About the Song
Background
- Songwriter: Gordon Banks, a frequent collaborator with Gaye during his later career.
- Album: The song appeared on Marvin Gaye’s 1982 album Midnight Love.
- Release: Although a commercial hit in the UK, the song was released as a B-side to “Rockin’ After Midnight” in the US, perhaps contributing to its relative obscurity stateside compared to other Gaye classics.
- Style: “My Love Is Waiting” is a prime example of Marvin Gaye’s embrace of electronic instrumentation and a synth-driven sound during the ’80s.
Themes
- Intense Longing: The central theme is overwhelming longing for a lover. The speaker is separated from his love and expresses an urgent need for reunion.
- Desperation & Hope: The lyrics oscillate between a sense of desperation and an enduring hope that love will persevere.
- Patience Tested: The waiting in the title underscores the concept of being tested by time and distance.
Lyrics
Here’s a look at some key lyrics and their interpretations:
- “My love is waiting in the shadows of my mind”: Even physically absent, his lover holds a constant, powerful presence in the speaker’s mind and heart.
- “Just a moment in my arms will make it right”: There’s a simple, deep belief that physical reunion will be curative.
- “I’ll keep trying ’cause I need you in my life”: Underscores the desperation and determination, a plea for endurance as the speaker fights for the relationship.
Overall
“My Love Is Waiting” is a beautifully crafted expression of desire and longing within the context of a relationship tested by separation. It also stands out as an intriguing blend of Gaye’s signature soulful style with the new wave-influenced production trends of the ’80s.
Video
Lyric
Thank you, ladies and gentlemenI sure hope you’ve enjoyed our new album here on CBS RecordsWe’d like to thank Mr. Harvey Fuqua, Mr. Gordon banksMr. Mike Butcher, Mr. Larkin Arnold, most of allWe want to thank our Heavenly Father, Jesus, ooh
Oh Lord, oh Lordy
I’m coming straight to your love, babyMmmOoh, heyI’m like a rocket girl
Been so longI’m making plans to get back to youStill, I’m wondering what to doSeems so long, yeahOoh, make it up to youI’m like a rocket girlI miss you, babyAnd I miss your mind
We had so much loveI need to love your body, ooh-oohWell here we areIn and out of loveI hope we’re learning to fall in love anewGirl, I know, yeahMmm I know your tender lovin’, that’s why I want you (want your love)I need you lovin’, yeah(Need your love)And I miss your mind(And your body)We had so much love(Love to give)I need to love your bodyLove your body
Been so long (seems like forever, darlin’)Since you were in my armsI need to rock you (I wanna rock you, rock you, rock you)And hold you all night long (ooh)I’m so happy to spend this time with you (I need your lovin’, ooh something’s got to give)So very happy (I’m bitter for your love)That we might start anew (I got to rock you, rock you)
I miss you, baby(Miss your love)Oh and I miss your mind(And your mind, babe)We had so much love(Love to give)I need to love your body(Love your body)Love your soul, babyHey, oh love your soul
My love, I want to love you again(The city’s waitin’ for you)Need you again(My love is waitin’ for you)My love, I want to love you again(The city’s waitin’ for you)Ooh, need you in the midnight
Been so long, baby (been so long, been so long, been so long, been so long)Making all my plans to get back to you (been so long, been so long, oh)What I’m gonna do? (Been so long, been so long)Oh, it seems so long, but I’ll make it up to you, baby (been so long, been so long)Like an IBM and a rocket girl (yeah, yeah, yeah)
Straight for your love, baby(I need your love)‘Cause I miss your mind(And your body)We had so much love(Love to give)I need to love your body(Love your body)
When I make you mine, I’ll be fineBaby, babyWhen I make you mine, I’ll be fine‘Cause I miss your bodyWhen I make you mine, I’ll be fineBaby, babyWhen I make you mine, I’ll be fine‘Cause I miss your bodyWhen I make you mine, I’ll be fineBaby, babyWhen I make you mine, I’ll be fineOh babyWhen I make you mine, I’ll be fineBaby, babyWhen I make you mine, I’ll be fineDarlin’When I make you mine, I’ll be fine‘Cause I miss your bodyWhen I make you mine, I’ll be fineBaby, baby, baby, baby, baby, babyWhen I make you mine, I’ll be fine‘Cause