The Jackson 5

Released: August 26, 1972

Songwriter: Ashford & Simpson Nick Ashford Valerie Simpson

Producer: Jerry Marcellino

[Intro: The Jackson 5]
"Ain't Nothing Like the Real Thing"?
Oh, you wanna do it, fellas?
Let's do it
(One, two, three, four)
Bop, bop, bop

[Chorus: Jermaine Jackson & The Jackson 5]
Ain't nothing like the real thing, baby
Ain't nothing like the real thing, no no
Ain't nothing like the real thing, baby
Ain't nothing like the real thing

[Verse: Michael Jackson, Jermaine Jackson, (The Jacksons)]
Ooh, I've got your picture hangin' on the wall
But it can't see or come to me when I call your name
(When I call your name)
I realize it's just a picture in a frame
I read your letters when you're not near
But they don't move me
They don't groove me like when I hear
(When I hear your voice)
Your sweet voice whispering in my ear (In my ear)
No other sound is quite the same as your name
(Quite the same as your name)
No touch can do half as much to make me feel better
(So let's stay together)
Oh, I got some memories to look back on
Though they help me when you're gone I'm well aware
(I'm well aware)
Nothing can take the place of your being there
(Being there)

[Chorus: The Jackson 5 & (Michael Jackson)]
Ain't nothing like the real thing (Oh, you got it, girl)
Ain't nothing (Ain't nothing like the) real thing (Ooh yeah)
Ain't nothing like the real thing (Ain't nothing)
Ain't nothing like the real thing (Ooh yeah)
Ain't nothing like the real thing (Oh, you got it)
(Ain't nothing like the) real thing

[Outro: The Jackson 5 & Jackie Jackson]
Bop, bop, bop
Thank you
Thank you, that was one of our favorite tunes from the "Lookin' Through the Window" album

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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Ain’t Nothing Like the Real Thing (Live at The Forum, August 26, 1972)The Jackson 5

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