ABC
Michael Jackson
The Simplicity of Love: Michael Jackson's 'ABC'
Michael Jackson's song 'ABC,' performed with The Jackson 5, is a vibrant and catchy tune that uses the metaphor of basic education to explain the simplicity and joy of love. The song opens with playful, repetitive sounds that set a fun and energetic tone. Jackson sings about the fundamentals of learning, such as 'I before E except after C' and 'why 2 plus 2 makes 4,' to draw a parallel between academic basics and the basics of love. The message is clear: just as learning ABCs and 123s is straightforward, so is understanding and experiencing love.
The lyrics emphasize that love doesn't have to be complicated. Jackson invites the listener to 'sit yourself down, take a seat' and learn about love in the same way one would learn to read or count. The chorus, 'ABC, easy as 123, or simple as do re mi,' reinforces the idea that love is simple and accessible to everyone. The song also highlights the importance of love as a foundational element in life, much like reading, writing, and arithmetic are essential branches of the learning tree. Without love, Jackson suggests, one's education and life experience are incomplete.
Throughout the song, there's an infectious enthusiasm and a call to action. Jackson encourages the listener to 'shake it, shake it, baby' and actively participate in the joy of love. The repetition of 'ABC, it's easy, 123, it's like counting up to 3' serves as a reminder that love, at its core, is uncomplicated and should be embraced with the same ease and joy as learning a simple melody. The song's upbeat tempo and lively rhythm further amplify its message, making 'ABC' not just a lesson in love but a celebration of its simplicity and delight.