Inner City Blues (Make Me Wanna Holler)

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.

1. Marvin’s Version

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.

2. Other Versions

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.

3. Lyrics

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