The Jackson 5 – Maybe Tomorrow

Produced by The Corporation
Composed by Berry Gordy, Jr./Alphonso Mizell/Freddie Perren/Deke Richards

Originally written for Sammy Davis Jr. (who had just signed for Motown), it was recorded by the Jackson 5 for their album of the same title, released in April 1971 in the US and October 1971 in the UK.

Two different promo versions were issued in the US, one over a minute longer than the other; the shorter version is rarer.

It charted at no.3 on the R&B singles chart and no.20 on the Hot 100 in the US.

Also released as the B-side of Little Bitty Pretty One in the UK.

It featured on the ‘Grooveatron’ episode of the Jackson 5 cartoon series in 1971.

A newly recorded version, with an introduction by Tommy Smothers, was performed on the Goin’ Back To Indiana TV special included on the Jackson 5’s album, Goin’ Back To Indiana, issued in September 1971 in the US.

A cover version by reggae-hit-band UB40 peaked at no.15 in the UK in 1987. It was also sampled by rapper Ghostface Killah on the track All That I Got Is You, from the 1996 album, Ironman.

Maybe Tomorrow – Lyrics

I don’t know how many stars there are
Up in the heavenly sky
I only know my heaven it’s here on earth
Each time you look into my eyes
The way you do, baby
Thank you, thank you, baby

My beautiful bird you have flown away
I held you too tight I can see
You’re all I need to get by
No one else could make me cry
The way you do, baby

You are the book that I read each day
You are the song that I sing
Gonna sing it to you
You are the four seasons of my life
But maybe tomorrow
You’ll change your mind, girl

Maybe tomorrow
You’ll come back to my arms, girl

You’re all I need to get by
No one else could make me cry
The way you do, baby

You are the book that I read each day
You are the song that I sing
Gonna sing it to you
You are the four seasons of my life
But maybe tomorrow
You’ll change your mind, girl
Maybe tomorrow
You’ll come back to my arms

You are the book that I read each day
You are the song that I sing
You are the four seasons of my life
But maybe tomorrow
You’ll change your mind, girl
Maybe tomorrow
You’ll come back to my arms

Baby I need you
Listen to me girl