The Jackson 5

Released: August 26, 1972

Songwriter: Berry Gordy Willie Hutch Hal Davis Bob West

Producer: Hal Davis

[Spoken Intro: Jackie Jackson]
And the next song we're gonna do is one of our biggest
So thank you very much because you made it that way
Thank you very much

[Verse 1: Michael Jackson & (The Jacksons)]
You and I must make a pact
We must bring salvation back
Where there is love, I'll be there (I'll be there)
I'll reach out my hand to you
I'll have faith in all you do
Just call my name and I'll be there (I'll be there)

[Bridge: Jermaine Jackson & (The Jacksons)]
And oh, oh, I'll be there to comfort you
Build my world of dreams around you
I'm so glad that I found you
I'll be there with a love that's strong
I'll be your strength
I'll keep holding on
(Holding on, holding on)
Yes, I will; yes, I will

[Verse 2: Michael Jackson & (The Jacksons)]
Let me fill your heart with joy and laughter
Togetherness, well, that's all I'm after
Whenever you need me, I'll be there (I'll be there)
I'll be there to protect you (Yeah, baby)
With an unselfish love that respects you
Just call my name and I'll be there (I'll be there)

[Bridge: Jermaine Jackson & (The Jacksons)]
And oh, oh, I'll be there to comfort you
Build my world of dreams around you
I'm so glad that I found you, baby
I'll be there with a love that's strong
I'll be your strength
I'll keep holding on, ooh, yes I will
(Holding on, holding on)
Yes I will

[Verse 3: Michael Jackson & (The Jacksons)]
If you should ever find someone new
I know he'd better be good to you
'Cause if he doesn't, I'll be there (I'll be there)

[Outro: The Jacksons & Michael Jackson]
Don't you know, baby, yeah yeah
I'll be there, I'll be there
Just call my name (I'll be there), I'll be there
Just look over your shoulders, honey, ooh
I'll be there, baby baby, I'll be there
Just call my name, I'll be there
(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.

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