Stevie Wonder

Lyrics

[Intro: Stevie Wonder & Michael Jackson]
Na-na-na-na-na-na-na-na-nah!
Hoo-hoo! Dancin', hee!
Doggone lover!
C'mon, boy

[Verse 1: Michael Jackson]
I watched you on the floor
Cheek to cheek
She's getting to you
You didn't see her eyes on me, no
She looked right through you
(Before you make) Before you make
(A big mistake) Remember
That looks can fool you, babe (Hee!)
There's something I would sure appreciate
(If you can keep a secret)

[Refrain: Michael Jackson]
Baby loves me, but she never shows she cares
(No, you won't see her kiss and hug me)
Baby loves me, no, she acts like I'm not there
(That doesn't mean she doesn't love me–ooh)

[Chorus: Michael Jackson]
If they ask her
Tell 'em that we're just good friends
Dah! Chika-chika-chika-ah!
Just good friends
Ah! Chika-chika-ah! Ooo
(Doot-do-do-doo, hee! Aaow!)
Just good friends
[Verse 2: Stevie Wonder, Stevie & Michael]
You better take advice
Never trust first impressions
I tried to hide this affair
From their suspicions
So even if she's asking you to stay
You better know where you stand

[Refrain: Stevie Wonder & Michael Jackson]
Baby loves me, but she never shows she cares
(No, you won't see her kiss and hug me)
Baby loves me, no, she acts like I'm not there
(That doesn't mean she doesn't love me–ooh)

[Chorus: Stevie Wonder]
Now, if they ask you
Just tell 'em that we're just good friends
Yes, just good friends
(Just good friends)
Root-do-do-do
(Doot-do-do-do)
(Just good friends)

[Bridge: Michael Jackson, Stevie Wonder, Both]
Listen up, hee!
We've got a problem here
I can see the signs
I guess the lady is still making up her mind
Say: "We're just good friends" (Ohhh!)
[Refrain: Stevie Wonder & Michael Jackson]
Baby loves me, though she never shows she cares
No, you won't see her kiss and hug me (Just good friends)
My baby loves me, though she acts like I'm not there
You doggone lover, hee!
Aaow!
Don't you wanna know?

[Outro: Stevie Wonder & Michael Jackson]
Baby loves me, but she never shows she cares (Hee! Hee!)
She doesn't kiss and hug me (Just good friends)
My baby loves me, she loves me, she loves me
Hee! Hee! Hee! Hoo! Hoo!
My baby loves me, baby
My baby's gon' stay there
My baby loves me
Baby loves me, baby loves me, ooh-ooh-ooh!
My baby loves me, she loves me, she loves me
She loves me, Hee! Hoo! Hoo-hoo!
You might gon' try to get her, I'm not gonna give up like that
Na-na-na-na-na, ohhh yeah! (Just good friends)
Baby love me, don't she? Oh! (Oh!)
Don't even try it! (Hee-Hee)

Just Good Friends is a lesser-known duet by Michael Jackson and Stevie Wonder which was released under the King of Pop’s 7th studio album, Bad, in 1987. The album was supposed to feature various duet partners like Prince, Whitney Houston, Diana Ross, and Barbra Streisand, but only two materialized, one of which was Wonder’s. Though the song never had a music video or a release as a single, it remains one of the underrated songs within Jackson's albums.

About Just Good Friends

Both artists sing about their mutual lover who seems to take both of them for granted. The lyrics express their confusion and disappointment as they try to understand what is going on and why their lover is neglecting them.

The song has a funky feel to it with Stevie Wonder’s signature harmonica playing alongside Michael Jackson's vocal prowess. The music is upbeat, and the rhythm is catchy. However, it's not just the music that makes this song a treat for the ears. The remarkable blend of two of the greatest musicians of all time creates a unique blend of soul and pop.

The song also stands out as it is the only track on the album not written by Michael Jackson. Instead, it was written by Terry Britten and Graham Lyle, two of the most successful songwriters of the late 1970s and early '80s.

Despite being considered one of the standout tracks, it didn't get much recognition at the time of its release. This lack of recognition was mainly due to the fact that the song never received either a music video or a release as a single. Hence, it still remains a hidden gem decades after its release.

In a review, Sputnikmusic characterized it as a “severely underrated song which could have been a single,” an opinion with which many MJ fans agree.

Just Good Friends was performed live only once by Michael Jackson and Stevie Wonder at a concert in Australia in November 1987. It has never been performed in full or partially by either of them since then. This fact makes the performance memorable and even more special to fans who were present.

Beyond the groovy vibe, Just Good Friends' lyrics reveal a powerful message that is still relevant today. The track shows the challenges of juggling multiple, intertwined relationships and how difficult it can be to navigate them. It highlights how important it is to ensure that all parties involved in such relationships are not neglected.

It's clear that while this song may not have been a commercial hit like other songs in the album, it's a hidden gem that deserves more attention and appreciation from fans. The track stands the test of time as a unique blend of two music legends and a reminder to music lovers of how great music can be produced when two or more great artists come together.

Underrated or not, Just Good Friends remains a crucial part of Michael Jackson's musical legacy and a testament to his incredible ability to collaborate with top talent. The song continues to capture the attention of many music fans and is worth jamming to at any time of the day.

• Release Date: August 31, 1987
• Artist: Stevie Wonder