It feels good to love and be loved. With Valentine’s Day around the corner, love songs are going to root themselves in our hearts whether we are ready or not. The provocateur Prince of Motown’s prominent piece “Let’s Get It On” opens a discussion of love. Marvin Gaye offers some lyrics that stir up the meaning of love. Undoubtedly, his lyrics are fiery and explicit. If we push through the obvious, a deeper meaning can be admired. 

“We’re all sensitive people with so much to give /

Understand me, sugar /

Since we got to be here, let’s live /

I love you.”

This song is about much more than lust. Love, in the real way, is not just a feeling. It is an emotion that runs deep within everyone. To turn away from tenderness is easy. It would be harder to be vulnerable, and some would say that such a vulnerability is taboo. Gaye highlights the real beauty of love.

“There’s nothing wrong with me loving you /

And giving yourself to me can never be wrong /

If the love is true, oh, baby.”

This unmistakable guitar riff brings on an immediate feeling of peace. The rhythm of the song is playful, and the wah-wah effect swoons the chords in a fitting manner. The full complement of saxophones flirts with the layered vocals. Without any reservation, the bass line provides one of the sexiest harmonies ever recorded. Overall, the instrumentals are stunning.

With love in our lives, we know passion and we keep faith. It frees us from our own shackles. To quote Bell Hooks, “True love does have the power to redeem but only if we are ready for redemption. Love saves us only if we want to be saved.” Of course, love can come from anywhere and is not exclusive to romance. Love lives in people. It grows and ensnares our hearts in vines. We want to tend this garden in us, though it can be worrisome to deal with alone. Friendly faces can be asked. Usually, just asking is all it takes to inspire love in one form or another. As long as there are souls to sing about it, love will endure.