So, I'm sure everyone has heard the news by now that Michael Jackson died yesterday. The media has been going on and on about what a strong connection he made to people and how much he will be missed. While I don't have that personal connection that they keep talking about, I admit that I think he was an extremely talented musician.
When I think about music from my childhood, he is one of the 
first artists that comes to mind. Songs like PYT, Bad, Beat It, Smooth Criminal and others keep running through my head. The first recorded music I ever owned was a single record (yes, vinyl!) of We Are the World that I got for my birthday in 4th grade. I learned how to cha cha to Billie Jean is Not my Lover. Every Halloween in recent memory we have watched the Thriller video online. His music is easy to dance to and fun to listen to.
Despite all his successes in the music world though, he seemed to me to be a tortured soul--undoubtedly he brought some of that on himself with his eccentricities and the controversies that seemed to surround him. However I also think it must have been a hard life to be thrust into the spotlight at such a young age and to have his personal life scrutinized and invaded by the media and the general public. I'm glad it is not for us to judge him. Can anyone really know how much of what we've heard in the headlines over the years are truth and how much was just tabloid-like slandering? I truly feel sorry for him and some of the things he experienced in this life.
So, having said all that I thought I'd share the lyrics to the chorus of my personal favorite Michael Jackson song, Man in the Mirror. Whatever eccentricities he had, I think Michael Jackson had the right idea with the words here. The message rings true, "If you wanna make the world a better place take a look at yourself, and make a change."
I'm starting with the man in the mirror
I'm asking him to change his ways
And no message could have been any clearer
If you wanna make the world a better place
Take a look at yourself, and make a change
3 comments:
I totally agree with you and what a great song!
Well said, Jill. I couldn't agree more. It feels odd to have stars we knew as kids pass on. Doesn't seem like we can be that old yet. But life doesn't slow down, does it? :)
Addie
He did write some amazing songs didn't he. I feel sorry for his poor children. How confused and lost they must be right now!
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