Ain't Nothing Like The Real Thing
Composer(s): Nickolas Ashford - Valerie Simpson
First release by: Marvin Gaye & Tammi Terrell - August 1968
Covered by multiple other artists



Ain't nothing like the real thing, baby
Ain't nothing like the real thing
Ain't nothing like the real thing, baby
Ain't nothing like the real thing

I got your picture hangin' on the wall
It can't see or come to me when I call your name
I realize it's just a picture in a frame

I read your letters when you're not near 
But they don't move me
And they don't groove me like when I hear
Your sweet voice whispering in my ear

Ain't nothing like the real thing, baby
Ain't nothing like the real thing

I play my games, a fantasy
I pretend I'm not 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've got some memories to look back on
And though they help me when you phone
I'm well aware nothing can take the place of you're being there

So glad we got the real thing
So glad we got the real thing
Ain't nothing like the real thing, baby
Ain't nothing like the real thing
Ain't nothing like the real thing, baby
Say it loud like you're proud
Ain't nothing like the real thing