About the song
Background
- Shift in Gaye’s Style: The song marked a departure from the politically charged themes of Gaye’s previous album What’s Going On into a more sensual and personal exploration.
- Co-writer: Ed Townsend: Gaye and Townsend co-wrote the song, with Townsend initially composing it as a religious tune.
- Censorship and Controversy: Due to its sexually suggestive lyrics, the song faced initial resistance from Motown executives and some radio stations.
Themes
- Physical Desire: The most obvious theme is unabashed physical desire and the yearning for intimacy.
- Spirituality and Love: Gaye infuses the song with a sense of spirituality, connecting physical love with a deeper spiritual connection and transcendence.
- Release from Societal Constraints: The song can be seen as a declaration of sexual liberation and a rejection of societal expectations of the time.
Lyrics
Here’s a look at a crucial verse and its significance:
“We’re all sensitive people With so much to give We understand that now, we’ve got to live”
- Universality of Desire: Gaye emphasizes that sexual yearning is natural and shared, a part of human sensitivity.
- Hedonism and Living in the Moment: There’s a hint of urgency, a call to embrace the present moment and celebrate life’s pleasures.
Legacy
- Iconic Soul Classic: “Let’s Get It On” is one of the most legendary soul songs of all time, known for its sensual mood and Gaye’s smooth, soulful vocals.
- Enduring influence: It influenced countless artists and its themes of sexual liberation and embracing desire continue to resonate.
Video
Lyrics
I’ve been really tryin’, babyTryin’ to hold back this feeling for so longAnd if you feel like I feel, babyThen, c’mon, oh, c’mon, whoa
Let’s get it onAh, baby, let’s get it onLet’s love, babyLet’s get it on, sugarLet’s get it on, woo hoo
We’re all sensitive peopleWith so much to giveUnderstand me, sugar (ooh ooh)Since we’ve got to be hereLet’s liveI love you
There’s nothing wrong with meLoving you, baby no noAnd giving yourself to me can never be wrongIf the love is true, oh baby
Ooh don’t you know how sweet and wonderful life can be ooh (let me love you)I’m asking you baby to get it on with me ooh ooh (let me love you)I ain’t gonna worry (let me love you)I ain’t gonna push, won’t push you baby (let me love you)So c’mon, c’mon, c’mon, c’mon, c’mon, babyStop beatin’ ’round the bush, hey
Let’s get it on (ooh ooh)Let’s get it on (ooh ooh)You know what I’m talkin’ ’boutC’mon, baby, hey, heyLet your love come outIf you believe in loveLet’s get it on, oohLet’s get it on, babyThis minute, oh yeahLet’s get it onPlease, please get it on
I know and you know what I’ve been dreaming of, don’t you baby? (ah, ah, ah, ah)My whole body makes that feelin’ of love, I’m happy (my body wants ya, my body wants ya)I ain’t gonna worry, no I ain’t gonna push (ah)I won’t push you baby, woo (ah ah)
C’mon, c’mon, c’mon, c’mon, c’mon, darlin’Stop beatin’ ’round the bushOh, gonna get it on (ooh, ooh)Threatenin’ you, baby (ooh, ooh)I wanna get it on (ooh, ooh)You don’t have to worry that it’s wrong (ooh, ooh)If the spirit moves ya (ooh, ooh)Let me groove ya good (ooh, ooh)Let your love come down (ooh, ooh)Oh, get it on
C’mon, baby (ooh, ooh)Do you know the meaning? (ooh, ooh)I’ve been sanctified (ooh, ooh), hey heyGirl, you give me good feeling (ooh, ooh) (so good)So good, somethin’ like sanctified (ooh, ooh)
Oh dear I, baby (ooh, ooh)Nothing wrong with love (ooh, ooh)If you want to love me just let your self go (ooh, ooh)Oh baby, let’s get it on (ooh, ooh)