It was… Read Full Bio ↴"Mama's Pearl" was a hit recording for the Jackson 5 in 1971.
It was one of six consecutive Top 5 singles for the legendary Motown, soul and funk group, reaching #2 when it was released and was written by the Corporation, a songwriting team that had helped the group score four consecutive #1 singles in a row for the group.
The song, while sung mostly by Michael featured cameo spots from brothers Jermaine and Jackie.
According to a Jackson biographer, "Mama's Pearl" was originally called "Guess Who's Making Whoopie (With Your Girlfriend)". Producer Deke Richards reportedly had the lyrics and title changed to preserve Michael Jackson's youthful, innocent image.
Mama's Pearl
The Jackson 5 Lyrics
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Up and down my spine
We kiss for thrills
Then you draw the line
Oh baby
'Cause your mama told you
That love ain't right
Good lovin' is the spice of life Yeah
Mama's pearl, let down those curls
Won't you give my love a whirl
Find what you been missin'
Ooh, ooh, now baby
Goody girl, let down those curls
Let me give your heart a twirl
Don't keep me wishing
(Bum, bum, bum, bum)
You want my lovin' yes you do, do, do
You know my lovin' is true, true, true
Now baby
But your conscience tells you
That love is wrong
But just a little lovin' never hurt no one, oh
Mama's pearl, let down those curls
Won't you give my love a whirl
Find what you been missin'
Ooh, ooh, now baby
Goody girl, let down those curls
Let me give your heart a twirl
Don't keep me wishing
Let all it hang (Girl, don't be afraid)
(Oh, we've got the first step made)
(Ooh, the rest is up to you)
(Here is what to do)
(Let yourself go)
Let yourself just oh now, now no
Let your lovin' go now, now
Just give it to me
('Cause I got what you need)
I got what you need
Let's fall in love, let's fall in love
Find out what you're missin'
Goody girl lay down your curls
Let me give your heart a twirl
Why don't you give my love a whirl (Girl, don't be afraid)
(Oh, we've got the first step made)
(Ooh, just give it, just give it to me)
('Cause I got what you need)
Got what you need
(Let's fall in love, let's fall in love)
(Let's yourself go)
Let yourself just oh now, now no
Let your lovin' go now, now
Just give it to me
('Cause I got what you need)
Oh, mama's pearl
(Girl, don't be afraid)
(Let's fall in love, let's fall in love)
(Daddy's girl we've got it made)
I know what you been missin', sugar!
Goody, goody, goody girl, ooh
mama's pearl (Girl, don't be afraid)
(Let's fall in love, let's fall in love)
(Daddy's girl we've got it made)
(Girl, don't be afraid)
(Oh, we've got the first step made)
The Jackson 5 song "Mama's Pearl" is about a boy who likes a girl but she's hesitant to engage in a relationship because her mother believes that love isn't right. The boy, however, believes that love is the spice of life and that they should give it a try. He requests the girl to let down her guard and give his love a chance. He tells her that although her conscience may tell her that love is wrong, a little loving never hurt anyone. He encourages her to take the first step and let herself go.
The chorus of the song has a catchy melody coupled with the rich harmonies that the Jackson 5 was known for. The song sends a message of hope and encouragement to listeners who may be reluctant to put themselves out there because of societal or cultural pressure.
Overall, "Mama's Pearl" is a classic love song that encourages listeners to take a chance on love and not let anyoneās opinions or expectations hold them back.
Line by Line Meaning
You send cold chills
You make me feel nervous and excited at the same time
Up and down my spine
All over my body
We kiss for thrills
We kiss because it's exciting
Then you draw the line
But you stop before things get too serious
Oh baby
Oh my love
'Cause your mama told you
Because your mother taught you
That love ain't right
That love is wrong
But don't you know
But do you realize
Good lovin' is the spice of life Yeah
That being in love is the best part of life
Mama's pearl, let down those curls
My love, stop pretending and be yourself
Won't you give my love a whirl
Won't you try being with me
Find what you been missin'
Discover what you're missing
Ooh, ooh, now baby
Oh my love
Goody girl, let down those curls
Good girl, stop holding back
Let me give your heart a twirl
Let me show you how being in love feels
Don't keep me wishing
Don't make me wait any longer
You want my lovin' yes you do, do, do
You want to be with me, I know it
You know my lovin' is true, true, true
You can trust that my love is real
But your conscience tells you
But your moral sense tells you
That love is wrong
That it's wrong to be in love
But just a little lovin' never hurt no one, oh
But a little bit of love never caused harm to anyone
Let all it hang (Girl, don't be afraid)
Let go of your worries (Girl, don't be scared)
(Oh, we've got the first step made)
(Oh, we already made some progress)
(Ooh, the rest is up to you)
(The rest is up to you)
(Here is what to do)
(This is what you should do)
(Let yourself go)
(Allow yourself to be free)
Let yourself just oh now, now no
Just relax and enjoy this moment
Let your lovin' go now, now
Let yourself fall in love
Just give it to me
Just be with me
('Cause I got what you need)
(Because I can give you what you need)
I got what you need
I have what you've been looking for
Let's fall in love, let's fall in love
Let's be in love, let's be in love
Find out what you're missin'
Discover what you're missing
Goody girl lay down your curls
Good girl, stop pretending and be real
Let me give your heart a twirl
Let me show you what love is
Why don't you give my love a whirl (Girl, don't be afraid)
Why don't you try being with me? (Girl, don't be scared)
(Oh, we've got the first step made)
(Oh, we already made some progress)
(Ooh, just give it, just give it to me)
(Just let it happen, just let it happen)
('Cause I got what you need)
(Because I can give you what you need)
Oh, mama's pearl
Oh my love
(Girl, don't be afraid)
(Girl, don't be scared)
(Daddy's girl we've got it made)
(We can make it happen)
I know what you been missin', sugar!
I know what you need, honey!
Goody, goody, goody girl, ooh
Good girl, good girl, good girl, wow
mama's pearl (Girl, don't be afraid)
my love (Girl, don't be scared)
(Let's fall in love, let's fall in love)
(Let's be in love, let's be in love)
(Daddy's girl we've got it made)
(We can make it happen)
(Girl, don't be afraid)
(Girl, don't be scared)
(Oh, we've got the first step made)
(Oh, we already made some progress)
Lyrics Ā© Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: Berry Jr Gordy, Dennis Lussier, Alphonso J Mizell, Freddie Perren, Deke Richards
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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