"Big Boy" is the debut single released by the Jackson 5. It was the first song ever released to feature Michael Jackson on the vocals. At the time of its recording, the King of Pop was only 9 years old. The group produced and played instruments on many of their Steeltown compositions, including "Big Boy". The song was never a critical nor commercial success, but the Jackson family were delighted with the outcome nonetheless. It was re-released on CD in 1995, after multiple recordings the Jackson 5 did for Steeltown Records were found.[1]
One-derful Records version[]
Although "Big Boy" is the first song featuring Michael Jackson ever released, what came out is not the first ever recording, as it was recorded in early 1968. The first version of "Big Boy", crafted on July 13, 1967 is the actual first recording ever done by the Jackson 5, done at One-derful Records studio in Chicago. This recording has not been available for over 50 years, and only a small snippet of the instrumental got revealed after being announced the tape was found and the "ONE-DERFUL version" would have a limited digital sale between December 7 and December 11, 2023 on the anotherblock website.[2]
Tracklist[]
Steeltown Standard Vinyl and CD Reissue[]
- Big Boy
- You've Changed
Open and Limited Editions from anotherblock[]
On the anotherblock website, the One-derful version digital vinyl comes with songs as if it were an EP or an album. It also includes an "exclusive editorial" as a digital booklet entitled Making of a King and the stems for all the songs. The tracklist is as follows.
Open Version[]
- Big Boy (One-Derful Version)
- Michael the Lover
- My Girl (Steeltown version)
Limited Version[]
- Big Boy (One-Derful Version)
- Michael the Lover
- My Girl (Steeltown version)
- Under the Boardwalk
- Saturday Night at the Movies
- Big Boy (Steeltown version)
- We Don't Have to Be Over 21
- You've Changed (Steeltown version)
- Lonely Heart
- Stormy Monday
- Tracks of My Tears
Audio[]
Lyrics[]
Fairy tales, fairy tales
I don't enjoy
Fairy tales and wishful dreams
Are broken toys
'Cause I'm a big boy now (Big boy)
That's looking for (Big boy)
Someone to love, oh yeah
Someone, someone to share my dreams, oh yeah
Mother goose, oh mother goose
Oh, won't you join
All I need is an ol' lovely girl
Holding my arm
'Cause I'm a big boy now (Big boy)
That's looking for (Big boy)
Someone to love, oh yeah
Someone, someone to share my dreams, oh yeah
Skating boards
And kiddie cars
Have had their day
Dating at the picture show with you
Is here to stay
'Cause I'm a big boy (Big boy)
That's looking for (Big boy)
Someone to love, oh yeah
Someone, someone to share my dreams, oh yeah
Come on, baby
Come on, baby, ooh