The song "How Sweet It Is (To Be Loved By You)" was originally written by Holland-Dozier-Holland and recorded by Marvin Gaye in 1964. However, James Taylor also released a cover version of the song in 1975, which became a hit for him. The meaning of the song is quite straightforward. It expresses pure joy and gratitude for being loved by someone. The lyrics convey the deep emotional impact of finding someone who offers love, understanding, and support. The song portrays the narrator's need for love and how their partner fulfills that need. They emphasize the sweetness and fulfillment they feel when they are loved by this person. The narrator acknowledges the shelter and understanding they find in their partner's arms, recognizing that they offer comfort during both the ups and downs of life. The lyrics also indicate that before meeting their partner, the narrator's life seemed dull and repetitive. However, their partner brightens up their days with love that is described as sweet in multiple ways. The chorus repeats the phrase "How sweet it is to be loved by you" as an exclamation of gratefulness and delight. Additionally, the song suggests that the partner is not only a source of love but also a significant improvement in the narrator's life. The lyrics mention that the partner is better for the narrator than they were for themselves, implying that they bring out the best in each other. Overall, "How Sweet It Is (To Be Loved By You)" narrates the joy, gratitude, and appreciation that comes from being deeply loved and supported by someone in a meaningful relationship.
