Michael Jackson's Music Had a Message

There is no debating about Michael Jackson's talent as a singer or a dancer. It
was those talents that were the reason why he was dubbed the "king of pop.
Though he performed at the highest level in these areas there is another area
that he performed well in also.

Through four decades, Michael Jackson fans were dazzled and impressed by the
vocal abilities of a gifted singer. From childhood Michael stood out as a
performer, first impressing Berry Gordy of Motown Records and then thousands of
fans on the stage.

Lost in all of this is the fact that Michael was probably as gifted a songwriter
as he was a singer.

Michael Jackson was driven to write songs that had a meaning and a message. In
his heart he wanted to change the world and literally make it a better place
(Man In the Mirror).

Think about the words to "We are the World". We are the world, we are the
children, we are the ones to make a brighter day, so let's start giving." These
are words spoken from the heart a man who wanted to do what he could to change
world conditions.

Michael Jackson had a great understanding of the position that he was in as "the
king of pop." He understood that he was on a platform that gave him a great deal
of power and influence to affect change in the world that he was living in and
he used that position to the fullest extent.

Michael used his popularity to address social issues and conditions and he used
his music to convey the message that he had concerning situations that existed
in the world.World hunger, world peace. education and prejudice are just a few of
the areas that Michael Jackson addressed through his music.

Think of the words to "Black or White." But more importantly, think about the
images in the video of nationalities from around the globe. Michael Jackson
wasn't just speaking about the conditions that were just here in the United
States, his message was that discrimination and prejudice should not exist
anywhere in the entire world.

Michael Jackson had a world view in his approach to addressing the human
condition. He understood the global impact of how situations that existed in one
part of the world could affect conditions in another part of the world.
Michael's convictions to do something about human suffering in the world ran
deep and he took to heart in his music.

Then there was the pensive, thoughtful songwriter who dealt with the inner
feelings that we all have. The chorus to "You are not Alone" just stays in your
head. "You are not alone, I am here with you, though we're far apart, you're
always in my heart." The words tug at your heart. You cannot listen to this song
and not be moved. And that is what the songwriter fully intended to happen.

This was vintage Michael Jackson.

He wanted to move you. He wanted you to feel the power of the words in an effort
to change the way you looked at life and judging by the record sales both before
and even after his death, he was successful.

Michael Jackson was a caring, loving, giving individual who felt the pain and
suffering that was in the world and tried to do something about it.

Michael Jackson will no doubt be remembered for his ability to sing and dance
but I hope he will be remembered for one more thing, his ability to make us stop
and think with a message in one of his songs.