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Welcome to Music Friday, when we spotlight songs that sparkle with jewelry, gemstones or precious metals. Today, we rewind to 1970 and revisit a classic Jackson 5 hit that features a very young Michael Jackson grappling with young love — and a not-so-loyal sweetheart — in “The Love You Save.”
Twelve-year-old Michael sings about giving a promise ring to a girl who just can’t stop chasing other boys, even as they grow up. The lyric: “When we grew up you traded / Your promise for my ring / Now just like back in grade school / You’re doin’ the same old thing.”
Released in May 1970, “The Love You Save” became the third of four consecutive No. 1 hits for The Jackson 5 that year, joining “I Want You Back,” “ABC” and “I’ll Be There.” These songs remain staples in Jackson 5 medleys and greatest-hits collections.
The song opens with a bold “Stop!” — widely believed to be a nod to “Stop! In the Name of Love” by The Supremes. That 1965 hit was also released by Motown, the label that launched The Jackson 5. Supremes frontwoman Diana Ross famously helped introduce the group to a national audience.
Interestingly, the original lyrics for “The Love You Save” were about traffic safety. Songwriters Berry Gordy Jr., Deke Richards, Freddie Perren, and Alphonso Mizell — known as The Corporation — reworked the theme into a playful warning about reckless romance. Only the title and the clever line, “Darling, look both ways before you cross me,” survived from the original.
The Jackson 5 lineup — Jackie, Tito, Jermaine, Marlon and Michael — would go on to sell more than 100 million records, with their infectious energy and family harmonies captivating audiences around the world.
And here’s a fun lyrical twist: Midway through the song, Michael names four of his rivals — Isaac, Benjii, Alexander and Christopher. But look closer: he’s referencing Isaac Newton, Benjamin Franklin, Alexander Graham Bell and Christopher Columbus. Smart and catchy.
Enjoy this vintage performance of “The Love You Save” from The Ed Sullivan Show. The lyrics are below if you’d like to sing along!
“The Love You Save”Written by Berry Gordy Jr., Deke Richards, Freddie Perren and Alphonso Mizell. Performed by The Jackson Five.
Stop, you better save itStop, stop, stop, you better save it, wooDo do do do do …
When we played tag in grade schoolYou wanted to be itBut chasin’ boys was just a fad,You crossed your heart, you’d quit
When we grew up you tradedYour promise for my ringNow just like back in grade schoolYou’re doin’ the same old thing
Stop, the love you save may be your ownDarlin’ take it slowOr some day you’ll be all aloneYou better stopThe love you save may be your ownDarlin’ look both ways before you cross meYou’re heading for a danger zone
I’m the one who loves youI’m the one you needThose other guys will put you downas soon as they succeed
They’ll ruin your reputationThey’ll label you a flirtThe way they talk about youThey’ll turn your name to dirt, oh.
Isaac said he kissed you, beneath the apple treeWhen Benji held your hand he felt electricityWhen Alexander called you, he said he rang your chimesChristopher discovered you’re way ahead of your time
Stop, the love you save may be your ownDarlin’ take it slow or some day you’ll be all aloneYou better stopThe love you save may be your ownDarlin’ look both ways before you cross meYou’re headed for a danger zone
Hold on, hold on, hold on, hold on…
“S” is for save it“T” is for take it slow“O” is for oh, no“P” is for please, please don’t go
The love you save may be your ownSome day you may be all aloneStop itSave it girlBaby, oohYou’d better stopThe love you save may be your ownPlease, please or some day, some day babyYou’ll be heading for a danger zone(All alone)
I’m the one who loves youI’m the one you needThose other guys will put you downAs soon as they succeed
Ooh, stop, the love you save may be your own oh babyYou better stop it, stop it, stop it girl or someday you’ll be all alone
The way they talk about youThey’ll turn your name, turn your nameStop, the love you save may be your ownDon’t you know, don’t you knowSome day baby you’ll be heading for a danger zone
Credit: CBS Television, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons.
