Background
The song was originally intended for the Supremes but reassigned to Gaye and Terrell. Recording began in January 1969 with the recording of backing tracks. Gaye recorded his vocal on March 15 with further sessions two days later at the Golden World studio. Terrell was in a wheelchair and only recorded a guide vocal according to Valerie Simpson who was present at the recordings. Gaye later acknowledged the voice heard was Simpson and that Motown were aware of this but kept Terrell’s name on the label due to her failing health and the financial implications of removing her name. [4]
Terrell died,aged 24,just prior to the song's release as a single in the U.S.,on March 20 1970 and it became her and Gaye's last official single together. [4]
The song's lyrics reflect social consciousness,opening with the claim that:"The world is just a great big onion,And pain and fear are the spices that make you cry" and continuing with advice that:".. the only way to get rid of this great big onion,Is to plant love seeds until it dies". [5]
Record World called the song "a groovy,bouncy tune." [6] Cash Box said it has a "brotherhood message with the rhythmic familiarity of past Marvin-Tammi hits." [7]
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