much longer would you be mine, baby, yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah)
Honey, honey, I know (heard it through the grapevine)
(Not much longer would you be mine, baby)
That you’re letting me go (yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah)
Said, I heard it through the grapevine (heard it through the grapevine)
(Not much longer would you be mine, baby)
Ooh, heard it through the grapevine (yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah)