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
(Tammi Terrell): 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
(Marvin Gaye): 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
(Both): Ain't nothing like the real thing, baby Ain't nothing like the real thing
(Tammi): I play the game, a fantasy I pretend but I'm not in reality I need the shelter of your arms to comfort me
(Both): 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
(Marvin): I 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 being there
(Both): So glad we got the real thing, baby 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 Ain't nothing like the real thing