The Real Thing
Elliot Lyrics


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Ain't nothing like the real thing, baby
Ain't nothing like the real thing
Ain't nothing like the real thing, baby
Ain't nothing like the real thing

I got your picture hangin' on the wall
But it can't see or come to me when I call your name
I realize it's just a picture inside a frame

I read your letters when you're not near me
But they don't move me, and they don't groove me
Like when I hear your sweet voice whispering in my ear
I play the game, a fantasy
I pretend I'm not in reality
I need the shelter of your arms to comfort me

I got some memories to look back on
And though they help me when you're gone
I'm well aware nothin' can take the place of you being there
No other sound is quite the same as your name
No touch can do half as much to make me feel better
So let's get together

Ain't nothing like the real thing, baby
Ain't nothing like the real thing




Ain't nothing like the real thing, baby
Ain't nothing like the real thing

Overall Meaning

Elliot's "The Real Thing" is a beautifully written song about the sorrow of missing someone and the realization that nothing can replace the real thing - being with that person. The song is about longing to have someone close, and the absence of that person can be painful. The lyrics convey a deep emotional connection to the person, but it's not enough to have their photo or letters, because it can't replace the feeling of being with them or hearing their voice. The first verse describes the futility of a photo on the wall and the hollowness of a letter. The second verse reminds the listener that memories serve as tools in coping with the absence of a loved one, but they are not a replacement for the real thing.


Line by Line Meaning

Ain't nothing like the real thing, baby
There is nothing that can compare to the real thing, my love, which is you.


Ain't nothing like the real thing
Nothing else can give me the same feelings and emotions that you do.


I got your picture hangin' on the wall
I have a photograph of you hanging on my wall as a reminder of you.


But it can't see or come to me when I call your name
However, it cannot physically be with me or answer when I call out to you.


I realize it's just a picture inside a frame
I am aware that it is only a still image captured in a frame.


I read your letters when you're not near me
When you are not close to me, I read the letters you wrote to me.


But they don't move me, and they don't groove me
However, the letters do not arouse the same feelings in me as being with you personally does.


Like when I hear your sweet voice whispering in my ear
Similar to when I hear your gentle voice murmuring close to my ear.


I play the game, a fantasy
I indulge in a game of make-believe, a mere fantasy.


I pretend I'm not in reality
I temporarily ignore the truth of my situation and pretend it is different.


I need the shelter of your arms to comfort me
What I really need is the warmth of your embrace to console me.


I got some memories to look back on
I have cherished memories of us together to reflect upon.


And though they help me when you're gone
Although they aid me when you are not around.


I'm well aware nothin' can take the place of you being there
I know unequivocally that nothing can substitute for your physical presence.


No other sound is quite the same as your name
No other sound strikes my eardrums as pleasantly as hearing your name pronounced.


No touch can do half as much to make me feel better
A touch from anyone else cannot generate as much good vibes in me as from you.


So let's get together
Therefore, let us come together and be with each other, my dear.




Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: Nickolas Ashford, Valerie Simpson

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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Comments from YouTube:

@nh1848

So, so smooth. ❤️

@jameshamilton3607

Just Found Out My Big Sister Passed Away May God Bless Her And Keep Her.

@royceparker5182

Love how he did rhis!!!

@Lovejazz01

My favorite Richard Elliot groove! He slammed this!! 🎷🎷🎷

@MsJackieGaines

NOBODY does it like Richard, everything he does is a masterpiece!!! This man is in a category all by himself...total sophistication of smooth jazz music!!!!

@nh1848

Couldn't have said it better myself. I still remember the moment I first heard him. He was just another level.

That was well over 15 years ago... Says it all doesn't it!

@catherinebjefferson8551

Richard Elliot's selections are "awesome!"

@brigitgiles2234

Catherine B Jefferson i love this song to death

@larrypeterson2359

sure you right

@tcj679

Besides Aretha Franklin’s rendition of this Motown classic , I love this version just as much ! (Soulful)

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