You Will Know Them By Their Fruit
Michael Jackson, Christianity & Controversy
I hope and pray that this article and commentary will put the questions and fears to rest once and for all and that in its place, will be peace in knowing that Michael is now with Jesus and the Father, far away from all of the pain he suffered here.
There has been a lot of talk over whether or not Michael Jackson was a Christian. I encountered a lot of this while doing research for the Reflections on the Dance website and to this day, it is one of the questions I am asked the most about via email and personal inquiries. Even going on nearly a year after Michael’s passing, there are still so many questions in regards to this subject. Some who contact me are sincere in wanting further knowledge and reassurance, some are judgmental and condemning.
Those who don’t believe in God are sometimes angered as they don’t want Michael associated with God or religion (even though Michael himself spoke about God and Jesus all of the time and Michael claimed over and over that all his talent and all he had, was from God), while Christians are divided into three camps. Those who don’t want Michael in their “exclusive club”, those who are so afraid that some technicality or glitch will have prevented him from eternal life, and those who believe and are assured that he is with the Father. It’s no surprise I am a believer of the latter.
On one hand, you have the group of Christians who remain very legalistic and condemning and who believed all of the lies put out there about Michael. This group is hell-bent on keeping Michael Jackson out of heaven, some going as far as calling Michael “a wasted life” among other completely horrible and ignorant statements.
This group feels that there is a magic formula of perfection and that only those who are perfect and meet their own man-made criteria, can make it in, without realizing that they themselves could not possibly fulfill all of the requirements that they have devised in their un-biblical, self-righteous dictates in their efforts to try and keep Michael outside of God’s mercy and love. The thing somebody forgot to tell them is that they don’t make that decision. God does.
This group of believers cannot seem to accept and welcome Michael into the arms of faith, as a person saved by God, because they feel he was too “weird” or a pedophile (though he was acquitted and was completely innocent, they refuse to accept) or because of his dance moves, his plastic surgeries or some other criteria. Most of the people who have this propensity for judgment would not have accepted Jesus Christ himself, because he would not have fit into the country club mentality that they possess. The most disturbing thing to me is that these same people who condemn and judge Michael, would not and could not hold themselves to this same pristine standard.
They argue round in circles about him not “bearing fruit” and being “of this world and loved by the world” and then, when you show them all of the philanthropic, humanitarian work Michael did, out of his own pocket, on his own time, continuously, and you show them all of the condemnation he came against, much like Jesus, they retract that argument, surprised by this new information, and in an attempt to defend their stalwart position, then state that “works cannot get you into Heaven.” So, which is it?
This argument is completely frustrating and gets us nowhere because it is not based on facts or even Biblical truth, but on men judging someone that they didn’t even know, and judging him on false pretenses without the proper information.
My advice to them would be at the very least to pick a corner and stick with it instead of bouncing back and forth between two extremes in a desperate dance of un-acceptance or, better yet, get out their Bibles and actually read them, and in addition, spend some time on the Reflections website getting to know the truth about Michael. It is just plain wrong to condemn and judge someone you honestly know nothing about. Judgment without truth is ignorance.
Weymouth New Testament
James 5:9 Do not cry out in condemnation of one another, brethren, lest you come under judgement. I tell you that the Judge is standing at the door.
It becomes a catch 22 argument of foolishness and it quickly becomes apparent that they will try to argue you in circles to death and flip flop their answers as need be to prove their own distorted viewpoint. To them, Michael Jackson making it into heaven is just utterly unthinkable. In fact, I am so certain that this idea disgusts them to the fullest, that if they find out that Michael is truly in heaven with God, that they might completely lose their own faith or die a second death upon reaching heaven themselves, out of sheer disappointment and disgust, if they themselves make it there.
When confronted with this type of individual, I always have to ask myself why it is so darned important for them to keep Michael Jackson out of heaven? Why they work so hard to convince themselves and others that it’s not possible for “someone like Michael Jackson” to be saved?
And by the way, just what do they mean by “someone like Michael Jackson” anyways. If they were half the human being Michael Jackson was, they would be blessed. Too many have judged Michael by what the media has reported (99% lies) than by actually seeking truth. Michael gave of himself continuously, saved children’s lives by paying for their medical care and operations, visited sick children and freely gave of his time and resources to help those in need. He always showed love, humility, kindness, faith and spoke of God often, with his actions following his faith. What more “fruits of the spirit” do you need?
"...But I will never stop helping and loving people
the way Jesus said to." Michael Jackson
New Living Translation (©2007)
Matthew 7:16 You can identify them by their fruit, that is, by the way they act. Can you pick grapes from thornbushes, or figs from thistles?
Michael’s actions bore much fruit. Just view this website to see the truth of how he lived his life in that faith.
“You are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hidden. Nor do they light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a lampstand, and it gives light to all who are in the house. Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven." - Matthew 5:14-15
An overview of Michael’s good works and the fruit he bore:
1CO 13:1 If I speak in the tongues of men and of angels, but have not
love, I am only a resounding gong or a clanging cymbal.
2 If I have the gift of prophecy and can fathom all mysteries and all
knowledge, and if I have a faith that can move mountains, but have not
love, I am nothing.
3 If I give all I possess to the poor and surrender my body to the flames,
but have not love, I gain nothing.
Those who make these type of judgments do not know who Michael truly was and are basing their assumptions on false information.
So many who are judgmental and critical need to look at themselves in the mirror before judging someone else, especially someone they know nothing about. They are acting as if they are superior, which is the very opposite of what the Bible teaches. There is no superiority in the Christian faith. There’s no room for it. We all must bow down to the King of Kings, including Michael, and Michael always remained humble, giving and kind his entire life and always continued to profess his faith in God, read his Bible daily (how many Christians even do this??!!) and always gave God credit for all that he had.
Luke 18:9
To some who were confident of their own righteousness and looked down on everybody else, Jesus told this parable:
10 "Two men went up to the temple to pray, one a Pharisee and the other a
tax collector.
11 The Pharisee stood up and prayed about himself: 'God, I thank you that
I am not like other men--robbers, evildoers, adulterers--or even like this
tax collector.
12 I fast twice a week and give a tenth of all I get.'
13 "But the tax collector stood at a distance. He would not even look up
to heaven, but beat his breast and said, 'God, have mercy on me, a sinner.'
14 "I tell you that this man, rather than the other, went home justified
before God. For everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, and he who
humbles himself will be exalted."
On the other hand, you have Christians who were completely devastated by Michael’s death and who are actively, desperately seeking “proof” that he was a Christian, that he believed this or that. They want assurance that he is with God now. That he met some type of criteria that they themselves might not even fit muster for.
Some, even after showing them what Michael himself said about his faith and sharing with them what those who knew Michael well and for many years, have shared with me about Michael’s faith, they either continue to question me for further proof as they seem reluctant to believe…because either they don’t want to get their hopes up and falsely believe and then be disappointed, or because they feel that there must be some “glitch”, something Michael said or did or didn’t do, that might have prevented him from receiving God’s mercy and therefore, eternal life. Some bring up certain things Michael said or did or the manner in which he said something or a specific word, as if somehow, these insignificant, superficial things could somehow prevent God from extending his mercy to Michael, just as He extends it to all of us.
So, in all of this, I feel a definite need to address these issues.
Faith, my dear friends, is pretty simple. We, as human beings, make it so complicated! If it were up to our own efforts, none of us would be saved. If Michael could not make it into heaven because of a dance move or plastic surgery or some other superficial judgment, then how in the world do you or I expect to make it in?
Take an honest look at yourself and your life. Have you not made mistakes? Sinned? Made poor decisions at one time or another? Have we not all failed?
Michael was an amazing human being and we could all learn from his example of humility, giving, love, faith, how kind he was all of the time and how he took the time to speak with and acknowledge and thank his fans. He was also just that… human, and yes, he made mistakes as we all do. He faltered.
That is exactly why Jesus came and died on the cross. Jesus fulfilled the law. He fulfilled what we as humans were incapable of.
Galatians 13
13 Christ redeemed us from the curse of the law by becoming a curse for
us, for it is written: "Cursed is everyone who is hung on a tree."
What the Bible says:
John 17:3 Now this is eternal life: that they may know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom you have sent.
What Michael said:
On Having a Relationship With Jesus:
SB (Shmuley Boteach):. ...Do you have a relationship with Jesus?
MJ: Jesus, yes. Absolutely. But you believe in Jesus, don’t you?
The Michael Jackson Tapes
I simply believe.... I believe in it and I get down on my knees every night and thank God and ask Him to lead the way."
1979 Ebony Magazine interview
On studying the Bible:
"Each day I take time out to study the Bible, no matter where I am. The teachings of the Bible have added a new dimension to my life. It, somehow, makes me whole."
Michael Jackson
1976 "Black Stars" Magazine interview
Q: I have read alot of places that Michael read his bible alot in the thriller era and I was wondering if you ever saw him reading the bible or pray? MJ's Bodyguard: He read the bible daily. MJ's bodyguard Bill, one of Michael's bodyguards since 2006, answering fans' questions
Coping with Fame and Respecting & Having Time for His Fans:
"I cope with it in a way - and I’m not calling myself Jesus, because I would never even look at myself on the same level - , but I’m comparing it to Jesus, because what God gave to Him was for a reason, and he preached, and people came about him and he didn’t get angry and push them aside and say leave me alone, I ain’t got time."
1984 Ebony Magazine
Faith in God Sustaining Him and Giving Him Strength Through The Tough Times:
"I gain strength from God. I believe in Jehovah, God, very much. And I gain strength from the fact that I know that I am innocent. None of these stories are true. They are totally fabricated. It's very sad and it's very, very painful. I pray a lot and that's how I deal with it. I'm a strong person. I'm a warrior, and I know what is inside of me. I'm a fighter, but it's very painful and at the end of the day, I'm still human, you know? I'm still a human being, so it does hurt very, very, very much."
Michael Jackson in his interview with the Rev. Jesse Jackson during the 2005 child molestation trial
"Know, in the end, I'll be vindicated, I pray, because I know the truth. I am an innocent person and I believe in God and love God."
Michael Jackson speaking to Rev. Jesse Jackson during his 2005 child molestation trial on what he wants his fans to know
On Forgiving Those Who Have Hurt You (and for Michael, that also meant the press, other celebrities who made fun of him, etc.):
"Yes, because I was taught to be Biblical: "Forgive them for they know not what they do." And you do it.....You know, "They know not what they do." Words of Jesus. They (those who come against him) don't even know me. It has no foundation what they are doing. How can they say it....they don't even know me? Do you believe something you have read?"
The Michael Jackson Tapes
ON GOD AND PRAYER: "During the meals I've had with him, he did pray silently. When he prayed out loud, it was always to God, but that doesn't mean he didn't use any other names. We would talk about god and grace and humility a lot. One day MJ and I were working on some new music, and during a break we started talking about the name Michael. He said "Hey, Bearden! Do you know what our name means?" I didn't know. He said it means "most like God." And then he said to me, "We can't be big-headed about it. We have to be humble or God could take our gifts away. Promise me you'll be humble!"
Michael Bearden speaking about Michael Jackson in Ebony
Michael's vocal coach and friend for 21 years, Seth Riggs, speaks about one of Michael's spiritual moments and his communication with God:
"You know, there was one moment. I was playing a piano, and he was standing next to me. All of a sudden, he stretched his hands, looking upwards. It seemed to me that it was very important to him. That’s why I left the room and switched the light off. After half an hour I came back to the room. He was whispering: “Thank you for my talent. Thank you for everything I’ve got. Thank you for all the people who love me. Tell me what I should do, and I’ll do it.” It seemed to me that it was the moment of his communication with God."
Seth Riggs, a vocal teacher who worked with Michael for two hours a day, 5 or 6 days a week while Michael was recording Thriller and also on subsequent projects, commented on Michael's character in a Time Magazine article.
"Michael is a very special man. He would come in for his lesson and sit down and we would have a prayer and then read the Bible and then have another prayer and start to work. That's the way he liked to begin his day. Can you imagine a performer as big as Michael Jackson turning around in a lesson and discussing how wonderful God has been to him and how much he loves God?"
“We look high and low for God, but somehow He's not there. So we blame Him and tell ourselves that He must have forgotten us. Or else we decide that He left us long ago, if He was ever around."
"How strange," the little fish said, "to miss what is everywhere."
"Very strange," the old whale agreed. "Doesn't it remind you of fish who say they're thirsty?”
~Portion of the poem "The Fish That Was Thirsty" written by Michael Jackson, in his book "Dancing The Dream"
Michael Jackson was a humble, spiritual man
*Michael: Man of humility, faith and humanitarianism (Misconceptions, corrected)
Michael was a very humble, respectful person who, according to Cory Rooney, who worked with Michael at Sony/Epic, was not demanding as many artists are. Cory shared a story in a recent interview about Michael....
Cory: "...There’s other times where I sit there in the studio and say I cannot believe that I’m working with this person and this is what it is. And they all have the nerve to have attitudes.
Then you work with a guy like Michael Jackson who when he was late, he was supposed to be in the studio at twelve and he showed up about quarter to one. He felt so terrible for being late he apologized the whole session. The next day he sent a big giant basket because we’re talking about movies and how much I love movies. So he sent me this giant basket....Oh my goodness, it probably had 100 DVDs. It had popcorn, candy, all kinds of books and movie trivia, all kinds of stuff. Again the card said, ‘I’m very sorry for not respecting your time."....I would say Mike, what time do you want to start tomorrow? He said, ‘Cory, you’re the boss. You tell me what time. If you want me here seven in the morning, I will be here at seven in the morning.’ He said, ‘You are the boss. Whatever you tell me.’
Chris Yandek (Interviewer): What I find interesting about those comments is the way the mainstream media projects it is that he wanted to always do things his way.
Cory: “Not at all, not at all. That’s what I said. It’s like if the world would just stop and just really pay attention.”
Michael Jackson and Spirituality
"Use your talent for good"
~ Michael Jackson's advice to his nephews 3T
(Taj, Taryll and TJ Jackson, Tito's sons)
View the video of 3T's "Why", done with Michael HERE
Learn more about Michael's faith and how that faith sustained him and guided his life
On Having a Relationship With Jesus:
SB (Shmuley Boteach):. ...Do you have a relationship with Jesus?
MJ: Jesus, yes. Absolutely. But you believe in Jesus, don’t you?
The Michael Jackson Tapes
“I´ve traveled the world over 8 times. I do as many hospitals and orphanages as I do concerts. But, of course, it´s not covered (by the press). That´s not why I do it, for coverage. I do it because it´s from my heart. And there are so many children in the city who haven´t seen the mountains, who haven´t been on a carousel, who haven´t pet a horse or a llama, never seen them, so if I can open my gates and see that bliss, an explosion of screaming laughter from the children and they run on the rides, I say “Thank you, God.” I feel I´ve won God´s smile of approval, because I´m doing something that brings joy and happiness to other people.” ~Michael Jackson
2005 At Large with Geraldo Rivera TV Interview
"...Look, we don’t have control over the grounds, they can shake. We don’t have control over the seas, they can have tsunamis. We don’t have control over the skies, there are storms. We’re all in God’s hands. I think that man has to take that into consideration."
Michael Jackson, 2007
Ebony Magazine interview
BR: What qualities of yours helped you get where you are today?
MJ: Faith and determination. And practice.
Many don't understand what Michael Jackson, and his story, have to do with God, and faith. Michael always tried to follow God, but the media made darn sure that his true nature, would remain hidden. That instead of a God-fearing, spiritual man who saw the world through child's eyes, they would see a monster, a criminal, a weirdo and a freak ~ Debbie
"God was his guide. He was a Christian and believed in Christ. His life went through so much that his faith was what restored him and kept him. Michael was very spiritual and had enormous faith. He studied all religions and was open to a lot of different practices, however, ultimately, he was a Christian and believed in Christ fully."
Taymoor Marmarchi
MJ Friend/worked on Humanitarian projects with Michael
Stay humble. The humbleness that a child, like a new born baby has. Even though you become powerful or have power with people, with your talent .. don't become puffed up with pride."
~ Michael Jackson
"I told him then, this is just a job you're working just like everybody else. Don't let your head get too big because there's no room for big heads in this house....I didn't worry about that, because Michael was a humble person and that didn't even change him (the fame). Even till the day he died, he was still humble and he knew he was a big star."
~ Mrs. Katherine Jackson,
Michael Jackson's mother
Grammy Award Winner David Pack on Michael's faith & Innocence
I told him I was a Christian, and he said he was, too. We talked about the first Christian song we’d both heard as children: “Jesus loves me, this I know, for the Bible tells me so. Little ones to him belong, they are weak but he is strong.” With the dinner party loudly going on around us, we both quietly leaned in and sang the song, smiling like choirboys. “Yes, Jesus loves me. Yes, Jesus loves me.” Then we gave each other a short embrace.....
I knew at that moment that this sweet-spirited young genius was going to find his eternal peace in heaven. I did not find Michael weird, messed up, or anything you’ve ever heard about him. I want to say that I feel all of the allegations ever charged against Michael were false, and that in my discernment, he did not have the capacity to ever do anything except love children and let them know he would do anything to stand up for them, and help them. Just look at the magnificent work he did on their behalf in writing and co-producing “We Are The World,” and the 39 charities for children he gave to generously. That was Michael. I believe that during his trials he related to the suffering of Christ, and prayed for intervention, because he was being accused over what he loved most—children. This caused him perhaps more pain than anything in his life.
I know Michael loved Jesus with all his heart. Quincy had told me about his work sharing his faith with others, often door-to-door, because he’d been raised a devout Jehovah’s Witness. Later in life he told people he was a non-denominational Christian. Still more recently, reports circulated that he’d converted to Islam. But the Michael I knew had seriously contemplated giving up music to spend full-time in Christian ministry.
If there’s anything that gives me peace during this moment of loss, it’s knowing that one of the greatest artists of our time is now moon-walking along the gold paved roads of heaven, where streets have no name, with a broad smile on his face, and a band of angels welcoming him home.
Michael, my friend, rest in heavenly peace.
David Pack is a Grammy winning recording artist, producer, and music director. A member of Saddleback Church, he works with Rick Warren on special projects, including the PEACE Plan and AIDS & Worship Conferences. Visit his site:http://www.davidpack.com/
The conversion to Islam rumor is debunked on the Facts vs. Fiction PAGE
On performance as divine:
"It is divine, it is pure, it is revelation, without making it sound spiritual or religious, but it is a divine energy. Some people call it the spirit, like when the spirit comes into the room. Some people look down on it. Religions sometimes look down on it because they try to say it's demonic, it's the cult, it's the devil. It isn't; it is God-like. It is pure God-like energy. You feel God's light.
Michael Jackson speaking on the divine nature of performing
~ Michael Jackson
STORY FROM SOMEONE WHO KNEW MICHAEL JACKSON SINCE HE WAS 7 YEARS OLD:
I heard from someone who is willing to share his stories about his time with Michael. This person knew Michael since he was 7 years old and wishes to remain anonymous as he has remained outside of the media and wishes to have that continue. He met Michael at Neverland when his parents were invited to visit.
"I have known michael since 2000 when i was about 7 years old. I once remember when, in around 2000 or 2001 that Michael, and Prince and i would have little fort wars with each other, and i would form alliances with Prince or sometimes Michael. It was so fun, we would throw pillows at each other, little rolled up pillow cases as grenades etc.
But i will never truly forget when Michael gave my mother the finances for me to go to a great college of my choice. My mother insisted to Michael that we didn't need his money, just for him to keep, but Michael as always, convinced my mother to accept the money.~
"You felt like God was within him"
~ Brett Ratner
speaking on the feeling many experienced in Michael's presence, a sense of light eminating from him, a spirit of light.
"I will never stop helping and loving people, the way Jesus said to" ~ Michael Jackson
There begs the question from so many....what is the truth about Michael Jackson and devil worship, or his being controlled or insinuations that he experienced horrible things in the music business as a child.
The truth about any of that is simple...
Did any of this happen?
I don't have the answers to this...but here is the truth...
None of that matters.
Not in regards to the big picture.
Take a look at the way that Michael lived his life. He consistently spoke of God and his desire to live his life in a way that pleases God. He cared about others, he saved the lives of people around the world, he used his celebrity and fame, for good, he expressed faith in God and in Jesus and mentioned that often and most importantly, he lived out that faith daily, to the best of his ability, and that is all that any of us can do.
None of us are the sum of what happens to us.
It is for this very reason, that Jesus gave his life on the cross.
Because none of us are perfect, all have suffered, all have made mistakes, and if our heart is in the right place, and we earnestly seek Him, our Creator, as Michael was doing to the best of his ability, then God sees the heart. That's really all that matters.
“Michael was deeply Christian
and believed that private acts of charity were considered virtuous only if not done for others to admire,” stated Treacy. “We should be reminded of Matthew 6:1 when Jesus says "Be careful not to do your acts of righteousness in front of others, to be seen by them. If you do, you will have no reward from your Father in heaven.”
Patrick Treacy
Debunking the Distractions That Keep Us From The Truth...
There will NEVER be a purer soul than my uncle Michael. People put him through hell here on earth, but now he is finally free in heaven.
I miss him so much.
~ Taj Jackson, Michael's nephew
"Michael is a very special man. He would come in for his lesson and sit down and we would have a prayer and then read the Bible and then have another prayer and start to work. That's the way he liked to begin his day. Can you imagine a performer as big as Michael Jackson turning around in a lesson and discussing how wonderful God has been to him and how much he loves God?
Seth Riggs, a vocal teacher who worked with Michael for two hours a day, 5 or 6 days a week while Michael was recording Thriller and also on subsequent projects, commented on Michael's character in a Time Magazine article.
Michael's vocal coach and friend for 21 years, Seth Riggs, speaks about one of Michael's spiritual moments and his communication with God:
"You know, there was one moment. I was playing a piano, and he was standing next to me. All of a sudden, he stretched his hands, looking upwards. It seemed to me that it was very important to him. That’s why I left the room and switched the light off. After half an hour I came back to the room. He was whispering: “Thank you for my talent. Thank you for everything I’ve got. Thank you for all the people who love me. Tell me what I should do, and I’ll do it.” It seemed to me that it was the moment of his communication with God."
Read the interview HERE
On studying the Bible:
"Each day I take time out to study the Bible, no matter where I am. The teachings of the Bible have added a new dimension to my life. It, somehow, makes me whole."
Michael Jackson
1976 "Black Stars" Magazine interview
An example of what Christianity, is NOT
(video below, clip from "The Trials of Michael Jackson" movie that details the mean-spirited media coverage of the 2005 trial.)
While this man claims to be a Christian, he is using his supposed faith, as a weapon. It is clear by his demeanor and his actions, that he is certainly NOT living his faith.
On the other hand, if you study Michael Jackson's demeanor, actions and the way he lived his life...helping children, saving lives, speaking out on important issues, it IS clear that he tried his best to actually LIVE his faith.
Things are not always what they seem
"Thou shall not bear false witness against thy neighbor"
9th Commandment, Holy Bible
Proverbs 24:17-18 English Standard Version (ESV) 17
Do not rejoice when your enemy falls, and let not your heart be glad when he stumbles, 18 lest the Lord see it and be displeased,
Though Michael Jackson was NOT guilty, this man wholeheartedly believed and spouted, that he was, without evidence and not only that, takes sick joy in his sadistic opinion, complete opposite what God asks us to do.
Explanations about the song
Michael Jackson spoke out on important moral and social subjects...like this song
To fans who thrive on fantasy about Michael, Michael’s moral convictions are a proverbial thorn in their side. To the church, or to some in the church, Michael’s gyrations immediately disqualified him from being worthy of God. Worthy of Jesus’ sacrifice on the cross. It never ceases to amaze me that people who somehow feel that they are worthy of the sacrifice that Jesus made, despite their imperfections, feel that Michael, due to a dance move or what the media said about him (which when looked at deeper, you realize these were lies), somehow makes Michael unworthy and unqualified for Jesus’ sacrifices for all of our sins.
Debbie
(from article above)
Previously unreleased song from Michael Jackson entitled "Song Groove (a.k.a. Abortion Papers) this song speaks about respecting life, God and what the Bible states about abortion. It was a song written by Michael Jackson and sung by him during the Bad album recording sessions, but it never made it to the album. Michael was aware this was a controversial song and subject matter.
From the Bad 25 CD booklet:
"...a song initially titled, "Song Groove" which became known as "Abortion Papers"...it's important to note that, according to Michael's own records, this is a song he spent a lot of time with in considering how best to address something that was, and remains, a very personal and sensitive issue. Throughout his life, Michael saw potentially controversial topics ...be it race relations, violence, hate, the environment or war, as an artistic challenge, but always one to be dealt with, in a thoughtful and sensitive manner. As with songs such as "Dirty Diana," "Earth Song," or "They Don't Care About Us," Michael lets the song speak for itself, telling the story as narrator through music without judging a character or a personal choice.
This is a song that Michael knew could be controversial, and, as a result, he spent a lot of time thinking about the story for the song and the voice through which the song should be told. The song is about a girl whose father is a priest and was raised in the Church and on the Bible, She gets married in the church, but decides, against the Bible, to have an abortion and she wants "abortion papers." As Michael indicated in his notes, "I have to do it in a way so I don't offend girls who have gotten abortions or bring back guilt trips so it has to be done carefully. I have to really think about it." This is an early example of a song with a controversial subject.
Song Lyrics:
Sister don't read
she'll never know
What about love
Live in our Christian soul
What do we get
if she runs away
what about love
what about all I pray
Don't know the worst
She knows of Thee
What about life (could also possibly be saying What about God, which would be a definite reference to Thee)
Living is all I see
What do you get
Things she will say
What about love
That's all I pray
Refrain:
Those abortion papers
Signing your name against the Word of God
Those abortion papers
Think about life
I'd like to have my child
Sister confused
She went alone
What about love
What about all life's soul
Biding her time
Reading the words
Singing a song
Reciting a Bible verse
Father's confused, mothers despair
Brothers in curse
What about all I've seen
You know the lie
You keep it low
What about heart
That's all I know
Refrain twice
Look at my words
What do they say
Look at my heart
Burning is all heartbreak
What do you get
What do you say
What about love
Feel my sin
Refrain
Those abortion papers
Think about life
I'd like to have my child
Who have been grateful
Where will she go
What will she do
Sister don't know
Where she will go
What about love
What about all I sow
What will you gain
They'll be confuse
Love all things
It's just the things I do
Refrain
Those abortion papers (abortion papers)
(this paper)
Those abortion papers
I'd like to have my child (repeat)
"I look to God to fulfill His prophecy, set me free!
Lyrics, Michael Jackson's "They Don't Care About Us" VIEW HERE
