The song "Big Boy" was the first single ever released by The Jackson 5, in … Read Full Bio ↴The song "Big Boy" was the first single ever released by The Jackson 5, in January 1968, through Steeltown Records.[1] The group produced and played instruments on many of their Steeltown compositions, including "Big Boy". The song was neither a critical or commercial success, but the Jackson family were delighted with the outcome nonetheless.

The Jackson 5 would release a second single with Steeltown Records before moving to Motown Records. The groups recordings at Steeltown Records were thought to be lost, but they were rediscovered more than 25 years later in a pantry. They were remastered and reissued in 1995, with "Big Boy" as the promotional lead single.

Big Boy
The Jackson 5 Lyrics

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Fairy tales, fairy tales
I don't enjoy
Fairy tales and wishful dreams
Are broken toys

'Cause I'm a big boy now (Big boy)
That's looking for (Big boy)
Someone to love, oh yeah

Someone, someone to share my dreams, oh yeah

Mother goose, oh mother goose
Oh, won't you join
All I need is an ol' lovely girl
Holding my arm

'Cause I'm a big boy now (Big boy)
That's looking for (Big boy)
Someone to love, oh yeah
Someone, someone to share my dreams, oh yeah

Skating boards
And kiddie cars
Have had their day
Dating at the picture show with you
Is here to stay

'Cause I'm a big boy (Big boy)
That's looking for (Big boy)
Someone to love, oh yeah
Someone, someone to share my dreams, oh yeah

Come on, baby
Come on, baby, ooh

Overall Meaning

The Jackson 5's song Big Boy uses the imagery of fairy tales and Mother Goose to convey that the singer is no longer a child and has grown out of these things. The lyrics express a desire for love and someone to share their dreams with, indicating a longing for a mature, adult relationship. The chorus emphasizes the singer's status as a "big boy" several times, suggesting a need to assert their newfound independence and maturity.

The reference to skating boards and kiddie cars as things that "have had their day" further emphasizes the passage of time and the need to move on from childish things. The singer is looking for something more meaningful and lasting, represented by the idea of "dating at the picture show with you" as opposed to childish playthings.

Overall, the lyrics of Big Boy express the desire to move on from childhood and find true love and connection in adulthood. The repeated refrain of "I'm a big boy now" highlights the importance of independence and maturity in this quest.

Line by Line Meaning

Fairy tales, fairy tales
I don't enjoy fairy tales and wishful dreams.

Fairy tales and wishful dreams
Are broken toys.

'Cause I'm a big boy now (Big boy)
I'm a mature man who wants more than fantasies.

That's looking for (Big boy)
I want to find love and sharing with someone.

Someone to love, oh yeah
I am searching for a romantic partner to share my affection.

Someone, someone to share my dreams, oh yeah
I want someone to share my hopes, desires and future with.

Mother goose, oh mother goose
Addressing Mother Goose

Oh, won't you join
Can you help me?

All I need is an ol' lovely girl
I'm searching for a beautiful girl to share my life with who wants to grow old with me.

Holding my arm
To support me and show affection in public.

Skating boards
Childhood toys, i.e., skateboard.