Background
Gladys Knight & The Pips’ “I Heard It Through the Grapevine” is a timeless masterpiece that encapsulates the raw power of emotion and the enduring allure of soul music. Released in 1967, the song quickly ascended to the top of the charts, cementing Gladys Knight & The Pips’ status as one of the most influential vocal groups of the era.
The song’s narrative unfolds with a gripping intensity, as the protagonist grapples with the devastating news of their lover’s infidelity. The lyrics, penned by Barrett Strong and Norman Whitfield, are imbued with a sense of pain, betrayal, and longing. Knight’s vocal performance is a tour de force, her voice soaring with a raw emotion that is both heartbreaking and cathartic.
The musical arrangement is equally compelling, with a driving rhythm and a soulful horn section that perfectly complement the lyrics’ dramatic intensity. The song’s iconic opening riff, a signature element of its enduring appeal, sets the stage for a narrative that unfolds with a cinematic power.
Beyond its artistic merits, “I Heard It Through the Grapevine” is a testament to the enduring power of soul music. The song’s ability to transcend cultural and generational boundaries is a testament to its universal themes and the timeless quality of Knight’s vocal performance.
In the annals of popular music, “I Heard It Through the Grapevine” stands as a landmark achievement, a song that continues to resonate with audiences decades after its release. It is a testament to the power of music to evoke deep emotions and to connect with listeners on a profound level.
Video
Lyrics
🎵 Let’s sing along with the lyrics! 🎤
[Verse 1: Gladys Knight & The Pips]
Mmm, I bet you’re wondering how I knew
Baby, baby, baby, about your plans to make me blue (How)
With some other girl you knew before
Between the two of us girls, you know I love you more
It took me by surprise I must say
When I found out yesterday[Chorus: Gladys Knight & The Pips]
Don’t you know that I heard it through the grapevine
(Oh, I heard it through the grapevine)
Not much longer would you be mine
(Not much longer would you be mine)
Oh, don’t you know that I heard it through the grapevine
(Oh, I heard it through the grapevine)
And I’m just about, just about, just about to lose my mind
Oh yes, I am
(Oh yes, I am; oh, yes, I am; oh, yes, I am)
Baby, won’t you listen to me[Verse 2: Gladys Knight & The Pips]
Boy, take a good look at these tears of mine
Baby, baby, these tears I can’t hold inside
Losing you would end my life, you see
Because you mean that much to me
You could’ve told me yourself
That you love somebody else
I love all of Gladys Knight and the Pips music I have most of their records with Motown,Columbia, I think of the other record labels but I love them and Gladys is still going strong today.