"I Wanna Be Where You Are" is a song by American singer-songwriter Michael Jackson, released as the second track from the Got to Be There album. It was released as a single on May 2, 1972, serving as the third single from the album. It was also re-released shortly after, serving as a B-side to the "Ain't No Sunshine" cover single.
"I Wanna Be Where You Were" became his third straight top-ten pop hit in his solo career and was also the first collaboration between Leon Ware and Arthur Ross, Diana's younger brother.
"I Wanna Be Where You Are" was covered by multiple artists, including Zulema, Marvin Gaye, Willie Hutch, Jason Weaver, and later The Fugees, becoming one of Jackson's most covered songs.
Background[]
"I Wanna Be Where You Are" was written by Ware and Ross, and was produced by Hal Davis. It was recorded in November 1971.
Audio[]
Lyrics[]
[Verse 1]
Can it be I stayed away too long?
Did I leave your mind when I was gone?
It's not my thing trying to get back
But this time, let me tell you where I'm at
You don't have to worry 'cause I'm coming
Back to where I should have always stayed
And now, I've learned the meaning to your story
And it's enough love for me to stay
Can it be I stayed away too long?
Did I leave your mind when I was gone?
Well, it's not my thing trying to get back
But this time, let me tell you where I'm at
[Chorus]
I wanna, wanna be where you are, oh-oh
Anywhere you are, oh-oh
I wanna, wanna be where you are, oh-oh
Everywhere you are, oh
[Verse 2]
Please don't close the door to our future
There's so many things we haven't tried
I will love you better than I used to
And give you all the love I have inside
[Chorus]
I wanna, wanna be where you are, oh-oh
Any, any, anywhere you are, oh-oh
I wanna, wanna be where you are, oh-oh
I gotta, gotta be where you are, oh-oh
[Outro]
I wanna be, I wanna be, oh
Yeah, yeah, baby, now
I wanna be, I wanna be, oh
Ooh, I wanna be, I wanna be, oh
Na-na, yeah-yeah
I wanna be, I wanna be, oh
I wanna be, I wanna be, oh
Na-na, baby
I wanna be, I wanna be, oh
I wanna be, I wanna be, oh
Ooh-ooh, baby