Mama's Pearl
Michael Jackson; The Jackson 5 Lyrics


Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴  Line by Line Meaning ↴

Michael: You send cold chills up and down my spine
You kiss my chills,
But you draw the line, oh baby

Jackson 5: Oh baby

Michael: 'Cause yo' mama told you that love wasn't right
Don't you know good lovin' is the spice of life, yeah
Mama's pearl, let down your curls
Won't you give my love a whirl
Find what you've been missin'

J5: What you've been missin'

Michael: Oooh-oooh, now baby
Daddy's girl, let down your curls
Won't give you give your heart a twirl
Don't keep me wishin'

J5: Keep me wishin'

Tito: Boom, ba-boom, ba-boom, ba-boom boom boom
Ba-boom, ba-boom boom
Boom, ba-boom, ba-boom, ba-boom boom boom
Ba-boom, ba-boom boom

Michael: You want my lovin'
Yes you do do do,

J5: Yes you do, I know you do

Michael: You want my lovin'
Is it true true true, now baby

J5: Oh baby

Michael: Now your conscience tells you
Love is wrong,

J5: Oh

Michael: Did you know good lovin'
Never hurt no one
Oh...
Mama's pearl, let down your curls
Won't you give my love a whirl
Find what you've been missin'

J5: What you've been missin'

Michael: Oooh-oooh now baby
Daddy's girl, let down your curls
Won't you give your heart a twirl
Don't keep me wishin'

J5: Keep me wishin'

Michael: Let it all hang out

J5: Girl don't be afraid

Jermaine: Oooh, you've got the first step made

Jackie: Oooh, the rest is up to you

Jermaine: Feel is what you do
Let yourself go

Michael: Let your lovin' flow, now now now
Let your lovin' flow, now now
Just give in to me

Jermaine: 'Cause I've got what you need

Michael: Got what you need

Michael: Let's fall in love
Let's fall in love,
Find out what you're missin'
Goody girl, we've got the pearl
Give your heart a twirl,
Won't you give my love a whirl

J5: Girl don't be afraid

Jermaine: Oooh, you've got the first step made

Jackie: Oh just give in,
Just give in to me

Jermaine: 'Cause I've got what you need

Michael: Got what you need

Jermaine: Let's fall in love,
Let's fall in love
Let yourself go

Michael: Let your lovin' flow,
Let your lovin' flow
Just give it to me

Jermaine: 'Cause I've got what you need
Got what you need

Michael: Oh oh oh oh, mama's pearl

J5: Daddy's girl we've got it made
Let's fall in love
Let's fall in love
Girl we've got it made

Michael: Find out what you've been missin' sugar
Goody goody goody girl, oooh

J5: Let's fall in love
Let's fall in love

Michael: Mama's pearl

J5: Girl, we've got it made

Michael: Oooh, oooh

J5: Girl don't be afraid

Michael: Oooh





Jermaine: We've got the first step made end

Overall Meaning

The song Mama's Pearl is about a boy trying to convince a girl to let her guard down and fall in love with him despite the warnings from her mother. The lyrics speak to the idea that love is a necessary and essential part of life, and it should not be avoided just because someone has been taught to fear it. Michael Jackson's voice shines in this song as he sings the lead vocals, and the Jackson 5's harmonies add a depth and richness to the track. The song has a groovy and funky instrumental that makes it an upbeat and danceable tune.


The lyrics of the song have a positive message about love, which is somewhat different from the Jackson 5's typical bubblegum pop songs. The song's theme is similar to Michael Jackson's famous song, "The Way You Make Me Feel," where he also sings about convincing a girl to let down her guard and give love a chance. Mama's Pearl was released in 1971 as a single and was the follow-up to the Jackson 5's hit song "Never Can Say Goodbye." The song was not a commercial success, but it has become a fan favorite over the years.


Line by Line Meaning

You send cold chills up and down my spine
Your love excites me with both fear and anticipation


You kiss my chills, but you draw the line, oh baby
You tease me with affection, but hold back from a deeper connection


'Cause yo' mama told you that love wasn't right
You were raised to believe that love is wrong


Don't you know good lovin' is the spice of life, yeah
Love is essential to a fulfilling life


Mama's pearl, let down your curls, won't you give my love a whirl
Take a chance on my love and see what you've been missing


Find what you've been missin'
Discover the joy and fulfillment of love


Daddy's girl, let down your curls, won't you give your heart a twirl
Take a chance on me and let love guide you


Don't keep me wishin'
Don't leave me longing for a deeper connection


Keep me wishin'
Don't deny me the chance to explore a deeper connection


You want my lovin', yes you do do do
You crave my love


Yes you do, I know you do
I can sense your desire for me


Is it true true true, now baby
Do you truly desire me?


Now your conscience tells you love is wrong
You struggle with societal expectations for love


Did you know good lovin' never hurt no one, oh...
Love is natural and healthy, and can never harm anyone


Let it all hang out
Be open and honest about your feelings


Girl don't be afraid
Don't let fear hold you back from love


Oooh, you've got the first step made
You've already taken a step towards love


Feel is what you do, let yourself go
Love is all about feeling and letting go of inhibitions


Let your lovin' flow, now now now
Allow your love to freely flow


Just give in to me, 'cause I've got what you need
Trust me with your heart, I can fulfill your needs


Let's fall in love, find out what you're missin'
Take a chance on love and discover what you've been missing


Goody girl, we've got the pearl, give your heart a twirl
We're a perfect match for each other, let's take a chance on love


Oh just give in, just give in to me
Let yourself be vulnerable and trust me with your heart


Mama's pearl, girl we've got it made
We're the perfect match for each other


Oooh, oooh
Expresses excitement and passion


Girl don't be afraid
Don't let fear hold you back from love


We've got the first step made
We've already begun the journey towards love




Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Universal Music Publishing Group, Warner/Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: CARL ALLEN STURKEN, EVAN A. ROGERS

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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