About the song
“I Want You Back” is one of the most iconic songs by The Jackson 5, marking a significant moment in both the group’s career and the history of pop music. Released as their debut single with the Motown label on October 7, 1969, this track was the first to showcase the incredible talents of a young Michael Jackson as the lead vocalist. Written and produced by the legendary team known as “The Corporation”—comprised of Berry Gordy, Freddie Perren, Alphonzo Mizell, and Deke Richards—this song is a perfect blend of pop, soul, and R&B, capturing the exuberant spirit of the late 1960s.
“I Want You Back” quickly became a massive success, reaching the top of the Billboard Hot 100 chart in January 1970. The song’s infectious melody, catchy bassline, and vibrant energy made it an instant classic. It also established The Jackson 5 as a major force in the music industry, paving the way for their subsequent hits and solidifying Michael Jackson’s place as a pop sensation.
Lyrically, the song tells the story of a young boy who regrets losing his first love and desperately wants her back. The simplicity and sincerity of the lyrics, combined with Michael’s heartfelt delivery, struck a chord with audiences of all ages. Despite his youth, Michael Jackson’s performance was filled with a depth of emotion that belied his age, showcasing his innate ability to connect with listeners.
The production of “I Want You Back” is equally impressive, featuring a driving rhythm section, dynamic horn arrangements, and tight harmonies from the Jackson brothers. The song’s upbeat tempo and lively instrumentation create a joyful and danceable vibe that remains timeless.
Over the years, “I Want You Back” has been covered and sampled by numerous artists, further cementing its status as a pop culture staple. Its influence can be heard in countless songs across different genres, and it continues to be celebrated as one of the greatest pop songs of all time.
In many ways, “I Want You Back” is more than just a song; it’s a defining moment in the legacy of The Jackson 5 and the emergence of Michael Jackson as a global icon. The song’s enduring popularity is a testament to its quality and the extraordinary talent of the young artists who brought it to life. Whether you’re hearing it for the first time or the hundredth, “I Want You Back” never fails to evoke a sense of joy and nostalgia, making it a timeless piece of music history.
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Lyrics
Uh-huh, huh, huh
Just let me tell you now
Uh-huh
When I had you to myself, I didn’t want you around
Those pretty faces always made you stand out in a crowd
But someone picked you from the bunch, one glance was all it took
Now it’s much too late for me to take a second look
Oh, baby, give me one more chance (to show you that I love you)
Won’t you please let me back in your heart
Oh, darlin’, I was blind to let you go (let you go, baby)
But now since I see you in his arms (I want you back)
Yes, I do now (I want you back)
Ooh, ooh, baby (I want you back)
Yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah (I want you back)
Na, na, na, na
Trying to live without your love is one long sleepless night
Let me show you, girl, that I know wrong from right
Every street you walk on, I leave tear stains on the ground
Following the girl I didn’t even want around
Let me tell you now
Oh, baby, all I need is one more chance (to show you that I love you)
Won’t you please let me back in your heart
Oh, darlin’, I was blind to let you go (let you go, baby)
But now since I see you in his arms, uh-huh
Ah, buh bum, bum, bum
Ah, buh bum, bum, bum
All I want
Ah, buh bum, bum, bum
All I need
Ah, buh bum, bum, bum
All I want
Ah, buh bum, bum, bum
All I need
Oh, just one more chance to show that I love you
Baby (baby)
Baby (baby)
Baby (baby)
Forget what happened then (I want you back)
Let me live again
Oh, baby, I was blind to let you go
But now since I see you in his arms
(I want you back)
Spare me of this cause
Get back what I lost
Oh, baby, I need one more chance, ha
I tell ya that I love you
Baby (oh), baby (oh), baby (oh)
I want you back, ha
I want you back