About The Song
“I Heard It Through the Grapevine” by Marvin Gaye, released in 1968, is a soul masterpiece that showcases Gaye’s emotive vocals. The song revolves around themes of betrayal and heartbreak, capturing the essence of classic Motown sound with its powerful delivery and memorable melody.
Five Facts:
- Multiple Recordings: Marvin Gaye’s version of “I Heard It Through the Grapevine” wasn’t the first. The song was initially recorded by Gladys Knight & the Pips, but Gaye’s rendition, released later in 1968, became a massive hit and one of his signature songs.
- Longest Number One Hit: At over seven minutes, Gaye’s rendition of the song was initially considered too long for radio play. However, it became the longest-running number one hit on the Billboard Hot 100 at the time, demonstrating its widespread popularity and enduring appeal.
- Emotional Delivery: Marvin Gaye’s vocal performance on “I Heard It Through the Grapevine” is widely praised for its emotional depth. He infuses the song with a sense of vulnerability, conveying the pain and heartache of the lyrics.
- Collaboration with Producer Norman Whitfield: The song was produced by Norman Whitfield, who played a key role in shaping the sound of Motown in the late 1960s. Whitfield’s production on “Grapevine” introduced a grittier and more dramatic quality to Gaye’s music.
- Cinematic Usage: The song has been featured in various films and television shows over the years, contributing to its lasting cultural impact. Notably, it was prominently used in the 1988 film “The Big Chill,” further solidifying its place in the musical lexicon.
Video
Lyrics
Ooh, bet you’re wonderin’ how I knew
‘Bout your plan to make me blue
With some other guy that you knew before
Between the two of us guys
You know I loved you more
It took me by surprise, I must say
When I found out yesterdayOoh-ooh, I heard it through the grapevine
Not much longer would you be mine
Ooh-ooh, I heard it through the grapevine
And I’m just about to lose my mind
Honey, honey, yeahYou know that 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 found someone else, insteadI heard it through the grapevine
Not much longer would you be mine
Ooh-ooh, I heard it through the grapevine
And I’m just about to lose my mind
Honey, honey, yeahPeople say, “You hear from what you see
Not, not, not from what you hear”
I can’t help but being confused
If it’s true, won’t you tell me, dear?
Do you plan to let me go
For the other guy that you knew before?Ooh-ooh, I heard it through the grapevine
Not much longer would you be mine
Ooh-ooh, I heard it through the grapevine
And I’m just about to lose my mind
Honey, honey, yeahOoh-ooh, I heard it through the grapevine
Not much longer would you be mine
Ooh-ooh, I heard it through the grapevine
And I’m just about to lose my mind
Ooh-ooh, I heard it through the grapevine
Not much longer would you be mine
Ooh-ooh, I heard it through the grapevine
And I’m just about to lose my mind
Honey, honey, yeah