Sexual Healing

Sexual Healing is an iconic song by American singer Marvin Gaye, released as part of his seventeenth and final studio album, Midnight Love in 1982. This post-disco, soul, and funk track marked Gaye’s departure from Motown Records, peaking at number 3 on the Billboard Hot 100 and earning a place on Rolling Stone’s list of the 500 Greatest Songs of All Time.

Written in E-flat major with a tempo of 94 beats per minute, ‘Sexual Healing’ is celebrated for its sensual lyrics and innovative sound, becoming Gaye’s final top 10 hit.

1. Marvin’s Version

Marvin Gaye composed ‘Sexual Healing‘ during a period of personal and artistic transformation in Ostend, Belgium, in 1981. The song’s creation involved musicians Gordon Banks and Odell Brown, with notable contributions from David Ritz.

Utilizing a Roland TR-808 drum machine, Gaye crafted a unique percussive sound for the track. The song, characterized by its deep bass drum, handclaps, and synthesizer elements, received critical acclaim for its pioneering sound and sensual themes. ‘Sexual Healing’ won two Grammy Awards in 1983, including Best Male R&B Vocal Performance and Best R&B Instrumental Performance, and has been recognized as a significant influence on the slow jam genre.

2. Chart Performance and Legacy

The commercial success of ‘Sexual Healing‘ was remarkable, reaching number one on Billboard’s Hot R&B Singles chart and maintaining the top spot for ten weeks. Its wide appeal was evidenced by its high rankings on various international charts, including the UK Singles Chart and the New Zealand RIANZ chart.

‘Sexual Healing’ sold over four million copies worldwide and received several certifications, including platinum status in the United States. Its enduring legacy is reflected in its influence on subsequent music genres and its status as a quintessential Marvin Gaye song, embodying the artist’s sensual style and musical innovation.

3. Lyrics

Baby I’m hot just like an oven
I need your lovin’
And baby, I can’t hold it much longer
It’s getting stronger and stronger
And when I get that feeling
I want Sexual Healing
Sexual Healing, oh baby
Makes me feel so fine
Helps to relieve my mind

Sexual Healing baby, is good for me
Sexual Healing is something that’s good for me
Whenever blue tear drops are falling
And my emotional stability is leaving me
There is something I can do
I can get on the telephone and call you up baby, and
Honey I know you’ll be there to relieve me
The love you give to me will free me
If you don’t know the things you’re dealing ohh
Let me tell you, darling, that it’s Sexual Healing

Get up, Get up, Get up, Get up, let’s make love tonight
Wake up, Wake up, Wake up, Wake up, ‘cuz you do it right
Baby I got sick this mornin’
A sea was storming inside of me and
Baby I think I’m capsizing
The waves are rising and rising
And when I get that feeling
I want Sexual Healing

Sexual Healing is good for me
Makes me feel so fine, it’s such a rush
Helps to relieve my mind, and it’s good for us
Sexual Healing, baby, is good for me
Sexual Healing is something that’s good for me
And it’s good for me and it’s good to me

My baby ohhh
Come take control, just grab a hold
Of my body and mind 
soon we’ll be making it
Honey, oh your doin’  fine
You’re my medicine open up and let me in
Darling, you’re so great
I can’t wait for you to operate
Get up get up get up get up
let’s make love tonight
wake up wake up wake up wake up
because you do it right