Introduction to Sexual Healing: A Soulful Exploration of Intimacy by Marvin Gaye
In the tapestry of American soul music, few artists hold a place as revered as Marvin Gaye. His voice, a rich baritone imbued with raw emotion, captivated audiences throughout the 1960s and 70s.
Among his vast repertoire of hits, Sexual Healing stands out as a landmark recording, a song that delves into the complexities of intimacy and emotional connection with a depth and honesty rarely heard before.
Background
Released in 1982, Sexual Healing marked a turning point in Gaye’s career. Following a tumultuous period in his personal life, the song served as a cathartic exploration of emotional vulnerability and the power of love to heal.
The track reached number three on the Billboard Hot 100 chart, becoming his final top ten hit, and solidified his status as a voice for raw human emotion.
The song’s narrative unfolds with a captivating ambiguity. On the surface, the lyrics, co-written by Gaye himself with Otha Hayes, describe a yearning for physical intimacy. Lines like “I get this feeling that makes me feel so fine” evoke a sensuality that is undeniable.
However, beneath this surface layer lies a deeper message about emotional connection and the restorative power of love.
Video
Lyrics
🎵Let’s sing along with the lyrics!🎤
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 meWhenever blue teardrops 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 thing you’re dealing
Oh, I can tell you, darling, that it’s sexual healing