I'll be there
M. Jackson & Minnie Ripperton Lyrics
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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)
Build my world of dreams around you
I'm so glad that I found you
I'll be there with a love that's strong
I'll be your strength
I'll keep holdin' on (holdin' on)
Yes I will, yes I will
Let me fill your heart with joy and laughter
Togetherness, girl, is all I'm after
Whenever you need me, I'll be there (I'll be there)
I'll be there to protect you (yeah baby)
With unselfish love that respects you
Just call my name and I'll be there (I'll be there)
And oh, I'll be there to comfort you
Build my world of dreams around you
I'm so glad that I found you
I'll be there with a love that's strong
I'll be your strength
I'll keep holdin' on
Ooh ooh ooh
Yes I will (holdin' on, holdin' on)
Yes I will
If you should ever find someone new
I know he better be good to you
'Cause if he doesn't
I'll be there (I'll be there)
Don't you know, baby, yeah, yeah
I'll be there, I'll be there
Just call my name, I'll be there (I'll be there)
Just look over your shoulders honey, ooh
I'll be there, I'll be there
Whenever you need me, I'll be there (I'll be there)
Don't you know, baby
I'll be there, I'll be there
Just call my name, I'll be there (I'll be there)
Oh, oh, oh, oh, I'll be there
The lyrics of "I'll Be There" by Michael Jackson and Minnie Ripperton communicate a sentiment of loyalty and devotion to a loved one. The song's first verse emphasizes the idea of a pact between two people that is focused on bringing salvation back to their relationship. The next lines reinforce the strength of the relationship, the singer's faith in their partner, and the promise to be there for them whenever they need it. The chorus repeats the titular phrase, reassuring the partner that even in moments of grief or doubt, the singer will be there to comfort them and build a better world for the two of them.
Jackson and Ripperton's voices blend beautifully in this song, with Jackson's signature high-pitched ad libs and Ripperton's angelic tone adding depth and passion to the lyrics. The song's message resonated with listeners and earned "I'll Be There" the distinction of being the Jackson 5's fourth consecutive number-one hit on the Billboard Hot 100. It's also been covered by artists such as Mariah Carey, Trey Lorenz, and Cheryl Lynn.
As the first ballad released by the Jackson 5, "I'll Be There" was a departure from the group's earlier, more uptempo hits. Jackson has been quoted as saying that he preferred recording slower songs, as they allowed him to better connect with listeners and express his emotions. The song also marked the beginning of Jackson's solo career, as he took lead vocals for most of the track.
Finally, the song's memorable chorus has been referenced and sampled in various pop culture moments, from the movie "Bridget Jones's Diary" to the TV show "Glee". Its lasting impact on the music industry is a testament to the power of its message of unwavering loyalty and support in relationships.
Line by Line Meaning
You and I must make a pact
We need to agree to work together
We must bring salvation back
We need to restore hope and betterment
Where there is love, I'll be there (I'll be there)
I'll always be there wherever there is love
I'll reach out my hand to you
I'll help you with anything you need
I'll have faith in all you do
I believe in your abilities
Just call my name and I'll be there (I'll be there)
I'll always come when you need me
And oh, I'll be there to comfort you
I'll be there to console you
Build my world of dreams around you
I want to build a future with you
I'm so glad that I found you
I'm thankful to have you in my life
I'll be there with a love that's strong
I'll always love you and be there for you
I'll be your strength
I'll give you the stregth that you need
I'll keep holdin' on (holdin' on)
I'll hold on tight and never let go
Let me fill your heart with joy and laughter
I want to make you happy always
Togetherness, girl, is all I'm after
I just want to be with you
Whenever you need me, I'll be there (I'll be there)
I'll always be there whenever you need me
I'll be there to protect you (yeah baby)
I'll protect you and keep you safe
With unselfish love that respects you
I'll love you without any selfishness or agenda
And oh, I'll be there to comfort you
I'll be there to console you
Build my world of dreams around you
I want to build a future with you
I'm so glad that I found you
I'm thankful to have you in my life
I'll be there with a love that's strong
I'll always love you and be there for you
I'll be your strength
I'll give you the stregth that you need
I'll keep holdin' on
I'll hold on tight and never let go
If you should ever find someone new
If you ever find someone else
I know he better be good to you
I hope he will be good to you
'Cause if he doesn't I'll be there (I'll be there)
If he doesn't treat you well, I'll still be there for you
Don't you know, baby, yeah, yeah
Don't you know, my dear
Just look over your shoulders honey, ooh
Just look behind you, my love
Whenever you need me, I'll be there (I'll be there)
I'll always be there whenever you need me
Don't you know, baby
Don't you know, my dear
I'll be there, I'll be there
I'll always be there for you
Just call my name, I'll be there (I'll be there)
Just let me know and I'll come
Oh, oh, oh, oh, I'll be there
I'll always be by your side
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Tratore
Written by: Berry Gordy Jr, Bob West, Hal Davis, Willie Hutch
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind