Released: December 8, 1969

Songwriter: William “Mickey” Stevenson Ivy Jo Hunter

Producer: Bobby Taylor

[Verse 1: Michael + Jermaine]
Girl, as you walk by
I see the sign so deep inside
I knew it had to be
When you smiled for a little while
I heard the same rhapsody
So lovely and so fair
I knew right then and there
That you were made for me
And it wasn't hard to see

[Chorus: Michael + Jermaine + (Jackson 5)]
Guess I was born to love you
Ooh, guess I was born to love you
(Darling I, I was born to love you
Give my love to no one but you)
This is a man with the future in his hands
Don't let go (Don't let go)
Don't let go (Don't let go)
Baby, don't let go (Don't let go)
(Don't let go)

[Verse 2: Michael + Jermaine]
You better come on
And take my hand, 'cause I can't understand
This feeling in my soul
But I know that I would rather die
Than to let this feeling go
Oh, now, girl, can you see
That this was meant to be?
It's funny but it's true

[Chorus: Michael]
Guess I was born to love you
I guess I was born to love you, ah yeah
Guess I was born to love you, darlin' I, ah yeah...

The Jackson 5

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.