The Marvelettes – Darling Forever: A Timeless Plea for Unconditional Love
Ah, The Marvelettes. Those iconic voices that rose to prominence in the early 1960s, forever etched in the annals of Motown history. Among their string of hits, one song stands out for its raw vulnerability and enduring message:
Darling Forever. Released in 1961, this soulful ballad captures the emotional rollercoaster of young love, a timeless plea for unwavering devotion amidst the uncertainties of a new romance.
Background
While some Marvelettes’ hits brimmed with infectious energy and dancefloor-ready rhythms, Darling Forever takes a more introspective approach.
The song’s narrative unfolds from the perspective of a young woman completely smitten with her beauty. It has been covered by numerous artists, each adding their own interpretation to the timeless sentiment.
Darling Forever transcended the boundaries of its time. While it reached a respectable number 24 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart in 1961, the song’s true legacy lies in its enduring power. It has been covered by numerous artists, each adding their own interpretation to the timeless sentiment.
Beyond its commercial success, Darling Forever remains a poignant reminder of the complexities of young love. The song’s message of devotion and vulnerability resonates with listeners of all ages, a testament to the enduring power of Motown’s songwriting and the Marvelettes’ undeniable vocal talent.
Video
Lyrics
🎵 Let’s sing along with the lyrics! 🎤
Darlin’ forever, forever, you can break my heart foreverIf you want toI’ll play the part of a foolJust to be with you foreverDarlin’ forever, forever you can torment meTake my love for granted, but I’ll always be just a fool (just a fool)If I, if I could be with youI’ll be your slave for the rest of, of my daysLove you more in so, so many waysJust to be with you thrills meThrough and throughAnd darlin’ forever (forever), forever (forever), you can torment me (forever)Take my love for granted, but I’ll always be just a fool (just a fool, just a fool)If I, if I could be with youDarlin’ forever, foreverNo matter what you say, I doI’ll always, I’ll always-
If I remember correctly, the song was written by Brian Holland-Lamont Dozier-Eddie Holland. Among those I first heard it by was Marvin Gaye. I first heard it when I purchased the Marvin Gaye Anthology and later learned that it was the flip side of “HOW SWEET IT IS (TO BE LOVED BY YOU)” also written by H-D-H. The anthologies listed the recorded date of the songs. Although listed chronologically on each anthology, I just wish their earliest songs were included. Smokey Robinson and The Miracles included some of their before Motown recordings instead of all of them.