Marvin Gaye - Ain't That Peculiar (Tamla Records Video 1965)

"Ain't That Peculiar" is a 1965 song recorded by American soul musician Marvin Gaye for the Tamla (Motown) label. The single was produced by Smokey Robinson, and written by Robinson, and fellow Miracles members Ronald White, Pete Moore, and Marv Tarplin. "Ain't That Peculiar" features Gaye, with The Andantes on backing vocals, singing about the torment of a painful relationship.
The single was Gaye's second U.S. million seller successfully duplicating its predecessor "I'll Be Doggone", from earlier in 1965 by topping Billboard's Hot R&B Singles chart in the fall of 1965, peaking at #8 on the US Pop Singles chart. It became one of Gaye's signature 1960s recordings, and was his best-known solo hit before 1968's "I Heard It Through the Grapevine".
Marvin's accompanied with background vocalist The Andantes: Marlene Barrow, Jackie Hicks and Louvain Demps with instrumentation by The Funk Brothers and Marvin Tarplin of The Miracles (guitars).
Marvin Gaye (April 2, 1939 -- April 1, 1984), born Marvin Pentz Gay, Jr., was an American singer-songwriter and musician.
Gaye helped to shape the sound of Motown Records in the 1960s with a string of hits, including "How Sweet It Is (To Be Loved By You)" and "I Heard It Through the Grapevine", and duet recordings with Mary Wells and Tammi Terrell, later earning the titles "Prince of Motown" and "Prince of Soul". During the 1970s, he recorded the concept albums What's Going On and Let's Get It On and became one of the first artists in Motown to break away from the reins of its production company. Gaye's later recordings influenced several R&B subgenres, such as quiet storm and neo-soul.
Following a period in Europe as a tax exile in the early 1980s, Gaye released the 1982 Grammy Award-winning hit "Sexual Healing" and the Midnight Love album. Since his death in 1984, Gaye has been posthumously honored by many institutions, including the Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award and the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.
At around 11:38 am on April 1, 1984, as Marvin was seated on his bed talking to his mother, Gaye's father shot at Marvin twice. The first shot, which entered the right side of Gaye's chest, was fatal, having perforated his vital organs. Gaye was taken to the emergency room of the California Hospital Medical Center and was pronounced dead on arrival at 1:01 pm. Gaye died a day before turning 45. The gun with which Marvin Gaye, Sr. shot his son was given to him by Marvin as a Christmas present.
Following his funeral, Marvin was cremated with part of his ashes spread near the Pacific Ocean. Gaye did not leave behind a will or an insurance policy at the time of his death. Gaye's father pleaded no contest to a voluntary manslaughter charge and was sentenced to probation. He later died of pneumonia in 1998. Marvin's fans have held vigils for the singer at the final residence to celebrate the day of his birth.
Honey, you do me wrong but still I'm crazy about you
Stay away too long and I can't do without you
Every chance you get, you seem to hurt me more and more
But each hurt makes my love stronger than before
I know flowers grow through rain
But how can love grow through pain
Ain't that peculiar
A peculiarity
Ain't that peculiar, baby
Peculiar as can be, oh
You tell me lies that should be obvious to me
But I'm so much in love with you baby 'til I don't want to see
But that things you do and say are designed to make me blue
It's a dog gone shame my love for you makes all your lies seem true
But if the truth makes love last longer
Why do lies make my love stronger
Ain't that peculiar, baby
Peculiar as can be
Ain't that peculiar
A peculiarity, yeah yeah
I cried so much just like a child that's lost his toy
Maybe baby, you think these tears I cry are tears of joy
A child can cry so much until you do everything they say
But unlike a child, my tears don't help me to get my way
I know love can last through years
But how can love last through tears
Ain't that peculiar, baby
Peculiar as can be
Ain't that peculiar, honey
Peculiar as can be
Said, "I don't understand it, baby"
It's so strange sometimes
Ain't that peculiar, darlin'
Oh

[@bakerlouis5636]

2024 and still a superb song!

[@sidneykomisar3244]

the year i went in the navy and listened to motown all the time helped me get through it

[@maryjohnson5079]

Sam Cooke was Mr. Soul, but Marvin Gaye was CLASSY SOUL! I can listen to me some Marvin Gaye all night!

[@leonardbrown2219]

Like/Love them both.Two of the (GREATEST OF ALL TIME) I was bless to have seen them both on different dates at the Legendary Uptown Theater in Philly an The Latin Casino Super Club in Cherry Hill New Jersey.😊😊😊

[@brahmburgers]

Marvin would sit at the piano downstairs at Motown's little studio, and pretty girls would gravitate around, but he wouldn't glom on to just one. He was 'a chick magnet' - you know how a magnet can magnetize, on and on. I experienced a modicum of that, when I would play honky tonk piano in bars, and there'd be one or two gals who would sing along, and shake their booty on the back of my shoulder and neck, .....wow, ....excuse me.

[@KICKBOXER27]

I love & respect them both.

[@1926howiemack]

I think Marvin was the best singer that came out of motown.

[@gabevachon326]

Smokey was good. Ray Charles. Otis. Sam Cooke

[@horsecamp09]

Marvin could be the best singer ever.

[@educateme8455]

American Splendor

[@constantreader7944]

The greatest artist over all. And yes, his voice. Others had great voices, but this artist wrote amazing songs. His “What’s Going On” is one of the best albums of the era, A work of art.

[@trishferris7355]

Best singer to come out a the 60's and 70's

[@JazzyJeffRealTalk]

This might be the smoothest brotha to ever live 😎🙏🏽 RIP Marvin

[@MrSilver261]

oh yes

[@satori03]

Nat King Cole

[@joycemooney1690]

Voice like velvet

[@rashaancornell8831]

April 1st, 1984 was the worst day when the world lost this musical genius!

[@dmac8949]

And my 25th birthday...So as a huge, huge Marvin Gaye fan, my 25th birthday was not my best...

[@louisebrown4622]

We will never see his like again

[@ImaOkie]

What a great smile , it's in the song !

[@lesmartinsings]

Its amazing that he started out as a drummer ! Theres hope for us all.......

[@johnrobinson4281]

I know Marvin Gaye was the best singer ever to come out of Motown real talk

[@gaiusbaltar7122]

David Ruffin!

[@Suzanne-s7h]

I love Motown ❤

[@sojourneylove5359]

Ain't nothing peculiar about this man's gifts, talents, and legacy. ❤Beautiful man ....beautiful soul.

[@pbmorris74]

A voice that will never be replicated,

[@gabevachon326]

Sam Cooke and Otis were right there with him.

[@moonytheloony6516]

@@gabevachon326 Nope.

[@feliciasextion6943]

Listen to the artist named October London

[@jamestrujillo5195]

If you put this in the radio today, It would be the number 1 rated song

[@jenniecosio3654]

Still listen to this song thanks again sweet soul namaste

[@LeslieBacon-r1i]

This guy was SO good and THAT sound of his was incredible!! I was there!

[@GaiaCarney]

Thanks, Marvin, for all the good music 💗 Your memory is a blessing 🕯

[@georgesingleton3425]

He was the "pride and joy" of Tamla records. Bring back those days.

[@rodneywright3497]

I love all of His recordings. Great soul brother.

[@sondrasmith2691]

Tamla records turned into Motown Records, and this white, blue-eyed girl listened to and cherished almost ALL Motown hits during my life!

[@harvey1954]

One of the great intros of all time.

[@smoothestones1]

The older I get the more I enjoy Motown.

[@jorgeB21LA.]

Best singer of all time to Me... Mexican Kid growing up in Los Angeles. Smokey wrote this song for Him.

[@kristijanbodin3174]

Undisputed King of Motown👑RIP Legend Marvin Gaye

[@markbrolin1157]

Smokey Robinson's writing and producing is responsible for so much of our greatest music.

[@bobthebear1246]

Oh, absolutely. Smokey Robinson is a genius and a giant.

[@maryjohnson5079]

Yes Smoky Robinson was a excellent song writer for Motown, but we can not forget about Ashford and Simpson who also wrote a lot of songs for Marvin Gaye and Tammi Terrell.

[@johnconway9882]

This is true, and rightly so. However, the contributions of the musicians and their arrangements are shamelessly overlooked. Consider, the Motown house band -- The Funk Brothers: Smokey Robinson wrote "My Girl," but the iconic intro riffs were written by James Jamerson (and recorded by Robert White) who died nearly penniless.

[@mikeshannon1452]

@@johnconway9882greatest electric bassist to ever live

[@JohnSmithSeesYou]

And his balls are allegedly responsible for Michael Jackson

[@kathylewis6177]

Gone but NOT forgotten!!

[@mariawhite9638]

This Adonis, is the perfection of An African-American. Nobody but nobody ever came close to his physical Beauty. He Stands alone......

[@williamogrady8216]

A rare occurrence: One of the most beautiful songs you ever dreamed of, and the perfect interpreter. Tears.

[@andrelee3008]

The Prince of Motown

[@archangelvvv]

ABSOLUTELY SENSATIONAL! A generation long forgotten..ain't that peculiar!

[@MagnusMonsted]

I see what you did there😏

[@3912James]

I loved Marvin's 1960s style of singing.

[@jamaicanlova2832]

James Johnson me too!!

[@jordandowns5236]

Me too

[@JJ21210]

Me too -- and I also love that even though he started great he still grew and changed as a musician. An amazing artist, gone way too soon.

[@motorcityquig]

And to think he started out as a drummer for Motown

[@libertybellbill4439]

The Best In Soul Marvin Gaye

[@leomannpictures]

Possibly the coolest man alive at the coolest moment in time on this earth.

[@bobthebear1246]

This man has it all: Charisma, Uniqueness, Nerve and Talent. An absolute original and a legend. Taken from us far too soon. 🌹

[@johnconway9882]

And yet, happiness tended to elude Marvin.

[@kurtadams3021]

Written by the Genius Smokey Robinson

[@JJ21210]

Thank you! I didn't know that.

[@sarge7526]

He is another great and skillful songwriter!!!!💞💞💞

[@laminage]

He also wrote Marvin's Breakthrough Song "Stubborn Kind Of Fellow" as well as "I'll Be Doggone". Now folks say Smokey Robinson should "Sue" Pharrell Williams because they fell that the Melody of this song was stolen and used for "Happy".

[@charlesljones2454]

Of course .....who else.

[@lancewilsonellis1666]

The Prince Of Motown !

[@jenniecosio3654]

Man I still dance around the house 🏠🏡🏡 later

[@cool521923]

I just turned 59 years old, today. I may as well tell my age before Marvin does!

[@mariawhite973]

He is breath taking Beautiful. In this classic black and white video does any one else compare?

[@communitypark2313]

Couldn't agree more! He was drop dead gorgeous.

[@alexandredasilvanunessilva5622]

Marvin Gaye forever!!👏🏻👏🏻

[@brodocbetty4856]

Marvin, Smooth as butter.

[@marvinwhaley9833]

One of those songs that one could listen to for HOURS. Ain't that Peculiar?

[@e.t.5741]

marvin whaley yes you're right my friend

[@renaissanceman165]

Nice No Pun intended, right?

[@mzmaryd6452]

Yesss all day!!

[@midnightrider7648]

marvin whaley: that's not peculiar, it's understandable. Great tune.

[@laurenceseale]

Gem

[@Redchilly-s2e]

Jumped up out of my chair at the age of 13 1965 singing and dancing to this song, I'm 70 now and just discovered it this day, a tamla gem, I'm 13 again today, ain't that peculiar

[@mikelistman5263]

With ya' bro...I was 12 when this hit. After hearing it on my little transistor radio, I still recall a first-time listen on a stereo with decent speakers (people in the Detroit started buying them at that time). Overwhelming! What a life of music we've had, right?!

[@PaulJensen-hm3ul]

What a great singer. Hurt me more and more WOW

[@denisewalsh6586]

Genius ..nothing in 2021 comes even close ..thank you Marvin and the composer of this infectious song.

[@carolanestanley4030]

Infectious it definitely is. First time I heard Pharrell's song Happy, I immediately thought of how much it reminded me of Ain't That Peculiar. Then I remembered reading that Pharrell is inspired by Marvin Gaye.

[@timwalsh5919]

My Brother and me spent hours listening to 45rpm And Albums .Of All the Great Motown Sounds.Those were the Days of the Greatest Memorable Songs. Each One Brings Back A Good Memory

[@JoePage-md3df]

​@@timwalsh5919 what 1love

[@DetroitLives313]

Put this on today and I dare anyone to sit still!

[@kurtadams3021]

I hear that.

[@ek3918]

i sat still.... do I win something?

[@DetroitLives313]

EK Archive You win the "Living Dead" Award! LOL!

[@andywood5977]

I failed, as expected.

[@kurtadams3021]

DetroitLives313 Yes indeed

[@mikec.9130]

On his worst day he was better'n everybody else.....

[@byellisjohnson]

He sure was

[@hakeemsd70m]

@@1994g0 His father was an informant...

[@MyrrdinMerlin]

@@1994g0 At least read the simplest of info...Wikipedia and you can find out the answer to your question. And anyway,he was an excellent artist, singer. That is what is about.

[@trackydog4375]

Well said. I still miss him.

[@ABitefLife]

Yup

[@kennethjohnson6350]

Marvin Gaye is the man

[@jamesbowen8960]

Detroit! My city! I'm so proud to be from Detroit when I hear this great song!

[@turtlevox4181]

A perfect record.

[@vintagesoul73911]

"...said I don't underSTAND it baaby! It's so strange sometimes..." Love that line.

[@verdeanwilliams6089]

Even today none can out do Marvin Gaye, The Temptations and others of they're day. I'd listen to them over any of the music today. These guys can't be beaten.

[@TheRacerbrown]

..and The Four Tops!!!!!!

[@ladybhive1210]

Dats rite😀💕

[@vh7637]

Exactly. And Sam Cooke

[@WilliamMarkovich-u1b]

This was 1965.......i vividly recall.....i was Young ...but some memories are forever!

[@mga2899]

Huge natural talent.

[@dipe9709]

We will always love you and miss you, Marvelous Marvin Gaye!

[@williamcorgile9823]

Awesome lyrics even to this day !

[@dollysmith2596]

❤❤❤😂😂😂🎉🎉🎉❤❤❤😂😂😂🎉🎉🎉❤❤❤😂😂😂🎉🎉🎉

[@moemcgovern7345]

My favorite song by Marvin Gaye.

[@amysmith3290]

I❤ this song!

[@jenniecosio3654]

Love 50s60s70s music thanks guys gals

[@davidevans4089]

Timeless quality.

[@TheSeanm102]

Christ this song is 50 years old sounds as fresh today as the day it was recorded

[@kathleenlogothetis823]

53 YEARS, SIR

[@TheSeanm102]

and it still sounds great

[@iluvrachellef]

Kathleen Logothetis It was 50 when he made his comment.

[@jeffroberts8636]

TheSeanm102 amen brother

[@markbrolin1157]

Yep. There is a lot of Gaye and Cooke stuff that should be re-released. The younger generations don't even know who those guys are. It's a shame.

[@wpabell9225]

James Jamerson at this absolute best!!

[@kimwood9119]

Love the bass intro!

[@richardcallaway4093]

When I finally hit the big time working in New York CIty for the first time in 2005, I took the walk from Port Authority through the theater district to my office on 7th Avenue and Broadway. I was always in a hurry like everyone commuting to their office job and nervous about my day. Just before arriving at my building there was a huge horizontal Times Square sized billboard with Marvin in that long leather coat advertising for some cognac product. But he was smiling at me every morning like "It's ok Rich, now go have you a good day!" I blew the man a kiss every morning to say thanks for the encouragement. I've never told anyone this story! I believe that was God's way of using Marvin to give me a push. Thanks Marvin Gaye....

[@ΑνδρεαςΦρογουδάκης]

the backing vocals are fantastic

[@NOV123]

The Andantes

[@carladale9462]

Where's a time machine when you need one? This is perfect.

[@rickeygeetv6197]

I love the days when artists were easy to identify. Marvin Gaye had a voice like no other! RIP

[@lindagately3680]

Gosh I just love this song!❤️😁

[@burningwolf4055]

Dude why isn't this song more popularized

[@NOV123]

Actually, it was extremely popular

[@jenniecosio3654]

Sure do miss mr Marvin gaye rest in peace sweet soul ❤️😊😊😊😊

[@KITTEN_LUVR]

Blast from the past!!!! Childhood memories!!! ❤

[@robertvelez8485]

Ain't that Peculiar is Marvin Gaye's most perfect song! Unlike What's Goin On, which has been covered by many artists, no one can sing this masterpiece like Marvin! NO ONE!!!!!!!!!!

[@jbyesterday3959]

Amen bro !

[@maureskiarussell8341]

@Robert Velez Totally agreeing this! 😀

[@denisewalsh6586]

Agreed..both songs are great and M Marvin does the best yet this song ain't that peculiar is a song that so many people don't know about.. It is perfection as much as his what's going on is..noone can ever match the sound of his voice in both songs.. Cannot ever be duplicated.

[@jamesbowen8960]

Written by the great Smokey Robinson!

[@denisewalsh6586]

@@jamesbowen8960 thanks James I had no idea Smokey wrote this..perfect on so many levels

[@chrish3865]

The epitome of cool…what a voice !

[@SimplyShiro3895]

Whats interesting is my mom went with her sister in the 1980s and saw Marvin Gaye perform live

[@jenniecosio3654]

Thank you Marvin I love love every song you ever sang 🤩🤩🤩🤩🤩🤩🤩🙏😇😊

[@surferpam1]

Motown had theee best, theee most talented performers of the era. They sang, they danced, they moved... Thank you Berry Gordy, Cholly Atkins and the Motown "Charm School."

[@nicholasbalton8367]

Just another factor of how powerful the funk brothers were

[@danbernstein4694]

IMO, the Funk Brothers at their absolute best ( not mention Marvin ) !!

[@SunshineSuzieQ]

So so so so so gooooood. Perfect and exactally as I remember as a kid. ❤❤❤

[@carolynplenty4475]

One of my favorites by the GOAT MARVELOUS MARVIN GAYE.RIP My BROTHER. MISSING YOU AND YOUR MUSIC 🙏😔🎶🎶❤❤.

[@jaysonbiggs8979]

Great lyrics by Smokey. Tongue twisters. Very few have attempted to sing it. "I know love can last through years. But how can love last through tears" Now, THAT is songwriting. Smokey always excelled in opposites and contrasts in his lyrics.

[@paulinek9764]

I like the version by Fanny as well. Great song.

[@derekfla271]

Favorite Marvin song. Always listening

[@yvonnepallant2506]

My gracious, such a superb artist- Marvin Gaye will forever be the best.

[@willierivers2070]

The great Marvin Gaye! There will never be another!

[@showtime6663]

Best Motown Ever. . . .1 Ain't too proud to beg. . . .The Tenptations. . . .2 Ain't that peculiar. . . .Marvin Gaye. . . .3 Walk in the night. . . . Jr Walker and the All Stars. . . . . . .

[@pjpj3416]

I love watching these early videos of Marvin Gaye, when he was so young and fresh, before life took it's toll on him. What a handsome man he was, I hope he's found peace now.

[@elizajaneedgar8871]

Fantastic track x Marvin Gayne is amazing! x

[@jimcopper7442]

That's pure Motown Baby ! Smokey,. Barry & the Funk Brothers sitting back in the cut while Marvin laid this out.

[@dachille1]

That’s the perfect pop recording - fantastic.

[@jenniecosio3654]

Man I can still swing my hips lol love you Marvin 🤩🤩

[@tonybelleo1895]

💐 grows from rain.. But how can love grows frm pain...

[@WJB59]

That Bass of James Jamerson!!!!!!!

[@robertcresser3387]

If soul fans don't love this then I'd find that very peculiar-Marvin "The Man"

[@GodsServant1953]

One of my favorites, I love his early songs with the "doo-wah-diddy" beat. Thank God for Marvin Gaye, may you rest in peace Marvelous Marvin.

[@willisknapick4405]

Smoky hits a home run again. Marvin's delivers the message!

[@MSC823]

Yes Lord! Marvin. ❤️

[@dzadza7775]

Best of all the soul singers

[@shorelineboy]

My very favourite Marvin Gaye song . I remember buying it back in the . Either 6/8d or 7/6d 😎

[@helensmith5135]

I used to Bop to this at my School Disco in the middle 60's......timeless classic that I will never forget. Marvin you left us to soon what a voice. Your music will last for an eternity BRILLIANT !!!!!

[@senrom2273]

Effing awesome!

[@judyjae6022]

I love the intro and the vibe. The lyrics are terrific....is that peculiar?...NO....it's FANTASTIC!

[@paulinek9764]

Yes, I think lyrics are important to a song; the icing on the cake. These lyrics are imaginative and inventive.

[@ericdreizen1463]

Great song, great artist, great musicians - Cookin' hard!

[@normstembridge7429]

My all-time favorite Marvin Gaye 7 inch/45 RPM solo/single song. Ain't No Mountain High enough is my all-time favorite duet & song...period. What's Going On...my favorite album. Yes I am a fan of the late, great Marvin Gaye.