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Marvin Gaye — Got To Give It Up
Album: What's Going On
Avg rating:
7.7

Your rating:
Total ratings: 2125









Released: 1971
Length: 4:06
Plays (last 30 days): 1
I used to go out to parties and stand around
'Cause I was too nervous to really get down
But my body yearned to be free
I got up on the floor and thought somebody could choose me

No more standing there beside the walls
Finally got myself together, baby, and I'm havin' a ball
As long as you're groovin', there's always a chance
Somebody watchin' might wanna make romance

Move your body, ooh baby, you dance all night
To the groove and feel alright
Everybody's groovin' on like a fool
But if you see me, spread out and let me in

Baby, just party high and low
Let me step into your erotic zone
Move it up, turn it 'round
Ooh, shake it down, ow

You can love me when you want to, babe
This is such a groovy party, baby
We're here face to face
Everybody's swingin'
This is such a groovy place
All the young ladies are so fine

You're movin' your body
Easy with no doubts
I know what you thinkin', baby
You wanna turn me out
I think I'm gonna let you do it, babe

Keep on dancin'
You got to get it
Got to give it up

If you want it, you've got to give it up
If you want it, you've got to give it up
If you want it, you've got to give it up
If you want it, you've got to give it up
Comments (356)add comment
 lizardking wrote:

This track gets a 10 rating from me, primarily because it's got a GREAT groove and the lyrics helped me turn from a wallflower into someone who would actually dance a bit.  Considering I never liked dancing, that's one hell of an impact a song can have.  PEACE, GROOVE and Long Live RP!!



I suddenly realized with shame and horror that I'd only given it a 9. Fixed that toot suite. 
This will forever remind me of the times that lovely Lei Lei Fu from Shanghai and I would bliss out to Marvin then hit the Nite Spots that made Tokyo The Coolest Party Planet In Our Galaxy at the time. Omotesandoh, NiKo-Tama, Ebisu, Akasaka, Ginza, Shimbashi, all the way to Toyosu we would roam, intoxicated on it all; gawking, strolling, talking, taking it all in... Thanks, RP!
 Jelani wrote:
Iknow I'll get flamed for this, but the intro brought to mind a certain Robin Thicke song.


Not a coincidence. Theft.
Iknow I'll get flamed for this, but the intro brought to mind a certain Robin Thicke song.
ahhhh

back in time

watching soul train on saturday mornings to figure out what else was out there 
 slugore wrote:
   


It never gets old.
   
 jelgator wrote:

1971!  Hard to believe.  In 1978 would have been a #1 song for months.


Unfortunately the album and release date mentioned here are incorrect. This song was released in 1977 on the “Live At The London Palladium” album, and also as a single, split up in 2 parts between the A and B side.
What a groove and superb musician❤️
Sounds like it has been copied, but the lines are blurred.
Right on man, I dig it!!!
Love Marvin's voice and groove. The best....
It sounds like the rest of the partygoers are giving this song the attention it deserves...
any one also hear" every breath"
by the police?
1971!  Hard to believe.  In 1978 would have been a #1 song for months.
Strange! This number has every region of my body dancing seperately, but they all just seem to be working as parts of a tight ensemble. It's freaking me out.
Did Pharrell Williams produce this?
The man.
I once heard that the reason some Motown songs had such long intros is becauseathe performer had to wait until the crowd settled into a groove and quieted down. I wish I could understand what they were all saying!!!
Oh ya. Thick stole this!!
 idiot_wind wrote:
Ahhh, the Soul Train dance line. 

Where's that female dancer with the real long hair? 

 
{#Bananasplit}
Ahhh, the Soul Train dance line. 

Where's that female dancer with the real long hair? 

This track gets a 10 rating from me, primarily because it's got a GREAT groove and the lyrics helped me turn from a wallflower into someone who would actually dance a bit.  Considering I never liked dancing, that's one hell of an impact a song can have.  PEACE, GROOVE and Long Live RP!!


Great tune!
 VH1 wrote:

Wasn't he with this song in Soul Train??

  .
yep
https://youtu.be/75BlzjqGVcc
 Sasha2001 wrote:
Some day you have to (or, maybe you already have) write a book (or comment) on what goes on in your Las Vegas hotel room. So many questions...like, why do you live in a hotel room? Why are there always people there, dancing? Is all of this merriment somehow related to work? My imagination has run wild with possible scenarios, but I'm guessing the truth is somewhat mundane. Some help would be appreciated. -Nosey in New York
 
I'm cogitating right now that perhaps the song "Hotel California" was written as an Ode to Romeotuma's room at the Hotel Steglitz in Berlin?
OK, back to cogitation.
 

Wasn't he with this song in Soul Train??
Today is my Friday with a 3 day weekend ahead of me.  This is EXACTLY what I needed/wanted to hear this morning!
Thanks for clarifying; something seemed amiss in my sonic memory of being at a dance party at 15 vs 9 and hearing this tune.

jvalatka wrote:
This isn't on the "What's Goin' On" album of 1971, by the way.  It was released as a single in 1977.
 

 


Ooooooh,

Watching the Soul Train dance line on TV on Saturday mornings.  

RIP Don Cornelius.  
This isn't on the "What's Goin' On" album of 1971, by the way.  It was released as a single in 1977.
 
Godlike....10

No matter where I am or who I'm with, just gotta take a dance break when Marvin Gaye is playing.... turns me into an ecstatic, happy, dancing child instantaneously.  What an incredible legacy! 
GOD   imo  : )
still fresh
jademon wrote:
Sounds just like Beck! ;-) 

zenhead wrote:
no, beck sounds just like marvin.
 
No. Seriously, no. I like Beck, but, eh, no. If what you really meant was that it reminds you of Beck somehow, then, okay, but "sounds just like"? And yes, I see you winking, still, categorically: no. Nor does Beck "sound just like" Marvin. I, you, uh...  No.
 Proclivities wrote:

That may be true, but what do either of those hacks have to do with Marvin Gaye or this song?

 
Vanilla Ice ripped off Bowie like Thicke ripped off Gaye. Both were sued and lost. 
Imitated, never equaled.
What the hell! Robin Thicke on Radio Parad....  Oh ha ha ha. Nevermind. It's Marvin Gaye... the guy that stole Robin Thicke's sound. ;-)

Yes, the above is all sarcasm... before I start a war. 
Glad the jury ruled in favour of Marvin Gaye.

 
 Proclivities wrote:

I am not familiar with that song...fortunately.

 
Preserve your innocence at all costs!

(But if you made it through last summer when the song was played constantly on junk radio, passing cars, and in all kinds of public places, you are probably safe now...)
 Jmr1371 wrote:


This was the song the Gaye family sued Robin Thicke over saying "Blurred Lines" ripped them off. Sounds to me like he did.

 
I am not familiar with that song...fortunately.
 Proclivities wrote:

That may be true, but what do either of those clowns have to do with Marvin Gaye or this song?

 

This was the song the Gaye family sued Robin Thicke over saying "Blurred Lines" ripped them off. Sounds to me like he did.
Back when funk was funk.
Harpoon Land to Got to Give It Up-GREAT !

 zurcronium wrote:
Robin Thicke, the Vanilla Ice of the 2010s. 

 
Uhm...ok...thanks for sharing that.
 zurcronium wrote:
Robin Thicke, the Vanilla Ice of the 2010s. 

 
That may be true, but what do either of those hacks have to do with Marvin Gaye or this song?
Robin Thicke, the Vanilla Ice of the 2010s. 
The fact that it's Marvin...keeps me interested...but otherwise...I like other stuff of his far better.
 Stingray wrote:
I do not care if you are gaye,

this song is endlessly boring!


 
Let me guess: No melody or whatsoever?
 akdavey wrote:
Just a cheap imitation of Robin Thick's jam of the Summer.

 

In my best Dr Evil,,,,,,,riiiiiiiiiiiight
Gee, I wonder where Daft Punk got its inspiration.
Just a cheap imitation of Robin Thick's jam of the Summer.
Thanks for helping me get my groove on{#Bananasplit}
The power of Marvin - surely missed by music lovers everywhere!! {#Good-vibes}
Hey, is this the new Josh Thicke song?? NOT!
Nobody sounds like Marvin that I'm aware of
 jademon wrote:
Sounds just like Beck! ;-)

 
no, beck sounds just like marvin.
Funky as fu*k

*n
Sounds just like Beck! ;-)
 shakitten wrote:

Aw, heck. I just want to be invited! ;)
 
kitty thread
Learning some funk grooves on my cajon....whhheeeeeee! Perfect!! 
 
Hah my music player still shows "Close to me" by the Cure. My first thought was, "wow when did they go this direction?" It just about reset my whole world view picturing Robert Smith singing like Marvin Gaye.
more!
 Sasha2001 wrote:






Some day you have to (or, maybe you already have) write a book (or comment) on what goes on in your Las Vegas hotel room.



So many questions...like, why do you live in a hotel room? Why are there always people there, dancing? Is all of this merriment somehow related to work?



My imagination has run wild with possible scenarios, but I'm guessing the truth is somewhat mundane. Some help would be appreciated.



-Nosey in New York
 


Aw, heck. I just want to be invited! ;)
 Sasha2001 wrote:


Some day you have to (or, maybe you already have) write a book (or comment) on what goes on in your Las Vegas hotel room. So many questions...like, why do you live in a hotel room? Why are there always people there, dancing? Is all of this merriment somehow related to work? My imagination has run wild with possible scenarios, but I'm guessing the truth is somewhat mundane. Some help would be appreciated. -Nosey in New York
 
It's true, inquiring minds want to know.

 WonderLizard wrote:

They were on loan from romeotuma.
 

Hahahaha - best joke on RP in 2012 so far!!!
Smiling!!!
I do not care if you are gaye,

this song is endlessly boring!

I've wondered the same thing. Seemed like a fun time during his recordings.

1wolfy wrote:
Funny how Marvin often used the same 'background party people' in many of his songs. I wonder if they were paid professionals {#Eh}

 johnjconn wrote:
Is this Marvin singing or Micheal Jackson?

 
Micheal? Who'd he heal? I drive thru Gary, IN all the time and drive by the Jackson "Mansion" regularly. Pretty sad place, considering.

 cc_rider wrote:

Show off.

(Thanks for setting the record straight! Get it, record? Like an LP? I'm so funny, I slay me.)

 
{#Lol}

{#Dancingbanana}{#Drummer} {#Tongue}{#Dancingbanana_2}{#Daisy}{#Bananajam}{#Roflol}{#Clap}{#Roflol}{#Bananapiano}{#Bananajumprope}{#Notworthy}{#Guitarist}{#Bananasplit}
He sounded better in this song, before he became a big shot. :P
 Sasha2001 wrote:


Some day you have to (or, maybe you already have) write a book (or comment) on what goes on in your Las Vegas hotel room. So many questions...like, why do you live in a hotel room? Why are there always people there, dancing? Is all of this merriment somehow related to work? My imagination has run wild with possible scenarios, but I'm guessing the truth is somewhat mundane. Some help would be appreciated. -Nosey in New York
 
Yes, and like, are these other people the same people all the time, or do different people come and go?  Are you all talking or doing something other than listening and dancing, or are you all just listening and dancing all day?  And what do you all do when that downer "Mad World" song comes on?  Certainly can't dance to that. . .

 romeotuma wrote:


A
bunch of people are partying in my hotel room right now, and they all went wild and crazy and started dancing while this song just played...  life is grand...

 

 



Some day you have to (or, maybe you already have) write a book (or comment) on what goes on in your Las Vegas hotel room.

So many questions...like, why do you live in a hotel room? Why are there always people there, dancing? Is all of this merriment somehow related to work?

My imagination has run wild with possible scenarios, but I'm guessing the truth is somewhat mundane. Some help would be appreciated.

-Nosey in New York
 alanthecowboy wrote:

Wait!  Did you just put Kid Rock in a list with Smokey Robinson and Wilson Pickett?  And Wilson Pickett is from Alabama, n'est pas? 

 
yup,but it's all killer detroit jams   (I never figured anyonewould notice the kid rock over the mutants)

Bootsy Rules!   ....long live the MC-5 !!   (howz that for diametrically opposed?)   Is that savoy brown on RP?.....gottta go


 1wolfy wrote:
Funny how Marvin often used the same 'background party people' in many of his songs. I wonder if they were paid professionals {#Eh}
 
They were on loan from romeotuma.


 rabbi_phil wrote:


you mean like: wilson pickett,jackie wilson,the temptations,stevie wonder,diana ross and the supremes,smokey robinson and the miracles,4 tops,martha reeves,j.j,barnes,george clinton and parliament,BOOTSY,bill haley, del shannon,5th dimension,bob seger,ted nugent ,kid rock,grand funk,mitch ryder,THE MC5,white stripes,and thousands more. i guess if you don't count them you could be right.....                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                .oops oops,i forgot a couple: tim tam and the turn ons,alice cooper,iggy pop,the stooges,was not was,?and the mysterians,rare earth,brownsville station,the romantics,marshall crenshaw,commander cody,the mutants,the new order,the screws.

 
Wait!  Did you just put Kid Rock in a list with Smokey Robinson and Wilson Pickett?  And Wilson Pickett is from Alabama, n'est pas? 

 rabbi_phil wrote:


you mean like: wilson pickett,jackie wilson,the temptations,stevie wonder,diana ross and the supremes,smokey robinson and the miracles,4 tops,martha reeves,j.j,barnes,george clinton and parliament,BOOTSY,bill haley, del shannon,5th dimension,bob seger,ted nugent ,kid rock,grand funk,mitch ryder,THE MC5,white stripes,and thousands more. i guess if you don't count them you could be right.....                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                .oops oops,i forgot a couple: tim tam and the turn ons,alice cooper,iggy pop,the stooges,was not was,?and the mysterians,rare earth,brownsville station,the romantics,marshall crenshaw,commander cody,the mutants,the new order,the screws.

 
Show off.

(Thanks for setting the record straight! Get it, record? Like an LP? I'm so funny, I slay me.)

 rabbi_phil wrote:
you mean like: wilson pickett,jackie wilson,the temptations,stevie wonder,diana ross and the supremes,smokey robinson and the miracles,4 tops,martha reeves,j.j,barnes,george clinton and parliament,BOOTSY,bill haley, del shannon,5th dimension,bob seger,ted nugent ,kid rock,grand funk,mitch ryder,THE MC5,white stripes,and thousands more. i guess if you don't count them you could be right.....                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                .oops oops,i forgot a couple: tim tam and the turn ons,alice cooper,iggy pop,the stooges,was not was,?and the mysterians,rare earth,brownsville station,the romantics,marshall crenshaw,commander cody,the mutants,the new order,the screws.

 
and what have the romans ever done for us


 Byronape wrote:

That isn't saying much.  The list of vocal talent coming out of Detroit is mighty short.
 

you mean like: wilson pickett,jackie wilson,the temptations,stevie wonder,diana ross and the supremes,smokey robinson and the miracles,4 tops,martha reeves,j.j,barnes,george clinton and parliament,BOOTSY,bill haley, del shannon,5th dimension,bob seger,ted nugent ,kid rock,grand funk,mitch ryder,THE MC5,white stripes,and thousands more. i guess if you don't count them you could be right.....                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                .oops oops,i forgot a couple: tim tam and the turn ons,alice cooper,iggy pop,the stooges,was not was,?and the mysterians,rare earth,brownsville station,the romantics,marshall crenshaw,commander cody,the mutants,the new order,the screws.

Remember the album "Music Machine" from K-Tel that had Robby the Robot on the cover?  This song was on that . . .



Still dancing, Romeotuma?{#Bounce}


so sad how the bee gees are getting old in bad way....give a 2
 Byronape wrote:

That isn't saying much.  The list of vocal talent coming out of Detroit is mighty short.
 
Either you're very young and/or have a limited knowledge of - or exposure to - the history of popular music.  For one example, Aretha Franklin is from Detroit, aside from scores of bands and artists whose work you may not consider "talented".  Where would you prefer your list "of vocal talent" originate from?


 Byronape wrote:

That isn't saying much.  The list of vocal talent coming out of Detroit is mighty short.
 

True. Mowtown didn't have very many good vocalists, right?{#Ask}

*End of sarcastic response*
 ecyfoto wrote:
Still the best male voice to ever come out of Detroit.
 
That isn't saying much.  The list of vocal talent coming out of Detroit is mighty short.


Still the best male voice to ever come out of Detroit.
Perfect choice to be played in public elevators.

I'll bet that hip-hop artist Nelly took influence from this guy... Good for him as long as he sites it
Give this song up....
Just upgraded to 10 because it's FRIDAY!!!
Dance,dance D I S C O we had a lot of fun with it and also today
Indeed. Most excellent!

 
Tana wrote:

Right you are. It's not good, it's GREAT.

 


 rolo wrote:
M.G. has his really special place in the music world ... BUT ... please ... this is not good !*!{#Rolleyes}

 
Right you are. It's not good, it's GREAT.

M.G. has his really special place in the music world ... BUT ... please ... this is not good !*!{#Rolleyes}

 1wolfy wrote:
Funny how Marvin often used the same 'background party people' in many of his songs. I wonder if they were paid professionals {#Eh}
 

Like a lot of successful musicians, he likely had a very dedicated cadre of professional party people. The currency...who knows?
Funny how Marvin often used the same 'background party people' in many of his songs. I wonder if they were paid professionals {#Eh}
 myersei wrote:
Why does Bill always play this song after the Cure's "Close to Me"?  There has to be a reason for it.  When I hear the end of "Close to Me" now, I wait for the beginning of this one.  What's the connection?
 
They're both cuts off of "Best Of" compilations.

That's all I can think of.

 ParkerH wrote:
Pure genius. {#Dancingbanana_2}
 

Hm, I think that's a devaluation of the word genius.
Pure genius. {#Dancingbanana_2}
he sounds like ms. piggy in this one.
The whole sound of this song just takes you to a special place, but the lyrics which are kind of un-parse-able when casually listening are really quite excellent as well. 
How can I possibly get any writing done when this song is playing?  Gotta dance.... {#Dancingbanana}{#Bananasplit}
Why does Bill always play this song after the Cure's "Close to Me"?  There has to be a reason for it.  When I hear the end of "Close to Me" now, I wait for the beginning of this one.  What's the connection?
{#Roflol}That's funky...{#Dancingbanana}{#Dancingbanana}{#Dancingbanana_2}
{#Hearteyes}{#Moon}
Perfect Friday song!
Funk it up like a big bad ass oh yeaah

Defy anyone not be GROOVIN at their desk!!!!!!!!!
This is the SH*T!! My Friday morning is so fine.

Marvin Gaye - Got to give it up, Live (1980)

Live in Montreux 1980

{#Bananasplit}
I still love this song. Marvin Gaye's vocals and the party-animals in the background, and Dave Brubeck's instrumental version - it's just a flat-out good song. I don't care what version I hear - I just feel summer and want to dance to it.{#Dancingbanana}
 akousa wrote:


Same segue today, more than two months later. Perhaps it's time to freshen it up.
 

Same Segue today... no need for freshening though
 Austin2Florida wrote:
Nice transition from the Cure's Close to Me to Marvin Gaye's Gotta Give It Up {#Sunny}
 

Same segue today, more than two months later. Perhaps it's time to freshen it up.


Me Too. She was having so much fun that you can't help dancing too.

 
socalhol wrote:


nicole kidman from practical magic

Great song — and now since the movie Practical Magic it always reminds me of Nicole Kidman dancing by the pool to this song