Artist of the Week: The Man, The Legend, Michael Jackson
This week, we’re clearing the path for a legendary musician. He’s an extraordinary artist and one of the most popular cultural figures of our time. Yes, we’re talking about the King of Pop, Michael Jackson.
His sound and style have influenced a wide spectrum of genres, dance routines, fashion and so much more. Michael Jackson has gone on to mould the genre of modern pop music into something phenomenal. As the journalist, J. Edward Keyes, once so articulately put, “Trying to trace Michael Jackson’s influence on the pop stars that followed him is like trying to trace the influence of oxygen and gravity. So vast, far-reaching and was his impact— that there weren’t a whole lot of artists who weren’t trying to mimic some of the Jackson formula.”
Now, the best way to remember Michael Jackson’s glorious legacy would be by looking back on some of his most brilliant tunes. Perhaps one of the defining factors of his music is that he often strings together such beautiful words. His songwriting is known to be political, gritty, and to hold a strong belief that our world has the potential to change, to become a better place. And we share this belief, as well. So, here’s a look at some of Michael Jackson’s brightest lyrical moments. They arrive both, as fine pieces of writing and as teachings.
Photo Credits: Michael Jackson Official Instagram
1. ‘I’ve been a victim of a selfish kind of love
It’s time that I realize
That there are some with no home, not a nickel to loan
Could it be really me, pretending that they’re not alone?’
– “Man In The Mirror”
2. ‘Then why do we keep strangling life
Wound this earth, crucify its soul
Though it’s plain to see
This world is heavenly’
– “Heal The World”
3. ‘It’s a turf war on a global scale
I’d rather hear both sides of the tale
See, it’s not about races
Just places, faces’
– “Black Or White”
4. ‘Tell me what has become of my rights
Am I invisible because you ignore me?
Your proclamation promised me free liberty, now
I’m tired of bein’ the victim of shame’
– “They Don’t Care About Us”
5. ‘No one wants to be defeated
Showin’ how funky and strong is your fight’
– “Beat It”
6. ‘I’ll be there to comfort you
Build my world of dreams around you
I’m so glad that I found you’
– “I’ll Be There”
7. ‘I used to dream
I used to glance beyond the stars
Now I don’t know where we are
Although I know we’ve drifted far’
– “Earth Song”
8. ‘Have you seen my childhood?
I’m searching for the world that I come from
‘Cause I’ve been looking around
In the lost and found of my heart’
– “Jam”
9. ‘You never said goodbye
Someone tell me why
Did you have to go
And leave my world so cold’
– “You Are Not Alone”
10. ‘All the colors of the world should be that
Lovin’ each other wholeheartedly’
– “Can You Feel It”
By: Nina Karun
