Released: September 8, 1970

Songwriter: Allen Story Robert Gordy George Gordy

Producer: Hal Davis The Corporation

The game of love is such a beautiful game
If you've got time, little girl, I'd like to explain
All the do's and don'ts, all the will's and won'ts
So lend an ear, darlin' dear
(Sweet darlin' dear)

Do be sincere, and true love will appear
Don't be shy, or love will pass you by
If you will, my heart you may steal
If you don't, the game of love you lose alone

(Darlin' dear)

Do be sincere, and true love will appear
Don't be shy, or love will pass you by
If you will, my heart you may steal
If you don't, the game of love you lose alone

(First)
First I'll place my arms, so gently around you
(Then)
Then whisper "Darlin', I'm so glad I found you"
Then your lips unwind, a simple touch wouldn't mind
A kiss will stay, darlin' dear
(Sweet darlin')
Darlin', darlin' dear, yeah
(Sweet darlin' dear)
Darlin' dear
(Sweet darlin' dear)
Darlin' dear

The Jackson 5

The Jackson 5 were originally formed in 1963 under the name, The Jackson Brothers. The founding members were Jackie, Tito, Jermaine, and Marlon. Michael would join the group as the lead singer a year later, a move which pushed Jermaine to sing the backing vocals and play the lead guitar.

After participating in a series of talent shows, they entered the professional music scene in 1967, signing with Steeltown Records and releasing ten singles. In 1969, they left Steeltown Records in order to sign with Motown.

In 1975, most of the Jacksons had opted out of recording any more music for Motown, expressing desires to have creative control over their songs, as well as royalties. Learning that they were earning only 2.8% of royalties from Motown, Joe Jackson, the father and manager of the group, began to negotiate a lucrative contract with Epic records, which offered a royalty rate of 20% per record. The deal was completed in June 1975. As Motown owned the name The Jackson 5, the group simply renamed themselves The Jacksons.