Can I Get a Witness

‘Can I Get a Witness‘ is an iconic song that stands as a testament to the power and versatility of soul music. Composed by the legendary trio Brian Holland, Lamont Dozier, and Eddie Holland, and produced by Brian Holland and Lamont Dozier, this track was released as a non-album single by Marvin Gaye in September 1963​​​​.

This piece became a pivotal work for Gaye, showcasing his extraordinary vocal range and his ability to infuse soul music with deep, resonant emotion.

1. Marvin’s Version

Marvin Gaye‘s rendition of “Can I Get a Witness” is notable for its dynamic vocal performance and its recording history. Recorded at Motown’s Hitsville U.S.A. studios in July 1963, Gaye impressed the songwriters by nailing the song in one take, despite his initial reservations about singing above his vocal range.

This recording session highlighted Gaye’s versatility, with his voice seamlessly transitioning between tenor, baritone, and falsetto ranges​​. Following its release, the song achieved significant success, peaking at No. 22 on the Hot 100 in December 1963 and enjoying popularity in the UK and France​​.

Gaye’s live performances of the song, including appearances on shows like “Hollywood A Go-Go” and “Ready, Steady, Go!” further cemented its place in the annals of soul music.

2. Other Notable Versions

“Can I Get a Witness” also saw a variety of covers by renowned artists, each bringing their unique style to the song. The Rolling Stones included it on their debut album in 1964, alongside an instrumental sequel titled “Now, I’ve Got a Witness“.

Dusty Springfield, Stevie Wonder, The Checkmates, Ltd., The Buckinghams, and English singer Sam Brown are among the others who have covered the song.

Notably, The Supremes, who provided background vocals for Gaye’s original, recorded their version in 1966, released much later in 1987. Each of these renditions contributed to the song’s enduring legacy, showcasing its adaptability across different genres and styles​​.

3. Creating The Song

The song’s inspiration came from a sermon, where a preacher’s repetitive request for a witness sparked the idea for its lyrics. The song delves into themes of unrequited love and seeks validation, resonating with many who have experienced similar emotions.

However, its release during the Civil Rights Movement in the United States added deeper social commentary, reflecting the struggles and the need for support within the black community. The song’s universal appeal for empathy and solidarity transcends racial and social boundaries, making its message relevant even today​​.

4. Lyrics

Listen everybody, especially you girls
Is it right to be left alone
While the one you love is never home?
I love too hard, my friends sometimes say
But I believe, I believe
That a woman should be loved that way
But it hurts me so inside
To see her treat me so unkind
Somebody, somewhere tell her it’s unfair

Can I get a witness?
Can I get a witness?
Can I get a witness?
Somebody

Is it right to be treated so bad
When you’ve given everything you had?
Even tossin’ in my sleep
‘Cause I haven’t seen my baby all week
Now, you chicks do agree
That this ain’t the way love’s supposed to be
Let me hear, let me hear you say yeah, yeah

Up early in the morning with her on my mind
Just to find out all night that I’ve been cryin’
But I believe a woman’s a man’s best friend
So I’m gonna stick by her till the very end
But she causes so much misery I forget how
Love is supposed to be
Somebody, somewhere, tell her it ain’t fair

Can I get a witness?
I want a witness
Witness, witness
Witness, witness

Everybody knows, especially you girls
Love can be sad
But I have a love that’s twice as bad
Now all you chicks agree
That this ain’t the way its’s supposed to be
Let me hear you, let me hear you say yeah, yeah

I want a witness
I want a witness
I want a witness
I want a witness