Inner City Blues (Make Me Wanna Holler)


Inner City Blues (Make Me Wanna Holler) visual representation

Inner City Blues (Make Me Wanna Holler) is not just a song; it’s a powerful statement about society and struggle. Released in 1971 by Marvin Gaye, it’s the closing track of his legendary album, What’s Going On.

The song poetically delves into the themes of poverty, inequality, and despair in urban America, making it a timeless reflection of social issues. Marvin Gaye’s soulful voice, combined with a melancholic melody, immerses the listener in the raw emotions and realities of inner-city life, making it more than just a musical piece but an anthem of awareness and empathy.

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    1. Marvin’s Version

    2. Marvin Gaye’s rendition of Inner City Blues (Make Me Wanna Holler) stands as a landmark in the history of soul music. The song’s composition is a masterful blend of funk, jazz, and soul, underscored by a persistent, haunting groove that captures the essence of urban struggle.

       Gaye’s emotive delivery, filled with a sense of urgency and pain, resonates deeply, encapsulating the frustrations and hardships faced by those in inner cities during the early 1970s. The lyrics, co-written by Marvin Gaye and James Nyx Jr., are both poetic and direct, painting a vivid picture of economic hardship, social injustice, and the desperate need for change.

    3. Other Versions

    4. While Marvin Gaye’s original version of Inner City Blues (Make Me Wanna Holler) remains iconic, the song has inspired numerous covers and adaptations, each bringing a unique interpretation.

      Noteworthy among these is Gil Scott-Heron‘s version, which adds a layer of spoken word poetry, infusing the song with a more radical and political edge. Another remarkable rendition is by Grover Washington Jr., whose instrumental version transforms the song into a smooth, jazz-fueled exploration.

      These covers not only pay homage to the original but also extend its relevance, allowing different artists to express their perspectives on the social issues the song addresses. The versatility of “Inner City Blues” in crossing genres and inspiring artists underscores its enduring impact and relevance in music history.

    5. Lyrics

    6. Dah, dah, dah, dah
      dah, dah, dah, dah, dah, dah, dah
      Dah, dah, dah, dah
      Dah, dah, dah, dah, dah, dah, dah
      Dah, dah, dah
      Rockets, moon shots
      Spend it on the have nots
      Money, we make it
      For we see it you take it
      Oh, make you wanna holler
      The way they do my life
      Make me wanna holler
      The way they do my life
      This ain’t livin’, This ain’t livin’
      No, no baby, this ain’t livin’
      No, no, no
      Inflation no chance
      To increase finance
      Bills pile up sky high
      Send that boy off to die
      Make me wanna holler
      The way they do my life
      Make me wanna holler
      The way they do my life
      Dah, dah, dah
      Dah, dah, dah
      Hang ups, let downs
      Bad breaks, set backs
      Natural fact is
      I can’t pay my taxes
      Oh, make me wanna holler
      And throw up both my hands
      Yea, it makes me wanna holler
      And throw up both my hands
      Crime is increasing
      Trigger happy policing
      Panic is spreading
      God know where we’re heading
      Oh, make me wanna holler
      They don’t understand
      Dah, dah, dah
      Dah, dah, dah
      Dah, dah, dah

      Mother, mother
      Everybody thinks we’re wrong
      Who are they to judge us
      Simply cause we wear our hair long

      Marvin Gaye & James Nyx Jr., 1971

    posted by admin    December 18, 2023    December 29, 2023