The Jackson 5

Released: August 26, 1972

Songwriter: Art Garfunkel Paul Simon

Producer: The Corporation

[Verse 1: Jermaine Jackson]
When you're weary, feelin' small
When tears are in your eyes, I will dry them all (Oh)
I'm on your side
Oh, when darkness comes
And pain is all around

[Chorus: Jermaine Jackson & (The Jacksons)]
Like a bridge over troubled water (Water), I will lay me down
Like a bridge over troubled water (Water), I will ease your mind
(I will ease your mind)
Like a bridge over troubled water, I will ease your mind
Oh, no, no

[Outro: Jermaine Jackson & (The Jacksons)]
(Like a bridge over troubled water)
I will lay me down, little baby
I will be by your side, ooh hoo hoo
Thank you

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

Live at The Forum

From the album

Live at The Forum (2010)

The Jackson 5 popular songs

Bridge Over Troubled Water (Live at The Forum, August 26, 1972)The Jackson 5

The Jackson 5

Live at The Forum