The Jackson 5

Songwriter: Deke Richards Freddie Perren Fonce Mizell

Producer: The Corporation

I'm trying to get to first base with that little girl I love
But, my technique is much too weak, the game is gettin' rough. (Strike 1)
She almost broke my heart
(Strike 2)
Strike 2, she had the nerve. And when I wasn't looking, she struck me out with a curve
(You're out!)

(Chorus) That's how love is! That's how love's supposed to be! That's how love
Is! Hey boys, take it from me!
2X
Mmmm...Put on the gloves, jumped in the ring, and I heard the first bell sound
When she put her arms around me, I knew I won the first round
The tighter she held me, I knew I was gonna last
When I waved to a girl at ringside, she knocked me flat on my---(Woah!)

(Chorus)
Mmmm...Jermaine, you're a little older. Give me some philosophy
How can I win the game of love and make 'em come runnin' to me?
(Jermaine)
Listen, Michael. You win a little bit, lose a little bit...It's all in the game. (Oh, I see!)
It doesn't matter if you win or lose, it all turns out the same
That's how love is! That's how love's supposed to be! That's how love is! Well, I know they'll take it from me!
That's how love is! That's how love's supposed to be, Michael! (I see!) That's how love is! Well, I know they'll take it from me!
(Michael)
Sing it to me! Sing it to me! Sing it to me! Sing it to me!
Ow! Ow! That's how love is! Ooh! Ooh! That's how love is!

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.

more tracks from the album

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From the albums

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That’s How Love IsThe Jackson 5

The Jackson 5

I Want You Back! Unreleased Masters