Mariah Carey released her iconic cover of “I’ll Be There” as the lead single from her 1992 live EP, MTV Unplugged. Originally a #1 hit for The Jackson 5 in 1970, Carey’s version was a last-minute addition to her MTV Unplugged setlist, taped on March 16, 1992, to adhere to the show’s tradition of including a cover song.
The recording is a romantic duet featuring Carey on Michael Jackson’s original lead lines and backup singer Trey Lorenz on Jermaine Jackson’s parts. Produced by Carey and Walter Afanasieff, the track was not initially planned for single release; however, overwhelming radio demand prompted Columbia Records to issue a radio edit on May 26, 1992.
Key achievements and details include:
- It became Carey’s sixth #1 hit on the Billboard Hot 100, topping the chart for two weeks in June 1992.
- It was the first song to reach #1 on the Hot 100 by two different artists where the second version was a female cover of a male-led original.
- The performance helped silence critics who questioned Carey’s ability to sing live, proving her vocal prowess beyond studio recordings.
- Carey has cited Michael Jackson’s angelic voice on the original as a major influence, and the duo later performed the song together at Jackson’s 2009 memorial service.
[Intro: Mariah Carey]
This next song is made popular
By incredible Jackson 5
And it’s always been one of my favorite songs
And I hope it’s yours
It’s called, “I’ll Be There”
[Verse 1: Mariah Carey]
You and I must make a pact
We must bring salvation back
Where there is love, I’ll be there (I’ll be there)
I’ll reach out my hand to you
I’ll have faith in all you do (Ooh, ooh)
Just call my name and I’ll be there (I’ll be there)
[Pre-Chorus: Trey Lorenz]
Oh, woah, woah, oh
[Chorus: Trey Lorenz]
I’ll be there to comfort you
Build my world of dreams around you
I’m so glad I found you, yeah
I’ll be there with a love so strong
I’ll be your strength
You know I’ll keep holding on
Oh, oh, oh, woah
[Verse 2: Mariah Carey]
Let me fill your heart with joy and laughter
Togetherness, well, it’s all I’m after
Just call my name and I’ll be there (I’ll be there)
Yeah, yeah
I’ll be there to protect you, yeah, baby
With an unselfish love that respects you (Ooh, ooh)
Just call my name and I’ll be there (I’ll be there)
[Pre-Chorus: Trey Lorenz]
No, no, no, oh, woah
[Chorus: Trey Lorenz, Mariah Carey]
I’ll be there to comfort you
Build my world of dreams around you
You know I’m so glad I found you, baby (So glad, baby)
I’ll be there with a love so strong
I’ll be your strength (Be your strength)
You know I’ll keep holding on
[Verse 3: Mariah Carey]
If you should ever find someone new
I know she’d better be good to you
‘Cause if she doesn’t, I’ll be there (I’ll be there)
Don’t you know, baby? Yeah, yeah
[Outro: Mariah Carey]
I’ll be there
I’ll be there, yeah, yeah, yeah
Just call my name (I’ll be there) and I’ll be there
Yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah
I’ll be there, baby (I’ll be there)
You know I’ll be there, yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah
Just call my name (I’ll be there) and I’ll be there
Just look over your shoulder
Just call my name, yeah
And I’ll be there (Ooh, ooh)
(Ooh, ooh) Mmm
Thank you
