(nickolas ashford/valerie simpson)

Aint nothing like the real thing, baby
Aint nothing like the real thing
Aint nothing like the real thing, baby
Aint nothing like the real thing

I got your picture hangin on the wall
It cant see or come to me when I call your name
I realize its just a picture in a frame

I read your letters when youre not near
But they dont move me
And they dont groove me like when I hear
Your sweet voice whispering in my ear

Aint nothing like the real thing, baby
Aint nothing like the real thing

I play the game, a fantasy
I pretend Im not in reality
I need the shelter of your arms to comfort me

No other sound os quite the same as your name
No touch can do half as much to make me feel better
So lets stay together

I got some memories to look back on
And though they help me when you phone
Im well aware nothing can take the place of being there

So let me get the real thing
So let me get the real thing
Aint nothing like the real thing, baby
Aint nothing like the real thing
Aint nothing like the real thing, baby
Aint nothing like the real thing