The primary members of the group were all the sons of Katherine and Joseph Jackson: Jackie Jackson, Tito Jackson, Jermaine Jackson, Marlon Jackson, Michael Jackson, and Randy Jackson. Joseph Jackson formed the band in 1964 and served as its manager, with Jackie, Tito, Jermaine, and unrelated youths Reynaud Jones and Milton Hite comprising its original lineup. Within a year, Michael and Marlon joined the band, and Michael became lead singer as the group developed a following in the eastern and midwestern United States during the mid-1960s. Signed to the Motown label from 1969 to 1975, and to CBS Records (as "The Jacksons") from 1975 until their disbanding in 1990, the Jackson 5 were one of the most popular groups of the era and became the first recording act to have their first four major label singles (I Want You Back, ABC, The Love You Save, and I'll Be There) reach the top of the American charts. Several future singles, among them "Mama's Pearl", "Never Can Say Goodbye" and "Dancing Machine", were Top 5 pop hits and number-one hits on the R&B singles chart. Most of the early hits were written and produced by a specialized songwriting team known as The Corporation™; later Jackson 5 hits were crafted chiefly by Hal Davis.
While not the first act considered a "boy band", The Jackson 5 is one of the earliest examples of the type as it is defined today: five adolescents specifically packaged and marketed by a record label for crossover pop success. Upon their departure from Motown for CBS in 1975, the Jacksons, were forced to change their name and trade Jermaine (who remained at Motown) for Randy. The group took control of their songwriting, production, and image, and their success continued into the 1980s with hits such as "Shake Your Body (Down to the Ground)" and "State of Shock", and a highly successful 1984 Victory tour. The Jacksons officially disbanded in 1990.
History
Early works
The Jacksons were a working-class family from Gary, Indiana. Katherine, being a Jehovah's Witness, raised the children as such, while their father, Joe, was not of that faith. Their father, a steel mill employee who often performed in an R&B band called "The Falcons" with his brother Luther, was a strict disciplinarian. Many of the Jackson children recall being severely beaten by Joe for misbehaving.
The children found an outlet in music, with elder brothers Jackie (born Sigmund Esco Jackson, 1951), Tito (born Toriano Jackson, 1953), and Jermaine (b. 1954) borrowing their father's guitar without his permission and playing along to the radio. Younger brothers Marlon (b. 1957) and Michael (b. 1958) were allowed to watch as long as they did not tell. Joseph eventually discovered that the older three boys were playing his guitar when one of the strings broke[2]. Although he was furious at first, Joseph realized the boys had talent and began making plans to create a musical act for them.
In 1965, Jackie, Tito, and Jermaine began performing around the Gary area with two neighborhood children, Milford Hite (on drums) and Reynaud Jones (on keyboards), in a group called The Jackson Brothers. Joe Jackson served as the manager, at first only part-time, and then eventually quitting his job at the steel mill. Jermaine sang lead and played bass, and Tito played guitar.
In 1966, younger brothers Marlon and Michael, joined the group as its tambourine and bongo players. Already showing talent as a singer and dancer[3], Michael replaced Jermaine as lead vocalist by mid-1967. Shirley Cartman, Tito's junior high orchestra teacher, noticed the group's talents and served as an early mentor to the group, by then calling itself The Jackson Five.
During this period, the boys toured Indiana extensively, and after winning a major local talent show in 1966 with a rendition of The Temptations' "My Girl", led by Michael, they began playing professional gigs in Chicago, Illinois and across the mid-eastern U.S. Many of these gigs were in a string of black clubs and venues collectively known as the "chitlin' circuit", and the young kids sometimes had to open for strip teasers and other adult acts in order to earn money.
Shirley Cartman got the Jackson Five a record deal with Gordon Keith's local Steeltown label, and the group began making their first recordings in 1967. Their first single, "Big Boy", became a regional hit. During this period, Johnny Jackson (no relation) on drums and Ronnie Rancifer on keys replaced Milford Hite and Reynaud Jones.
The Jackson Five had a number of admirers in their early days, including Sam & Dave, who helped the group secure a spot in the famous Amateur Night competition at the Apollo Theater in Harlem. The group won the August 13, 1967 competition during the Amateur Night showdown at the Apollo, impressing Motown Records artist Gladys Knight of The Pips. Knight recommended the group to Motown chief Berry Gordy, but Gordy, who already had teenager Stevie Wonder on his roster, was hesitant to take on another child act because of the child labor laws and other problems involved.
The Jackson Five's sound was influenced by many of the biggest stars of the 1960s, especially including family funk bands Sly & the Family Stone and The Isley Brothers, soul pioneer Marvin Gaye, doo-wop boy band Frankie Lymon & the Teenagers, and soul shouters like Wilson Pickett, Jackie Wilson, Stevie Wonder and James Brown [4]. At the time of their early success, soul and funk stars, especially coming from Motown Records, were among the most popular musicians; Motown had launched the careers of dozens of the decade's biggest stars, most notably Smokey Robinson & the Miracles, Stevie Wonder, Marvin Gaye, The Temptations, and Diana Ross & the Supremes.
Influences
From these sources, The Jackson Five developed many of their vocal arrangement styles and dance movements. The group's multi-lead vocal style was inspired by that of The Family Stone, while young Michael adapted Jackie Wilson and James Brown's impassioned singing and dancing styles into his own.
Joining Motown
By 1968, the Jackson 5 were a headlining act for the All Star Floor Show at Chicago's The Guys' and Gals' Cocktail Lounge and Restaurant. From July 12 - 27, 1968, the Jackson 5 opened for Motown group Bobby Taylor & the Vancouvers at Chicago's Regal Theater. Taylor was also very impressed with the boys, and he decided to make the commitment to bring them to Detroit and Motown. Joseph and the Jackson Five stayed on the floor of Bobby Taylor's Detroit apartment the night of July 22, while Taylor and Motown executive Suzanne de Passe arranged for the Jackson Five to audition for the label.
On July 23, the Jackson Five had their Motown audition, for which they performed James Brown’s then current hit "I Got the Feelin’". Berry Gordy was not in attendance, but the audition was videotaped and sent to him in Los Angeles. Gordy's initial reluctance to sign the group disappeared when he finally saw the boys perform. Gordy decided to sign the Jackson Five to Motown, and hosted a party at his Detroit mansion on November 25, 1968 to introduce them to the Motown staff and stars.
Motown began negotiations to buy out the Jackson Five's Steeltown contract, completing the deal in March 1969. By the summer, Bobby Taylor began producing the group's first recordings at Motown's Hitsville U.S.A. recording studio in Detroit. The early Taylor-produced Jackson Five records were all covers of both contemporary hits and Motown-standards, including Sly & the Family Stone's "Stand!" and their famous rendition of The Miracles' "Who's Lovin' You", written by Smokey Robinson.
In mid-August 1969, Gordy moved the Jackson Five and Joseph to California, and he and Suzanne de Passe began the process of grooming them as the label's next big act, while the rest of the family remained in Gary. While looking for a house in California, Joseph, Jermaine, Tito, and Jackie lived with Berry Gordy, while Michael and Marlon lived with Motown star Diana Ross.
If I Can't Nobody Can
The Jackson 5 Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
When you’re down, I can bring you up
Ooh, if I can’t, then nobody can
Take a frown, turn it into love
If I can’t, then nobody can
Just try me and see i’ll be your remedy
Try me
When you’re off I can turn you on
(I can do it, do it, do it)
If I can’t, then nobody can
(No baby, no, no, baby)
Take your yawn, turn it to a song
(Sing it to you, sing it to you)
If I can’t, then nobody can
Baby, baby, baby, wherever you go
I’ll be your radio
Be everything, everything you need
Baby, try me, hey
(I can do it, do it)
Oh, even when you’re not asleep
I can be every dream you dream yeah
I could be, I could be
Baby, why can’t you see, oh, yeah, yeah
(If I can’t, then nobody can)
Give you what you need, baby yes indeed
Indeedy now
(When he's wrong, I can make it right)
Try me, baby, yeah
(If I can’t, then nobody can)
Nobody, nobody, no no no no no no, baby
(Baby you know I can)
Oh, I could be your candy man
(Be everything) Everything you need
Baby, come on, and try me, hey
(Do it, do it, do it, do it, do it)
Do it, do it, do it
(Do it, do it, do it, do it, do it)
Do it, do it, do it
(Do it, do it, do it, do it, do it)
Do it, do it, do it
I can be your candy man, if I can’t
Nobody can
(Do it, do it, do it, do it, do it)
Do it, do it
(Do it, do it, do it, do it, do it)
Do it, do it, do it
(Do it, do it, do it, do it, do it)
Do it, do it, do it
I can be your wishing well, come on, come on
Let me help
(Do it, do it, do it, do it, do it)
Do it, do it
(Do it, do it, do it, do it, do it)
Do it, do it, do it
(Do it, do it, do it, do it, do it)
Do it, do it, do it put your order in today
Get it to you right away
(Do it, do it, do it, do it, do it)
Do it, do it
(Do it, do it, do it, do it, do it)
Do it, do it, do it, yeah
(Do it, do it, do it, do it, do it)
Do it, do it, do it
I can be your candy man, if I can’t
Nobody can
(Do it, do it, do it, do it, do it)
(Do it, do it, do it, do it, do it)
(Do it, do it, do it, do it, do it)
The lyrics to The Jackson 5's song "If I Can't Nobody Can" convey a strong sense of confidence and assurance. The singer is asserting his ability to bring joy, happiness, and love into someone's life. The repeated phrase "If I can't, then nobody can" emphasizes the singer's unwavering belief in their own power to make a positive impact.
The lyrics suggest that the singer is willing to go above and beyond to fulfill the needs of their loved one. They claim to be a remedy for sadness, someone who can turn a frown into love and a yawn into a song. The repeated encouragement to "try me" indicates a desire to be tested and prove their capabilities.
Furthermore, the lyrics imply a deep level of commitment and dedication. The singer promises to be constantly present, acting as a reliable companion and support system. They describe themselves as a radio, reflecting their willingness to always be there, offering entertainment and comfort. The line "even when you're not asleep, I can be every dream you dream" suggests that the singer is capable of fulfilling desires and aspirations.
Line by Line Meaning
When you’re down, I can bring you up
In times of sadness or struggle, I have the ability to lift your spirits and provide support
Ooh, if I can’t, then nobody can
If I am unable to bring you happiness and comfort, no one else can
Take a frown, turn it into love
I can transform a frown, symbolizing sadness, into feelings of love and happiness
If I can’t, then nobody can
If I am incapable of bringing about this positive change, no one else is capable either
Just try me and see I’ll be your remedy
Give me a chance and witness how I can be the solution to any troubles or hardships you face
Be everything, everything you need, baby
I can fulfill all your needs and desires, providing the companionship and support you require
Try me
Give me an opportunity to prove my capability
When you’re off, I can turn you on
When you are feeling low or disconnected, I have the ability to make you feel energized and excited
If I can’t, then nobody can
If I am unable to ignite your passion and enthusiasm, no one else possesses that power
Take your yawn, turn it to a song
I can transform your tiredness or boredom into a joyful melody
If I can’t, then nobody can
If I am incapable of achieving this musical conversion, no one else can accomplish it either
Baby, baby, baby, wherever you go
No matter where life takes you, I will always be by your side
I’ll be your radio
I will be your source of inspiration, entertainment, and emotional connection
Be everything, everything you need
I can satisfy all your desires and provide everything you require for a fulfilling life
Baby, try me, hey
Dear companion, give me a chance to showcase my abilities
Oh, even when you’re not asleep
Even during wakeful moments, I can exist as the embodiment of your dreams and aspirations
I can be every dream you dream yeah
I possess the potential to fulfill every fantasy and desire you hold within your imagination
I could be, I could be
There is a possibility that I can embody those dreams and desires
Baby, why can’t you see, oh, yeah, yeah
My beloved, why are you unable to recognize the truth of my capabilities?
Give you what you need, baby, yes indeed
I can provide you with all that you require, my darling, without a doubt
Indeedy now
Certainly, without question
When he's wrong, I can make it right
When he makes mistakes or behaves improperly, I have the power to rectify the situation
Try me, baby, yeah
Dear, give me an opportunity to showcase my abilities
Nobody, nobody, no no no no no no, baby
No one else possesses the skills and capabilities that I have to offer, my love
Oh, I could be your candy man
I have the potential to be the sweet and delightful presence in your life, offering joy and pleasure
Everything you need
I can fulfill all your desires and necessities
Baby, come on, and try me, hey
Darling, take a chance on me and witness my true capabilities
I can be your candy man, if I can’t
If I am incapable of fulfilling this role in your life, no one else can take my place
Nobody can
There is no one else who possesses the abilities and qualities that I do
I can be your wishing well, come on, come on
I can serve as the source of your fulfilled desires and aspirations, urging you to embrace the opportunity
Let me help
Allow me to provide assistance and support
Do it, do it, do it, do it, do it
Take action and give it a try, repeatedly and persistently
Do it, do it, do it
Engage in the necessary actions without hesitation
I can be your candy man, if I can’t
If I cannot fulfill the role of being your source of sweetness and joy, no one else possesses that capability
Nobody can
There is no one else who can provide the sweetness and delight that I can
Do it, do it
Take action, engage in the necessary steps
Do it, do it, do it
Persist in your efforts and actions
Do it, do it, do it put your order in today
Proceed with enthusiasm and place your request for assistance immediately
Get it to you right away
I will swiftly deliver the requested help or support to you
Do it, do it, do it, yeah
Engage in the necessary actions with determination and conviction
I can be your candy man, if I can’t
If I am incapable of fulfilling the role of being your source of sweetness and joy, no one else possesses that capability
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: CHRISTINE PERREN, FREDDIE PERREN
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Cris Sabanpan
on I Want You Back
Hlo