Remarks:
This went to #2 on the American R&B charts in 1967. They both left us much too soon. Marvin Gaye did not like being part of the Motown assembly line, but man, what an assembly line. Unlike many of the Marvin Gaye and Tammi Terrell songs, this one was not written by Ashford & Simpson but by Harvey Fuqua, Johnny Bristol and Vernon Bullock. Johnny Bristol appeared in this space with “Hang On In There Baby” (1974).
– Abagond, 2012.
Also in this space:
- Marvin Gaye: “Inner City Blues” (1971), “If I Should Die Tonight” (1973)
- Marvin Gaye and Tammi Terrell:
- covered: Method Man Ft Mary J Blige: I’ll Be There For You (1995)
- sampled: Tweet Ft Missy Elliott: Turn Da Lights Off (2004)
Lyrics:
If I could build my whole world around you, darlin’
First I’d put heaven by your side
Pretty flowers would grow wherever you walk, honey
And over your head would be the bluest sky
And I’d take every drop of rain
And wash all your troubles away
I’d have the whole world built around you
And that would be all right, oh yes it would
[T:]
If I could build my whole world around you
I’d make your eyes the morning sun
I’d put so much love where there is sorrow
I’d put joy where there’s never been love
And I’d give my love to you
To keep for the rest of your life
And happiness would surely be ours
And that would be all right, oh yes it would
[Both:] Doo doo doo doo…
[M:] Oh, if I could build my whole world around you
I’d give you the greatest gift any woman could possess
[T:] And I’d step into this world you’ve created
And give you true love and tenderness
And there’d be something new with every tomorrow
To make this world better as days go by
[Repeat and fade:]
[M:] If I could build my whole world around you
[T:] If I could build my whole world around you
[Both:] Then that would be all right, oh yeah
Those two made beautiful music together
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you should make a post on Soledad O’Brien’s annoying “Black in America” series
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I love Marvin and Tammy together. My favorite Marvin & Tammy songs are Aint No Mountain High Enough. And You’re All I Need To Get By. I read that Tammy died of a brain tumor. I read she died in Marvin’s arms that always broke my heart. It was so tragic and romantic.
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If they decide to do a Tammi Terrell biopic Taraji P. Henson would be a great choice.
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Agree with melody(aka dee) co-sign.
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I watched Tammi Terrell’s unsung on tv1 this year. She had an interesting and chaotic life. She was physically abused by James Brown and David Ruffin ( I lost all respect for them & their music) she had full scholarship to to the university of Pennsylvania where she studied to be a doctor, but died in a hospital (not on stage) . after a two year long battle with a brain tumor. It was rumored she introduced david ruffin onto hard partying and cocaine. Her death triggered Drug use in Marvin, but they were not romantically involved. For marvin Tammi was too head strong and for tammi marvin was not the “bad boy” type that she was drawn to. But they were like best friends.
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