The Jackson 5

Released: October 26, 1976

Songwriter: Mel Larson Jerry Marcellino

Producer: Mel Larson Jerry Marcellino

[Verse 1: Michael + (Jackson 5)]
Mother Earth told the people
That the cold nights can be warm
Just get along with your brother
(It's the shelter from the storm)
If you're standing in the sunshine
But still out in the rain
Let your heart strike a match
('Cause love lights the flame)

[Chorus]
Let it shine so bright
The eternal light
Let it burn forever and ever
Let love bring us together
Let it shine so bright
The eternal light
Let us join our hands together
Make a chain that bonds forever

[Verse 2: Michael + (Jackson 5)]
Motionless people gather dust
(Stand in the rain and you'll rust)
Let's try to show compassion
It's the time for us to learn
There will be a better tomorrow
Our reward is love in return

[Chorus: Jackson 5 + Michael]
Let it shine so bright
The eternal light
Let it burn forever and ever
Let love bring us together
Let it shine so bright, let it shine so bright
The eternal light
Let us join our hands together
Make a chain that bonds forever
Let it shine so bright, let it shine, yeah
The eternal light, yeah yeah
Let it shine, shine, shine so bright
The eternal light
Let it shine, shine, shine so bright
The eternal light
Let it shine, shine, shine so bright
The eternal light
Let it shine, shine, shine so bright
The eternal light
Let it shine, shine, shine so bright
The eternal light

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.

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