Michael Jackson

Lyrics

[Verse 1]
What about sunrise?
What about rain?
What about all the things that you said we were to gain?
What about killing fields?
Is there a time?
What about all the things that you said was yours and mine?

[Pre-Chorus 1]
Did you ever stop to notice
All the blood we've shed before?
Did you ever stop to notice
This crying Earth, these weeping shores?

[Chorus]
Ah, ooh
Ah, ooh

[Verse 2]
What have we done to the world?
Look what we've done
What about all the peace that you pledge your only son?
What about flowering fields?
Is there a time?
What about all the dreams that you said was yours and mine?
[Pre-Chorus 2]
Did you ever stop to notice
All the children dead from war?
Did you ever stop to notice
This crying Earth, these weeping shores?

[Chorus]
Ah, ooh
Ah, ooh

[Bridge]
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

[Chorus]
Ah, ooh
Ah, ooh
Ah, ooh
Ah, ooh

[Breakdown]
Hey, what about yesterday? (What about us?)
What about the seas? (What about us?)
The heavens are falling down (What about us?)
I can't even breathe (What about us?)
What about Africans (What about us?)
I ain't even through (What about us?)
What about nature's worth? (Ooh)
It's our planet's womb (What about us?)
What about animals? (What about it?)
Turned kingdom to dust (What about us?)
What about elephants? (What about us?)
Have we lost their trust? (What about us?)
What about crying whales (What about us?)
Ravaging the seas? (What about us?)
What about forest trails? (Ooh)
Burnt, despite our pleas (What about us?)
What about the holy land? (What about it?)
Torn apart by creed? (What about us?)
What about the common man? (What about us?)
Can't we set them free? (What about us?)
What about children dying? (What about us?)
Can't you hear them cry? (What about us?)
Where did we go wrong? (Ooh)
Someone tell me why (What about us?)
What about baby boy? (What about it?)
What about the days? (What about us?)
What about all their joy? (What about us?)
What about the man? (What about us?)
What about the crying man? (What about us?)
What about Abraham? (What about us?)
What about death again? (Ooh)
Do we give a damn?
[Outro]
Ah, hee-hee, ooh (Hoo, hoo, hoo, hoo, hoo, hoo, hoo!)
Ah, ooh (Hoo, hoo, hoo, hoo!)

Earth Song by Michael Jackson is a powerful ballad that discusses the environment and animal welfare, a departure from Jackson's usual material. The song was released on November 27, 1995, as the third single from Jackson's ninth studio album, HIStory: Past, Present and Future Book I. A music video for the song was also released and was shot in four different regions, depicting the destruction and rebirth of the planet Earth. The song was a commercial success, charting at number one in the UK and receiving acclaim from environmental and animal organizations.

About Earth Song

Earth Song was not originally intended to be included in the HIStory album, but was initially named "What About Us" for Dangerous, Jackson's preceding album. The lyrics to the song discuss the natural world, and its designation as the third single from the album represented a marked departure from Jackson's usual material. The song begins with Jackson's plaintive voice rising from a lonely chorus of voices. The opening lyrics, "What about sunrise / What about rain / What about all the things that you said we were to gain" set the solemn tone of the song.

The first verse describes the beauty of nature, referencing forests and animals, while the chorus asks the titular question: "What about us / What about all the times you said you had the answers". This repeated refrain, combined with the elegiac melody and orchestration, makes the song a moving plea for environmental responsibility.

The second verse continues to describe natural beauty, before taking a darker turn. Jackson asks, "What have we done to the world? / Look what we've done". The song transitions into a bridge featuring a children's choir, underscoring the importance of preserving the Earth for future generations.

The third verse describes natural disasters, and the chorus repeats before Jackson launches into a haunting spoken interlude. In it, he asks, "Did you ever stop to notice / All the blood we've shed before / Did you ever stop to notice / The crying Earth, the weeping shores?". The interlude leads to a crescendo, the music intensifying and the children's choir returning.

The final chorus includes an additional line not present in previous choruses, "What about killing fields? / Is there a time? / What about all the things that you said were yours and mine?". The song concludes with Jackson repeating the title phrase, a final plea for environmental responsibility and empathy.

The accompanying music video for Earth Song was directed by Nick Brandt and included footage of natural disasters, war, and deforestation. It also included a large-scale set designed to evoke a devastated Earth, complete with an immense tree "dying" on set. The video was one of the most expensive ever produced, with a budget of $6 million.

Although Earth Song was not a number one hit in the US, it received critical acclaim and reached number fifteen on the Dance Club Songs chart. However, in the UK, it was a massive commercial success, reaching number one and staying on the charts for six weeks. The song's ecological message has resonated with audiences worldwide, and Jackson's performance earned him nominations for Grammys and recognition from animal and environmental organizations.

In summary, Earth Song by Michael Jackson is a powerful ballad that implores listeners to consider the devastating impact of human actions on the natural world. From its heartfelt opening lyrics to its haunting spoken interlude, the song is a testament to Jackson's ability to create deeply moving music that encourages empathy and environmental responsibility.

• Release Date: June 16, 1995
• Artist: Michael Jackson