Ain't Nothing Like the Real Thing
The Jackson 5 Lyrics
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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
The Jackson 5’s rendition of “Ain’t Nothing Like The Real Thing” is a sweet and emotional song about the longing for a significant other. The song expresses how nothing can replace the feeling of being with the one you love. The chorus represents the main message of the song, that even though pictures, letters, and memories can bring back feelings, nothing compares to the actual physical presence and touch of a loved one.
The first verses highlight the inadequacy of a picture hanging on the wall or reading letters from the one you love when you're not together. The second verse talks about the game of fantasy, where the persona pretends that they are not in reality, and longs for the feeling of being held in their partners' arms. The chorus repeats to emphasize that nothing can replace the feeling of being physically present with one's loved one.
The bridge in the song repeats the main message of the song and provides the climax of the song. It talks about the memories that the persona has to look back on in the absence of their partner but realizes that nothing can replace the presence of the loved one. The verse stresses that no other sound can compare with the sound of one's loved one's name, and no other touch can do half as much to make one feel better.
Overall, the song is a beautiful reminder that the physical presence of one's significant other is irreplaceable, and there is nothing like the real thing.
Line by Line Meaning
Ain't nothing like the real thing, baby
There's nothing that compares to the real experience of being with you
Ain't nothing like the real thing
There's no substitute for what we have together
Ain't nothing like the real thing, baby
Our connection is singular and unmatched by any imitation or fake version
Ain't nothing like the real thing
Our love is uniquely special and can't be replicated
I got your picture hangin' on the wall
I have a memento of you, but it's not the same as having you here with me
But it can't see or come to me when I call your name
The picture can't respond to me or offer me any comfort
I realize it's just a picture inside a frame
I'm aware that it's just a representation of you, not the real you
I read your letters when you're not near me
I try to stay connected to you through your words
But they don't move me, and they don't groove me
Letters aren't as effective at stirring my emotions as hearing your voice
Like when I hear your sweet voice whispering in my ear
The sound of your voice has a powerful effect on me
I play the game, a fantasy
I try to imagine a reality where we can be together
I pretend I'm not in reality
I try to escape the harsh truth of our physical separation
I need the shelter of your arms to comfort me
Nothing can provide the same level of comfort and security as being in your embrace
I got some memories to look back on
I have cherished moments with you saved in my memory
And though they help me when you're gone
Recalling these memories can provide some solace when we're apart
I'm well aware nothin' can take the place of you being there
Nothing can replace the experience of physically being with you
No other sound is quite the same as your name
Hearing your name spoken aloud is a uniquely special experience
No touch can do half as much to make me feel better
No other physical contact can compare to the comfort I feel from your touch
So let's get together
The only thing that can truly satisfy me is being physically close to you
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: Nickolas Ashford, Valerie Simpson
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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