About the Song
Let’s shift gears and groove to another iconic hit by the Jackson 5, the infectious “ABC”. Released in 1970, hot on the heels of their megahit “I Want You Back”, “ABC” cemented the Jackson 5’s status as pop music royalty.
“ABC” is a delightful departure from the lovelorn themes often explored in pop music. This song is a playful, upbeat declaration of a young man’s affection for a girl. The twist? He compares his growing love to learning his ABCs – it’s a new and exciting experience that he can’t quite grasp but desperately wants to master. This clever metaphor, penned by the songwriting team of Freddie Perren, Berry Gordy Jr., Alphonso Mizell, and Dennis Lussier, perfectly captures the innocence and confusion of young love.
Musically, “ABC” is a quintessential Motown masterpiece. The driving, syncopated rhythm section lays the foundation for the song’s infectious energy. Crisp horn stabs punctuate the melody, adding a layer of sophistication that belies the song’s simple lyrics. But the true star of the show is once again the vocals. Michael Jackson, still a teenager at the time, delivers a powerhouse performance. His soulful growl and playful ad-libs add a layer of depth and maturity to the song.
“ABC” wasn’t just a catchy tune; it was a cultural phenomenon. The song became the Jackson 5’s second No. 1 hit, topping the Billboard Hot 100 chart and further solidifying their place as teen idols. The song’s infectious energy and playful message resonated with audiences of all ages, making it a staple on dance floors and radio waves for decades to come. “ABC” is more than just a pop song; it’s a reminder of the power of youthful exuberance, infectious melodies, and the undeniable talent of the Jackson 5.
Video
Lyrics: “ABC”
A buh-buh buh buh
A buh-buh buh buhYou went to school to learn, girl
Things you never, never knew before
Like “I before E, except after C”
And why two plus two makes four
Now, now, now, I’m gonna teach you (Teach you, teach you)
All about love, yeah! (All about love!)
Sit yourself down, take a seat
All you gotta do is repeat after meA, B, C
Easy as 1, 2, 3
Or simple as Do-Re-Mi
A, B, C, 1, 2, 3, baby, you and me, girl!
A, B, C
Easy as 1, 2, 3
Or simple as Do-Re-Mi
A, B, C, 1, 2, 3, baby, you and me, girl!Come on, let me love you just a little bit!
Come on, let me love you just a little bit!
I’ma gonna teach how to sing it out!
Come on, come on, come on
Let me show you what it’s all about!Reading, writing, ‘rithmetic
Are the branches of the learning tree
But without the roots of love every day, girl
Your education ain’t complete
T-t-t-teachers gonna show you (Show you, show you)
How to get an “A”! (Nyah nyah nyah nyah!)
Spell me, you (You add the two)
Listen to me, baby, that’s all you gotta do!Oh, A, B, C
It’s easy as 1, 2, 3
Or simple as Do-Re-Mi
A, B, C, 1, 2, 3, baby, you and me, girl!A, B, C, it’s easy, it’s like counting up to three
Sing a simple melody
That’s how easy love can be
Now, that’s how easy love can be
Sing a simple melody
1, 2, 3, you and me (Yeah)Sit down, girl!
I think I love you!
No!
Get up, girl!
Show me what you can do!
Shake it, shake it, baby, come on now!
Shake it, shake it, baby, ooh-ooh!
Shake it, shake it, baby, huh!
1, 2, 3, baby, ooh-ooh
A, B, C, baby, nah nah!
Do-Re-Mi, baby, huh!
That’s how easy love can beA, B, C, it’s easy, it’s like counting up to three
Sing a simple melody
That’s how easy love can beI’m-a gonna teach you how to sing it out!
Come on, come on, come on
Let me show you what it’s all about!
A, B, C, it’s easy, it’s like counting up to three
Sing a simple melody
That’s how easy love can be
I’ma gonna teach you how to sing it out, sing it out, sing it out! (Oh! Oh! Oh, baby!)
A, B, C, it’s easy, it’s like counting up to three
Sing a simple melody
That’s how easy…