I Want You (song)

I Want You, a captivating song by Marvin Gaye, stands out as a significant piece in his discography. Released as part of his fourteenth studio album in 1976, this song diverged from Gaye’s previous Motown and doo-wop influences, adopting a funkier, light-disco soul style.

1. Marvin’s Version

The conception of I Want You followed the success of Gaye’s album “Let’s Get It On” and his project with Diana Ross. Struggling to find a suitable follow-up, Gaye collaborated with Leon Ware, leading to a collection of erotically charged songs.

“I Want You” is essentially a biographical piece, mirroring Gaye’s turbulent and fragile personal life and emotional state during that period.

2. Lyrics

I want you the right way
I want you
But I want you to want me too
Want you to want me,baby
Just like I want you

I give you all the love I want in return sweet darlin’
But half a love is all I feel
It’s too bad,It’s just too sad
You don’t want me now
But I’m gonna change your mind
Someway,somehow,oh baby

Repeat

This one way loveis just a fantasy, oh sugar
To share is precious,pure and fair
Don’t play with something you should cherish for life,oh baby
Don’t you wanna care
Aint it lonley out there

Repeat

Repeat and fade