[Verse 1: Michael Jackson, The Jackson 5]
I'm trying to get to first base with that little girl I love
But my technique is much too weak, the game is gettin' rough (Strike 1)
She almost broke my heart (Strike 2)
How could she have the nerve?
And when I wasn't looking, she struck me out with a curve (You're out)

[Chorus: Michael Jackson, The Jackson 5]
That's how love is (That's how love is)
That's how love's supposed to be
That's how love is (That's how love is)
Hey boys, take it from me
That's how love is (That's how love is)
That's how love's supposed to be
That's how love is (That's how love is)
Hey boys, take it from me

[Verse 2: Michael Jackson]
Ooh, put on my gloves, jumped in the ring, and I heard the first bell sound
When she put her arms around me, I knew I won the first round
The tighter she held me, I knew I was gonna last
And when I waved at the girl at ringside, she knocked me flat on my— (Whoa)

[Chorus: Michael Jackson, The Jackson 5]
That's how love is (That's how love is)
That's how love's supposed to be
That's how love is (That's how love is)
Hey boys, take it from me
That's how love is (That's how love is)
That's how love's supposed to be
That's how love is (That's how love is)
Hey boys, take it from me
[Bridge: Michael Jackson, Jermaine Jackson]
Ooh, Jermaine, you're a little older, give me some philosophy
How can I win the game of love and make her come running to me?
Listen, Michael
You win a little bit, lose a little bit
It's all in the game (I see)
It doesn't matter if you win or lose, it all turns out the same

[Chorus: Jermaine Jackson, Michael Jackson, The Jackson 5]
That's how love is (That's how love is)
That's how love's supposed to be
That's how love is (That's how love is)
Well, I know, take it from me
That's how love is (That's how love is)
That's how love's supposed to be, Michael (I see)
That's how love is (That's how love is)
Well, I know, take it from me

[Interlude: Michael Jackson]
Sing it to me, sing it to me, sing it to me, sing it to me
Ow, ow

[Chorus: Michael Jackson, The Jackson 5]
That's how love is (That's how love is)
Ooh, ooh love's supposed to be
That's how love is (That's how love is, take it from me)
Come on, come on, oh, oh, oh, oh
That's how love is (That's how love is)
Yeah, yeah, yeah (Love's supposed to be)
Oh (That's how love is)
[Outro: Michael Jackson]
Oh, ooh-hoo, yeah
That's how love is, yeah, ooh