The Jackson 5 and later on known as The Jacksons in a family pop group composed of the six boys of the Jackson Family. The group started as the Jackson Brothers with the oldest three boys, Jackie, Tito, and Jermaine, along with two neighborhood kids, then later became a family band with the inclusion of their younger brothers Marlon and Michael. The Jackson 5 were awarded their first recording contract in 1967 with Steeltown Records, a small records firm based in Gary, Indiana (also the hometown of the group), and the group recorded a couple of singles under that label. In 1969 the Jackson 5 made their first big break by signing with Motown and released their first four singles as number ones. By 1975, the Jackson 5 left Motown and went to CBS (under a subsidiary, Epic Records) as the Jacksons. Randy Jackson joined the Jacksons after Jermaine Jackson declined to be part of CBS, instead staying with Motown to pursue a solo career. Selling millions of songs, the group has been one of the most popular teen pop groups in American history, especially with the amazing talent of Michael Jackson.
Song Lyrics
As Jackson 5
ABC (1970)
- When we played tag in grade school,
You wanted to be it.
But chasing boys was just a fad
You crossed your heart you'd quit.- The Love You Save, song by The Corporation: Berry Gordy, Freddie Perren, Alphonzo Mizell, and Deke Richards (1970)
Third Album (1970)
- 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)- I'll Be There, song by Berry Gordy, Bob West, Hal Davis, and Willie Hutch (1970)
Maybe Tomorrow (1971)
- Even though the pain and heartache
seems to follow me wherever I go,
Though I try and try to hide my feelings,
they always seems to show.- Never Can Say Goodbye, song by Clifton Davis (1971)
Dancing Machine (1974)
- Automatic Systematic.
Full of color self-contained.
Tuned and gentle to your vibes.- Dancing Machine, song by Hal Davis, Don Fletcher, and Dean Parks (1973)
I Want You Back! Unreleased Masters (2009)
- You’re the one
I’ve been searchin’ for
Like a special treat,
in a candy store.- Love Comes In Different Flavors, song by The Corporation: Berry Gordy, Freddie Perren, Alphonzo Mizell, and Deke Richards (ca. 1969–1972)
As The Jacksons
The Jacksons (1976)
- That we can help each other to overcome.
We can do it, we can do it now.
Live together underneath the sun.
Please, please, please just let me show ya- Show You the Way to Go, song by Kenny Gamble and Leon Huff (1976)
Destiny (1978)
- This magic music grooves me.
That dirty rhythm moves me.
The devil's gotten to me
Through this dance.- Blame It on the Boogie, song by Mick Jackson and David Jackson (no relation to The Jacksons) (1978)
- People all over the world
Are the same everywhere I go,
I give in to this, I give in to that,
Every day it bothers me so,
Am I in a bad situation,
People taking me to the extreme,
Am I being used? I just need a clue,
I don't know which way to go. - I don't know what's gonna happen to you, baby,
But I do know that I love you,
You walk around this town with your head all up in the sky,
And I do know that I want you. - Let's dance, let's shout!
Shake your body down to the ground. - I try to do what's right for me,
But no-one sees the way I see,
And then I try to please them so,
But how far can this pleasing go? - Sometimes I cry cause I'm confused,
Is this a fact of being used?
There is no life for me at all,
'Cause I give myself at beck and call.
Triumph (1980)
- All the colors of the world should be,
Lovin' each other wholeheartedly.
Yes, it's all right.
Take my message to your brother and tell him twice
Spread the word and try to teach the man
Who's hating his brother when hate won't do,
When we're all the same,
'Cause the blood inside me is inside of you.- Can You Feel It, song by Jackie Jackson and Michael Jackson of The Jacksons (1980)
- As we walked into the room
There were faces staring, glaring, tearing through me,
Someone said, 'Welcome to your doom,'
Then they smiled with eyes that looked as if they knew me,
This is scaring me.
2300 Jackson Street (1989)
- Memories of growing up
And working hard
Our childhood passed us by- 2300 Jackson Street, song by The Jacksons, Teddy Riley, et al. (1988)