Ain't Nothing Like the Real Thing
Tammi Terrell, Marvin Gaye
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Ooh, baby Ain't nothing like the real thing, baby Ain't nothing like the real thing No, no, ain't nothing like the real thing, baby Ain't nothing like the real thing Oh honey, I got your picture hangin' on the wall But it can't see or come to me when I call your name I realize it's just a picture inside a frame Ooh, I read your letters when you're not near me But they don't move me, and they don't groove me like when I hear Your sweet voice whispering in my ear Don'cha know, ain't nothing like the real thing, baby Ain't nothing like the real thing I played my game, a fantasy I pretend, but I know in reality I need the shelter of your arms to comfort me No other sound is quite the same as your name No touch can do half as much to make me feel better So, let's stay together I got some memories to look back on And though they help me when you're gone I'm well aware nothin' can take the place of your being there Oh, so glad we got the real thing, baby So glad we got the real thing Oh, Marvin, so good, ain't nothing like the real thing, baby, so good Ain't nothing like the real thing Talk to me, ain't nothing like the real thing, baby, oh I'm so glad Ain't nothing like the real thing
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Written by: Nickolas Ashford, Valerie Simpson
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
10 facts about this song
Record History"Ain't Nothing Like the Real Thing" is a duet performed by American singers Marvin Gaye and Tammi Terrell.
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Chart SuccessThe song was released as a single in March 1968 and reached the #1 spot on Billboard's R&B Singles Chart, charting for a total of 10 weeks. It also peaked at #8 on the Billboard's Pop Singles Chart.
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Award RecognitionIn 1969, the song was nominated for a Grammy Award in the category of Best Rhythm & Blues Duo or Group Performance - Vocal or Instrumental.
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SongwritersThe song was penned by the famous Motown writing duo Nickolas Ashford and Valerie Simpson, who also wrote numerous hits for other Motown artists.
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AlbumIt features on Marvin Gaye and Tammi Terrell's second duet album "You're All I Need", released in August 1968.
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Cover VersionsThe song has been covered by numerous musicians spanning various genres, including Elton John, Donny and Marie Osmond, and Vince Gill & Gladys Knight.
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Song ThemeLyrically, the song speaks about the importance of real love, as opposed to communication through letters.
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Posthumous DuetsAfter Terrell's death in 1970, Gaye continued to release duets with Terrell that were recorded before her death. However, "Ain't Nothing Like the Real Thing" would always hold a special place as part of their most successful collaborations.
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Music StyleThe song has elements of soul and R&B, which were defining features of Motown's sound in the 1960s.
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Cultural ImpactDespite its 1960s release, the song continues to influence modern R&B and soul artists and is often featured on "greatest hits" compilations, highlighting its enduring popularity.
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Citation
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"Ain't Nothing Like the Real Thing Lyrics." Lyrics.com. STANDS4 LLC, 2024. Web. 16 May 2024. <https://www.lyrics.com/lyric/4014328/Marvin+Gaye/Ain%27t+Nothing+Like+the+Real+Thing>.
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