23 jan 1968 & if this world were mine
#OTD Tuesday 23 January #1968 the song "If This World Were Mine," was in rotation on WOOK and WOL radio stations. Marvin Gaye (native Washingtonian and Cardozo HS alum) wrote the song and sang it as a duet with Tammi Terrell. It is on the B side of the 45; on the A side is "If I Could Build My Whole World Around You." However, "This World Were Mine" would prove to be the bigger hit.
It is a beautiful song. I see it as a black freedom struggle song wrapped in/disguised as a heterosexual love ballad.
Here are the lyrics:
If this world were mine, I'd place at your feet
All that I own; you've been so good to me
If this world were mine
I'd give you the flowers, the birds and the bees
For with your love inside me, that would be all I need
If this world were mine
I'd give you anything
If this world were mine, I'd make you a king
With wealth untold, you could have anything
If this world were mine
I'd give you each day so sunny and blue
If you wanted the moonlight, I'd give you that too
If this world were mine
I'd give you anything
Oh baby, you're my consolation
And there's no hesitation
When you want me, honey, just call me
And honey, you're my inspiration
And there's so much sensation
When I'm in your arms, when you squeeze me
And the sky would be blue
As long as you're lovin' me
With you here in my arms
Life is so wonderful
Give me pretty lovin', baby
Give me pretty lovin', honey
Keep on lovin' me
You know I need you, baby
Really, really need you, baby
Here's Gaye & Terrell singing "If This World Were Mine":
Your comments are welcome below. Do you remember hearing this song on the radio? Did you have the 45 or album? You may also comment privately here.
