Heal The World

I think I've been avoiding writing this post. Not because it's too hard to write, but mostly because there are a lot of people writing about Michael Jackson. Too many voices, too many opinions....who really wants to hear mine?
Well, much has been and will be written about Michael. I don't mean this to be an expose on his life or to be an exploration of his poor decision-making. But, what it is to me is something personal.
I grew up with Michael's music in my ears. I was 7 when Off The Wall hit stores....and 10 when Thriller changed the face of popular music. I learned how to breakdance because I watched his dance moves and wanted to dance like that....me and millions of other kids. I also remember reading through his autobiography, Moon Walk, at age 16 in one weekend. I was fascinated to say the least.
Over the years, I have been saddened by Michael's choices. His public persona was one that I chose to avoid after years of just thinking that he was misunderstood and privately praying for him. In fact, I was not even aware that he was rehearsing for an upcoming concert tour in England when he suddenly died at the age of 50.
Now, as I lament the fact that we will no longer hear new music from this amazing artist, I am spending some time listening to the music that we do have. Frankly, it is extraordinary and, in many cases, beautifully poetic. In recent years, I felt like Michael was trying too hard and was over-producing his music. I didn't even purchase Invincible, which came out in 2001. But, the music he put out before that...simply amazing.
One song that I love is "Heal The World." The lyrics are incredible and, as was often the case when it came to Michael's songs, ahead of its time. I say that because the song came out in the early 1990's when it seemed like greed and selfishness were pervasive. In recent years, it seems that our gaze has been lifted from ourselves and we are paying more attention to those around the world who need our help and love. Regardless of all of the other junk in Michael Jackson's life, this is one thing that he really got....loving your neighbor, reaching out to the helpless....and healing the world.
I encourage you to discover Michael's music anew. There are so many gems....multi-layered vocals and production....poignant lyrics....it's all there and, to me, it is genius. His songs will get you tapping your toes, dancing in the clubs and maybe even thinking a bit about loving each other...

If you want to see the video for "Heal The World", go here...

There's a place in your heart
And I know that it is love
And this place could be
Much brighter than tomorrow

And if you really try
You'll find there's no need to cry
In this place you'll feel
There's no hurt or sorrow

There are ways to get there
If you care enough for the living
Make a little space
Make a better place...

Heal the world
Make it a better place
For you and for me
And the entire human race
There are people dying
If you care enough
For the living
Make a better place
For you and for me

If you want to know why
There's a love that cannot lie
Love is strong
It only cares for joyful giving

If we try, we shall see
In this bliss we cannot feel
Fear or dread
We stop existing and start living

Then it feels that always
Love's enough for us growing
So make a better world
Make a better world...

Heal the world
Make it a better place
For you and for me
And the entire human race
There are people dying
If you care enough
For the living
Make a better place
For you and for me

And the dream we were conceived in
Will reveal a joyful face
And the world we once believed in
Will shine again in grace

Then why do we keep strangling life
Wound this earth crucify its soul
Though its plain to see this world is heavenly
Be gods glow

We could fly so high
Let our spirits never die
In my heart I feel you are all my brothers

Create a world with no fear
Together we cry happy tears
See the nations turn
Their swords into plowshares

We could really get there
If you cared enough for the living
Make a little space
To make a better place...

Heal the world
Make it a better place
For you and for me
And the entire human race
There are people dying
If you care enough
For the living
Make a better place
For you and for me