I'm getting a little frustrated with what seems like everyone complaining about the attention that Michael Jackson's life/death is getting. I keep hearing things like "we should be remembering people who save lives, not celebrities"... but i think that artists do save lives.
Michael Jackson was one of very very few (mainstream at least) pop artists who was explicit in his music about dealing with racism, violence, childhood abuse, depression, isolation etc. for people who have been victims/survivors of these things hearing a song that tells you you're not alone or it will get better or you're not crazy can save your life.
I thought I would share some of the most powerful/helpful MJ lyrics that have without doubt helped me with my personal healing process. I thought it would be nice to share some of your favorite (Jackson or otherwise) songs/lyrics that have the same effect in your lives.
"But They Told Me
A Man Should Be Faithful
And Walk When Not Able
And Fight Till The End
But I'm Only Human" .will you be there.
"Tell me what has become of my rights
Am I invisible because you ignore me?
Your proclamation promised me free liberty, now
I'm tired of bein' the victim of shame
They're throwing me in a class with a bad name
I can't believe this is the land from which I came" .they don't care about us.
"People laugh when they're feelin sad
Someone is taking a life, hold on
Respect to believe in your dreams
Tell me where were you
when your children cried last night?" .cry.
"Before you judge me, try hard to love me.
The painful youth I've had
Have you seen my Childhood?" childhood.
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Thanks for this post. I never even listened to him much, but I really appreciate his music. Musicians really can help with healing.
It's not so much about him being irrelevant or the way that celebrities contribute little to nothing. I would, as a musician, agree with you about the impact music can have on people. ...But the MJ thing, it's more about the OMFG on EVERY DAMN CHANNEL and all over EVERY BLOG we have to hear about it. For days on end now. Those of us who weren't fans, for whatever reason, are REALLY fcking sick of it by now.