Ah, yes, The Jackson 5’s “ABC”. This effervescent pop gem, released in 1970, holds a special place in the hearts of many. It wasn’t just another catchy tune topping the charts; it was a vibrant snapshot of a musical era and the undeniable talent of a young group poised for superstardom.
Background
The Jackson 5, comprised of brothers Jackie, Tito, Jermaine, Marlon, and the phenomenal lead singer, Michael, emerged from Gary, Indiana in the late 1960s.
Honed by years of performing at talent shows and local events, they possessed a raw energy and infectious stage presence that captivated audiences. Motown Records, the legendary label known for its soulful sound and innovative artists, recognized their potential and signed them in 1967.
“ABC” was the second single released from their sophomore album of the same name, following the chart-topping success of “I Want You Back” in 1969. The song was written and produced by the songwriting duo of Berry Gordy and The Corporation, Motown’s in-house team responsible for crafting countless hits.
Gordy, a visionary leader within the music industry, recognized the group’s youthful appeal and wanted a song that resonated with their teenage audience.
The result? “ABC” is a playful and infectious ode to the power of love, cleverly disguised as a lesson in the alphabet. The song opens with a bright piano riff and handclaps, setting the tone for an upbeat and lighthearted journey.
The young Michael Jackson takes center stage with his distinctive, clear vocals, effortlessly delivering lines like “A, B, C, it’s easy as 1, 2, 3” and “Baby, you’re my A, my girl.” The brothers’ tight harmonies and the driving rhythm section create an irresistible groove, making it impossible not to tap your feet or sing along.
Video
Lyrics
🎵 Let’s sing along with the lyrics! 🎤
You went to school to learn girlthings you never knew beforelike “I” before “E” except after “C”and why 2 plus 2 makes 4now, now, nowI’m gonna teach you, teach you, teach youall about love girl, all about lovesit yourself down, take a seatall you gotta do is repeat after meA B C, It’s easy as1 2 3, as simple asdo re mi, A B C, 1 2 3baby you and me girlCome on and love me just a little bitI’m gonna teach you how to sing it outcome on, come on, come onlet me tell you what it’s all aboutreading, writing, arithmaticare the branches of the learning treebut without the roots of love everyday girlyour education ain’t completeteacher’s gonna show you (she’s gonna show you)how to get an “A” (na, na, na, na, na, na)how to spell “me”, “you”, add the twolisten to me baby thats all you got to do