"I'll Be There" is a song by The Jackson 5 released as the first track from their third studio album, Third Album. It was released as a single on August 28, 1970, serving as the lead single from the album.
It's cited by Michael Jackson, in the early 1970s, as one of his three favourite songs he'd recorded for Motown, along with "ABC" and "Never Can Say Goodbye".
Background[]
The song was hastily re-wroked by Willie Hutch, after Motown producer Hal Davis contacted him in the middle of the night; Motown boss Berry Gordy liked the title but not the song itself, and he wanted it finished for a recording session the following morning. Hutch stayed up all night, working on the song, before presenting it to Gordy at 8.00am; pleased with the new song, Gordy ordered Hutch into the studio, to arrange the vocals for the Jackson 5. "I'll Be There" was recorded in Hitsville West, Los Angeles, June 1970 with Gordy, Hal Davis, Bob West, and Willie Hutch writing the song and the former producing the song.
Live performances[]
"I'll Be There" was one of the songs Michael Jackson and the Jackson 5 performed live throughout their entire careers, and during each concert tour from 1970-present. Some of the most notable performances include the Motown 25 show, all of Michael's solo performances of the song at his world tours, and the 30th Anniversary Celebration.
The final time Michael himself performed the song was during the 2009 This Is It rehearsals. Meanwhile, as The Jacksons reunited in 2012, they have been performing "I'll Be There" as a part of their tours ever since,
Audio[]
Lyrics[]
[Verse 1]
You and I must make a pact
We must bring salvation back
Where there is love
I’ll be there
[Verse 2]
I’ll reach out my hand to you
I’ll have faith in all you do
Just call my name and I’ll be there
[Chorus]
I’ll be there to comfort you
Build my world of dreams around you
I’m so glad that I found you
I’ll be there with a love that’s strong
I’ll be your strength
I’ll keep holding on
Holding on, holdin On
Yes I will, yes I will
[Verse 3]
Let me fill your heart with joy and laughter
Togetherness, girl, is all I’m after
Whenever you need me
I’ll be there
[Verse 4]
I’ll be there to protect you, yeah baby
With an unselfish love that respects you
Just call my name
And I’ll be there
[Chorus]
I’ll be there to comfort you
Build my world of dreams around you
I’m so glad that I found you
I’ll be there with a love that’s strong
I’ll be your strength
I’ll keep holding on
Holding on, holdin On
Yes I will, yes I will
[Verse 5]
If you should ever find someone new
I know he better be good to you
’Cause if he doesn’t
I’ll be there
Don’t you know, baby, yeah, yeah
[Outro]
I’ll be there
I’ll be there
Just call my name and I’ll be there
Just look over your shoulders, honey
I’ll be there
I’ll be there
Whenever you need me
I’ll be there
Don’t you know, baby, yeah, yeah
I’ll be there
I’ll be there
Just call my name
I’ll be there
I’ll be there
Mariah Carey's cover[]
Mariah Carey's cover
"I'll Be There" was famously covered by Mariah Carey and Trey Lorenz on March 16, 1992 for her MTV Unplugged show (televised on May 26) as a last-minute addition after finding out artists usually perform at least one cover during these.[1] Her cover was praised to the point of being requested for an official single release by Columbia Records. It received a Grammy Award nomination, and brought a lot of attention to the song in general. During Michael's memorial service, Carey and Lorenz sang "I'll Be There" as a tribute to the King of Pop.[2]
Gallery[]
![Vinyl (side a)[3]](/wiki/File:Illbetherevinyl_1.jpeg "Illbetherevinyl 1.jpeg (113 KB)")
![Vinyl (side b)[3]](/wiki/File:Illbetherevinyl_2.jpeg "Illbetherevinyl 2.jpeg (86 KB)")
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"Look deep within yourself, and you'll find something amazing." To view the I'll Be There gallery, click here. |
Trivia[]
- It was featured in the Jackson 5ive episode, Pinestock U.S.A. in 1971 and used as the closing for The Jacksons TV series in the US in 1976 and 1977.
- An adult solo version by Michael was rumored to be featured on the shelved Decade compilation album, however Brad Sundberg debunked Michael ever re-recording the song for the shelved album since Michael decided to pass on the idea when approached about it.