"I’ll Be There” was the sixth track on Carey’s MTV Unplugged special, taped on March 16, 1992. It was performed as a romantic duet, with Carey singing Michael Jackson’s lines and R&B singer Trey Lorenz singing Jermaine Jackson’s lines.
From her #1 to Infinity liner notes in 2015:
"We were rehearsing for MTV Unplugged and I was going to perform 'Vanishing’ from my first album. The label came to me and said, ‘MTV really wants you to perform a remake'. It was the night before the show at rehearsal. My friend and background vocalist, the talented Trey Lorenz was there and we both are huge fans of Motown and the Jackson 5. I had the idea to sing 'I’ll Be There' and Trey was nice enough to accompany me. We never expected the song to be released as a single, let alone become a #1 record."
I'll Be There
Mariah Carey feat. Trey Lorenz Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
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 so strong
I'll be your strength
You know I'll keep holdin' on
Let me fill your heart with joy and laughter
Togetherness, well it's all I'm after
Just call my name, and I'll be there (I'll be there)
I'll be there to protect you (yeah baby)
With an unselfish love that respects you
Just call my name, and I'll be there (I'll be there)
I'll be there to comfort you
Build my world of dreams around you
You know I'm so glad that I found you baby (so glad baby)
I'll be there with a love so strong
I'll be your strength, (Be your strength)
You know I'll keep holdin' on
If you should ever find someone new
I know she better be good to you
'Cause if she doesn't
Then I'll be there (I'll be there)
Don't you know baby, yeah I'll be there
I'll be there
Just call my name, and I'll be there
Yeah, I'll be there baby
You know I'll be there
Just call my name and I'll be there
Just look over your shoulder!
Just call my name and I'll be there
The song "I'll Be There" by Mariah Carey was released in 1992 and is a cover of a classic hit originally performed by the Jackson 5 in 1970. The lyrics express the idea of a strong, unwavering love that is always there for support and comfort. The first verse talks about the importance of making a pact to bring salvation back through love, and how the singer will always be there for the person they love, ready to offer a helping hand through difficult times.
The chorus emphasizes that the singer's love will always be present and available by name, to comfort and build a world of dreams around the person they love. There is an expression of gratitude for finding this person, and a promise of strength and support. There is also a warning to anyone who may mistreat the person they love, that the singer will always be watching and available to offer protection and support. The song ends by reiterating the chorus, reminding the person they love that they can always count on them to be present and supportive.
Line by Line Meaning
You and I must make a pact
We need to come to an agreement or commitment to work together to achieve something meaningful.
We must bring salvation back
We have the responsibility to restore hope, redemption, and a better way of living to those who need it most.
Where there is love, I'll be there (I'll be there)
Whenever you experience genuine affection and warmth, I promise to be there without hesitation or reservation.
I'll reach out my hand to you
I am extending an invitation, comfort, and acceptance towards you.
I'll have faith in all you do
I believe in your potential and trust that you will achieve greatness.
Just call my name and I'll be there (I'll be there)
Whenever you need me or require my help, I assure you that I will be there for you unconditionally.
I'll be there to comfort you
I will be a source of encouragement, support, and consolation for you when you need it most.
Build my world of dreams around you
I want to create a reality filled with positivity, possibilities, and happiness for us both.
I'm so glad that I found you
I feel very fortunate to have met you and want to cherish our relationship always.
I'll be there with a love so strong
My love for you will be unwavering, fierce, and never-ending.
I'll be your strength
Whenever you feel weak, defeated, or lost, I will provide the support and courage you need to keep going.
You know I'll keep holdin' on
I am committed to holding on to our relationship, supporting you, and being there for you through thick and thin.
Let me fill your heart with joy and laughter
I want to bring happiness, joy, and playful energy to your life and enhance your emotional well-being.
Togetherness, well it's all I'm after
I desire to build a life together with you, perpetuating love, unity, and harmony for our future.
I'll be there to protect you (yeah baby)
I will protect you from harm or danger, shielding you with my love, commitment, and loyalty.
With an unselfish love that respects you
The love and support I offer to you will always be genuine, thoughtful, and respectful, without any expectation of anything in return.
You know I'm so glad that I found you baby (so glad baby)
I am so grateful to have found you and want to celebrate our time together and grow our relationship stronger.
If you should ever find someone new
If, for whatever reason, you choose to part ways or find a new partner, I will still wish you happiness, love, and success.
I know she better be good to you
I hope whoever you may find will treat you with the same love, respect, and kindness that I have shown you.
'Cause if she doesn't
If this new partner falls short of any of those things, and you need me, I will be there for you.
Then I'll be there (I'll be there)
I will keep my promise to always support, love, and care for you, no matter what happens.
Don't you know baby, yeah I'll be there
I want you to know that I will be there for you whenever you need me - helping, loving, and being with you.
Just call my name, and I'll be there
All you have to do is call out my name, and I will do everything in my power to be there for you.
Yeah, I'll be there baby
I will always be there for you because you are important to me and I care about you deeply.
You know I'll be there
You can trust me to be there for you, to comfort you, and to love you unconditionally.
Just call my name and I'll be there
No matter where I am or what I'm doing, you can count on me to be there for you when you need me the most.
Just look over your shoulder!
Even if you don't expect my support, look back, and I will be there waiting for you, ready to help you.
Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS
Written by: Miles Jaye
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@kumbenaier4294
My aunt is one of the back up singer. Mariah still sends them Christmas cards to this day.
@davidmouzayek3764
That’s awesome :)
@janelane1912
The backup singers were extremely talented in their own right as well!
@drakemiller5356
Wow that’s amazing
@clarence493
😢 u lie
@KillaK78
I find it very hard to believe that a person who often asks for no eye contact from staff when appearing on talk shows, could do something so selfless.
What you mean to say is your aunt is on her mailing list still
@noradenise
He's still her backup singer...thats loyalty
@michelleb4385
I know right!!! That’s a true friend she has:)
@yuriboyka2494
Iol
@iLolz19
Yeah, he's been singing backup for her since 1990. At least since her 1990 SNL performance.