🍯 About the Song
Released in 1965 on Tamla/Motown, How Sweet It Is (To Be Loved by You) is the sound of Motown hitting full stride — warm horns, silky rhythm, and Marvin Gaye crooning like love is the easiest thing in the world. Written by the legendary Holland–Dozier–Holland team (the same trio behind half of the ’60s), it’s a perfect cocktail of joy and swagger.
Lyrically, it’s exactly what it says on the tin — a man bowled over by affection and totally unashamed of it. No angst, no metaphors, just gratitude with a backbeat. It’s basically a love letter set to a dance floor.
When Marvin hits that “I want to stop…” line before the chorus, it’s game over — pure velvet. The song’s energy is irresistible, and it’s been covered by everyone from James Taylor to Michael Bublé. But no one touches the original’s lazy perfection.
🎸 Ukulele Playing Tips
- Chords: The main groove sits around C – Am – Dm – G7, with a bridge through F – G – C – Am – D7 – G7.
- Strumming pattern: Funky swing: Down–Down-Up–Up–Down-Up, but emphasise beats 2 and 4 for that Motown pocket.
- Tempo: About 110 bpm. Easy to tap your foot to; don’t overplay.
- Tone: Use your nails for the upstrokes — gives that snappy, soulful accent.
- Feel: Think “happy flirtation.” Bounce, don’t bash.
- Pro trick: Throw in little chuck mutes between bars (light palm taps) to get that percussive “snare” sound.
- Performance tip: Smile while you sing. It actually changes your tone. Marvin would approve.
🧠 Trivia You Can Drop Casually
- The phrase “How sweet it is” came from comedian Jackie Gleason’s catchphrase — Holland-Dozier-Holland nicked it for the title.
- Marvin recorded his vocals in one take. Because of course he did.
- The song hit #6 on the Billboard Hot 100 and became one of his signature hits before Let’s Get It On made everything sexier.
- James Taylor’s 1975 cover turned it into a folk-pop hit, proving that great songs survive any outfit.
🌈 Final Word
Play How Sweet It Is like sunshine on strings. Keep your groove light, your grin wide, and your chords clean.
It’s pure good vibes — Motown for your porch. And if no one dances while you play it, play it louder until they do.
