About the song
Introducing Marvin Gaye’s powerful anthem “Inner City Blues (Make Me Wanna Holler)” is like opening a window into the social consciousness of the 1970s, where music becomes a vehicle for commentary on urban life and societal injustice. Released in 1971 as part of Gaye’s album “What’s Going On,” this song was written by Gaye himself alongside James Nyx Jr.
“Inner City Blues (Make Me Wanna Holler)” not only made its mark on the charts but also earned critical acclaim for its raw honesty and powerful message. It peaked at number 9 on the Billboard Hot 100 and became one of Gaye’s most iconic tracks, showcasing his ability to merge soulful melodies with thought-provoking lyrics.
Marvin Gaye’s emotive vocals and impassioned delivery on “Inner City Blues” capture the frustration and despair of urban life, drawing listeners into its narrative of poverty, inequality, and social unrest. His evocative performance resonates with authenticity, making the song a poignant reflection of its time.
Over the years, “Inner City Blues (Make Me Wanna Holler)” has remained a poignant reminder of the struggles faced by inner-city communities, earning its place as a timeless classic in the realm of soul music.
As “Inner City Blues (Make Me Wanna Holler)” continues to inspire listeners around the world, it stands as a testament to Marvin Gaye’s legacy as not just a musician, but a visionary artist who used his platform to shed light on the pressing issues of his time. With its soul-stirring melodies and poignant lyrics, this iconic track remains a call to action for social change and justice.
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Lyrics
Dah, dah, dah, dah
Dah, dah, dah-dah, dah, dah
Dah, dah, dah, dah
Dah, dah, dah-dah, dah, dah
Dah, dah, dah
Rockets, moon shots
Spend it on the have nots
Money, we make it
Fore we see it you take it
Oh, make me want to holler
The way they do my life (yeah)
Make me want to holler
The way they do my life
This ain’t livin’, this ain’t livin’
No, no baby, this ain’t livin’
No, no, no, no
Inflation no chance
To increase finance
Bills pile up sky high
Send that boy off to die
Oh, make me want to holler
The way they do my life (duh, duh, duh)
Yeah, make me want to holler
The way they do my life
Oh, baby
Dah, dah, dah
Dah, dah, dah
Hang-ups, let downs
Bad breaks, set backs
Natural fact is
Oh honey that I can’t pay my taxes
Oh, make me want to holler
And throw up both my hands
Yea, it make me want to holler
And throw up both my hands
Oh (ow) crime is (woo) increasing
Trigger happy policing
Panic is spreading
God knows where we’re heading
Oh, make me want to holler
They don’t understand
Dah, dah, dah
Dah, dah, dah
Dah, dah, dah
Mother, mother
Everybody thinks we’re wrong
Who are they to judge us
Simply cause we wear our hair long