What a tremendously ominous beginning to this song. The opening organ lick distills all the visceral paranoia and jealousy and anger in the world. This is also my favorite vocal performance that has ever been captured on tape. Despite his slickster Motown standing, Marvin Gaye here sounds on the edge of a nervous breakdown while still managing to keep his well-deserved sex symbol cool. Justin Timberlake only wishes he could vocalize this mental state.
It begins with that heavenly but snarly "oohoo." That simple "oohoo" conveys every heartache you've ever experienced. Everything that follows is almost superfluous if not for the sheer depth of Gaye's disgusted loyalty. 'Cos even with the betrayal, his voice portrays everything you've ever felt when you've been wronged by your lover: lust, disgust, surprise, and an endless supply of crazy dedication.
"I know a man ain't supposed to cry." This line, in conjunction with the rest of his performance here, explodes and deconstructs--in a more lucid and honest way than I've ever heard in any other song--traditional masculinity in pop. Male artists generally take the role of cock-of-the-walk (dismissive and/or user) or spurned, vengeful asshole (how could you do this to me? I'M A MAN!). But here--to reference an old post--Gaye manages hurt and surprise and a tremendous capacity for dedication to a gal who doesn't deserve it. He almost doesn't mind the humiliation if he could only have her back. Like he'd die before being cast aside so easily.
There's no better musical accusatory bitchslap than "I heard it through the grapevine." Not only does he suffer the indignity of being cheated on, but he has to FIND THIS OUT from someone other than his supposed one-and-only. How emasculating, and Gaye's vocal performance elucidates this beautifully. "Do you plan to let me go?" His incredulousness is astounding and inspiring. He demonstrates a phenomenal amount of devotion to a woman who doesn't deserve his love and beauty. And in the end, as a spurned lover, isn't that what you most relate to? I'm too good for you, but I'd have you back in a heartbeat. And yet, it doesn't mean I'm not cautious of your actions. No other guy could ever love you more, but can I go through this again?
I'm too drunk to do this song justice. Merry goddam xmas. Oh look, drugs.
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