Released: April 12, 1971

Songwriter: The Corporation

Producer: Hal Davis The Corporation

[Verse 1: Michael + Jermaine]
All my friends keep asking what do I see in you
Through their eyes your beauty doesn't show
Ooh, all they ask is justified looking through the naked eye
But through the eyes of my love I see
The inner beauty of you

[Chorus: Michael + (Jackson 5)]
That's why you're my little baby (my little baby)
That's why you're my little baby (my little baby)
I don't want love on the skin
It's got to come from deep within
That's why you're my little baby (my little baby)
My little baby (my little baby)
My heart controls my eyes
And your love I visualize, oh yeah!

[Verse 2: Michael + Jermaine]
All your so-called girlfriends who compliment your clothes
Know that they're you mama's hand-me-downs
Oooh, the fashion world's turning so fast
You're still trying to catch the past
But in my world of love your style
I know will always last

[Chorus: Michael + (Jackson 5)]
That's why you're my little baby (my little baby)
That's why you're my little baby (my little baby)
I don't care what experts say
Our love is tailor-made
That's why you're my little baby (my little baby)
My my my my little baby (my little baby)
Like a brand-new ermine coat
You keep me warm as toast, little baby

[Bridge 1: Jackson 5 + Michael]
You know it's true, little baby
You know it's true, babe
You know it's true, little baby
You know it's true, babe
I'm sticking with you, little baby
I'm sticking with you, girl
I'm sticking with you, little baby

[Bridge 2: Jermaine + Michael + (Jackson 5)]
Always thrill me when you touch me
Honey, you thrill me when you kiss me, little baby, yeah
Oh, sweet baby, baby
I've got to say I'm thankful that you're
My little baby (my little baby), my little baby (my little baby)
You fill me up with pride (oh yeah)
Every time you're by my side, now now now now

[Outro: Michael + (Jackson 5)]
Oh yeah, you're my little baby (my little baby)
My little baby (my little baby), my little baby (my little baby)
I've got to say I'm thankful that you're my little baby (my little baby)
My little baby (my little baby)
Oh yeah (my little baby), baby, yeah yeah
My little baby (my little baby), my little baby (my little baby)
Ooh yeah, baby (my little baby)

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.