In Our Lifetime (Marvin Gaye song)

"In Our Lifetime" is a funk song recorded by singer Marvin Gaye, issued on his final Motown album, 1981's In Our Lifetime. The title track's rhythm admittedly was taken from Rick James while the song parlayed a different message of partying with Marvin predicting the world's end as he had believed from teachings he absorbed from his father that Armageddon was approaching and that he wondered if it would happen in his lifetime. He says the title track as a question mark. In fact, the original concept of the album was to have a question mark at the end of the album title, In Our Lifetime?, Motown instead took the question mark rush-releasing the album after it was presented to the label in late 1980 by bassist Frank Blair. The song ends ironically enough in a much somber jazz tone that was likely edited in by Motown staff. An earlier funk version of the song was recorded as "I Offer You Nothing But Love" for Marvin's Love Man album and a 2007 Odyssey Studios mix of the song ended the song without a jazz instrumental.

Personnel

• All vocals, drums, keyboards and synthesizers by Marvin Gaye
• Bass by Frank Blair
• Guitar by Gordon Banks
• Horns by assorted horn players