my cover of this classic r&b tune - combining elements from Marvin Gaye's and the Gladys Knight versions, with the sax covering the piano part from Gladys's version.
saxpaulsandbergmaxthesaxinto the mathmos
I was always fascinated by the different versions of this tune - first Gladys, then Marvin, then Credence. I had always wanted to incorporate the way that Credence anchored the song with the opening lick, only having the sax lay it down instead of guitar. Recently I was listening to the Gladys version and it occurred to me that the sax could easily riff the piano part, which gave the sax something to do between the intro and the solo.
This opened up an entirely different feel, something that my white boy r&B vocals could get behind. A fun project that I hope isn't too embarrassing...
Lyrics
bet you wondered how I knew
'bout your plans to make me blue
with some guy you knew before
between the two of us you know I love you more
took me by surprise I must say
when I found out yesterday
I heard it through the grapevine
not much longer would you be mine
I heard it through the grapevine
I'm just about to lose my mind
take a look at these tears in my eyes
these tears I can't hold inside
losing you would end my life it seems
'cause you mean that much to me
you could have told me yourself
that you found somebody else
instead I heard it through the grapevine
how much longer will you be my baby
I heard it through the grapevine
just about to lose my mind
believe half of what you see
and none of what you hear
I just can't help but feel confused
if it's true won't you tell me right here
that you plan to let me go
for that guy you knew before
don't let me hear it through the grapevine....
