Marvin Gaye – Mercy Mercy Me (The Ecology)
“Mercy Mercy Me (The Ecology)” is a song written and performed by Marvin Gaye, originally released on his 1971 album What’s Going On. The song is considered one of the first environmental anthems in popular music, and it remains a powerful and moving plea for ecological consciousness.
Background and composition
“Mercy Mercy Me (The Ecology)” was written by Marvin Gaye in 1970. The song was inspired by Gaye’s growing concern about the state of the environment. The song’s lyrics are simple, yet powerful, and they speak to the urgency of the environmental crisis.
Recording and production
“Mercy Mercy Me (The Ecology)” was recorded at the Hitsville U.S.A. studio in Detroit, Michigan, in 1971. The song was produced by Marvin Gaye and his longtime collaborator, Harry Balk.
The recording features Gaye’s impassioned vocals backed by a simple, yet effective, musical arrangement. The song’s instrumentation includes piano, bass, drums, and guitar, and it features a memorable horn riff that has become one of the song’s most recognizable elements.
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“Mercy Mercy Me (The Ecology)” is a beautiful and moving song that will be cherished for generations to come.
Here are some additional details about the song:
- The song was written and performed by Marvin Gaye.
- It was originally released on his 1971 album What’s Going On.
- The song reached number one on the Billboard Hot 100 chart in the United States and number two on the UK Singles Chart.
- The song won the Grammy Award for Best Male R&B Vocal Performance in 1972.
- “Mercy Mercy Me (The Ecology)” has been covered by many artists, including Roberta Flack, The Staple Singers, and Ladysmith Black Mambazo.