Ooh, baby
Ain't nothing like the real thing, baby
Ain't nothing like the real thing
No, no, ain't nothing like the real thing, baby
Ain't nothing like the real thing

Oh honey
I've got your picture hanging on the wall
But it can't see or come to me when I call your name
I realize it's just a picture in a frame

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

Don't you know
Ain't nothing like the real thing, baby
Ain't nothing like the real thing

I played my game, a fantasy
I pretend, but I know 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 got some memories to look back on
And though they help me when you're gone
I'm well aware
Nothing can take the place of your being there

Oh, so glad we got the real thing, baby
So glad we got the real thing
Oh, Marvin, (so good) ain't nothing like the real thing, baby, (so good, oh darling)
Ain't nothing like the real thing
Talk to me
Ain't nothing like the real thing, baby (oh, I'm so glad)
Ain't nothing like the real thing

Copyright: Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Writer(s): Nickolas Ashford, Valerie Simpson