Rock History Music with John Beaudin on Michael Jackson

john bettis was the one who wrote the lyrics that ended up on the final version of 'human nature'. they were not about a child being bullied (though that was the initial inspiration that steve Porcaro had). i'd rather hear from him and how he reshaped it to fit Michael's experience.

Michael also added the crucial 'why-oh-why' refrain, that caused the song to soar to another level. that particular part was also famously sampled by r&b group s.w.v in the 90's. it was a team effort. Michael was involved in the creative process of all the songs in some way - even the ones he didn't write. he had those natural instincts since 'looking through the windows' with the Jackson 5 as a child.

the original 'human nature' demo sounded sombre and a little scary. Porcaro, and toto as a whole, were right to doubt it. it would not have been a hit in that form - especially without Michael's magic touch.

'human nature', despite being impactful and one of the highlights, was not the biggest hit off the 'thriller' album (it didn't even get a u.k release). that honour goes to Michael's self written songs; 'billie jean' and 'beat it'.

there's a tendency to reduce Michael's role to 'just a singer and dancer' - although there's nothing wrong with being that at all. however, he was a full well rounded artist.

this is a rock based media, and they're clearly biased.
 
I interpret the lyrics on the final version to be about a person experiencing freedom in the big city (probably new York, because it's known as the 'big apple') on their own for the first time. observing their surroundings, and finding wonder in the little things that most take for granted. it could relate to Michael's fame forcing him to live a sheltered lifestyle. we'll only know the truth when john bettis, who wrote the final lyrics, speaks about it.

Michael's social media accounts celebrated the release of the 'human nature' single 37 years ago yesterday :) they used the single cover where he has the famous yellow vest and white broach :) that song is definitely in my top 5 as the best ever :) the only ballad that I like in general.
 
why would he think Michael is a 'disturbing person'?
If I recall correctly, MJ spent some time with Elton during the 1993 accusations. One night during a party, he found MJ had completely dissociated himself from the crowd and was playing patty cake with a kid in the hallway.
 
That was sweet of Michael to do that. It's not disturbing
IKR? I remember playing in the sandbox with my niece and nephews during family gatherings, when I needed a (looong) break from all the coffee table discussions and bla bla bla 😆

Kids are never boring to talk to ... Sadly, they are teenagers now lol. No, I still love them 😁😍
 
IKR? I remember playing in the sandbox with my niece and nephews during family gatherings, when I needed a (looong) break from all the coffee table discussions and bla bla bla 😆

Kids are never boring to talk to ... Sadly, they are teenagers now lol. No, I still love them 😁😍
I’m a kid 😀
 
I’m a kid 😀

Really? Do your parents know you are here? 🧐
Please do not misunderstand me: I love that young generations listen to Michael´s music and are part of this wonderful mjjcommunity :)
But please make sure to be safe using the internet. There is so much crap out there :-(
 
If I recall correctly, MJ spent some time with Elton during the 1993 accusations. One night during a party, he found MJ had completely dissociated himself from the crowd and was playing patty cake with a kid in the hallway.
The version of the story I came across was just weird, imo. I can't remember if the version I read was from the therapist or from Elton. Anyway, allegedly, a therapist who had been treating Michael had been invited to Elton's party. He rang Elton and asked if he could bring Michael along, Elton wasn't thrilled but said yes. At the end of 1993, not surprisingly, Michael wouldn't have been feeling madly sociable. He didn't seem very comfortable at the party, he wandered off, met the child of - a housekeeper? a chef? - and they sat and played video games or something.

Can't remember where I read this and have no idea if it's true. It sounds weird to me. Therapists should not be revealing stories about their clients. That's so unprofessional. More to the point, therapists don't socialise with clients - or they shouldn't. But, assuming that part is true, why would Elton expect Michael to be the life and soul of the party given the situation he was in? He was quite a shy person, anyway. Perhaps he just felt overwhelmed on that occasion, by the number of people there. I get that he's from a big family and was used to big, noisy social situations but that doesn't mean he was in the mood for it on that particular night.

Disconnecting from a noisy social situation when you are in a state of distress is quite normal. It's just a protective thing, it makes sense. So, if this really happened, I can understand Michael's behaviour. I just can't understand anyone else in the story. Weird therapist, weird Elton John. Also, it's not very gracious of Elton to share this story. Elton's had his trials and tribulations. It's not hard to understand what was going on with Michael, why share such a story? Elton is media savvy, he would know how to deflect any question he didn't want to answer.

Back on topic - omg, this thread ... did not know it existed. I've posted one of these videos elsewhere on the board, had no idea there were all these others. I have lots of catching up to do. :)
 
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The version of the story I came across was just weird, imo. I can't remember if the version I read was from the therapist or from Elton. Anyway, allegedly, a therapist who had been treating Michael had been invited to Elton's party. He rang Elton and asked if he could bring Michael along, Elton wasn't thrilled but said yes. At the end of 1993, not surprisingly, Michael wouldn't have been feeling madly sociable. He didn't seem very comfortable at the party, he wandered off, met the child of - a housekeeper? a chef? - and they sat and played video games or something.

Can't remember where I read this and have no idea if it's true. It sounds weird to me. Therapists should not be revealing stories about their clients. That's so unprofessional. More to the point, therapists don't socialise with clients - or they shouldn't. But, assuming that part is true, why would Elton expect Michael to be the life and soul of the party given the situation he was in? He was quite a shy person, anyway. Perhaps he just felt overwhelmed on that occasion, by the number of people there. I get that he's from a big family and was used to big, noisy social situations but that doesn't mean he was in the mood for it on that particular night.

Disconnecting from a noisy social situation when you are in a state of distress is quite normal. It's just a protective thing, it makes sense. So, if this really happened, I can understand Michael's behaviour. I just can't understand anyone else in the story. Weird therapist, weird Elton John. Also, it's not very gracious of Elton to share this story. Elton's had his trials and tribulations. It's not hard to understand what was going on with Michael, why share such a story? Elton is media savvy, he would know how to deflect any question he didn't want to answer.

Back on topic - omg, this thread ... did not know it existed. I've posted one of these videos elsewhere on the board, had no idea there were all these others. I have lots of catching up to do. :)

Yes, those are very good points!

Also, I find it hard to believe that Elton John genuinely dislikes Michael. He seems to be a nice guy, and, as you wrote, had his own share of trials and tribulations.
(I have to admit, I did not watch the video above, but have heard of this story before)
 
Yes, those are very good points!
Yeah, if the story, as I understand it, is true that is one unprofessional therapist. Who shouldn't be anywhere near Michael Jackson. Bit late to be worrying about it now but it's all so annoying. Michael needed help not someone behaving like this.

Also, I find it hard to believe that Elton John genuinely dislikes Michael. He seems to be a nice guy, and, as you wrote, had his own share of trials and tribulations.
This is the part of the story that has always confused me. Elton John, over the years, has set himself up as a sort of 'therapy' resource. Not literally therapy but he has often lent his various houses to pop stars in distress, to give them somewhere to get away from the glare of publicity or to recover from various difficulties. He has made himself available as a sort of 'elder' statesman of the pop world to people who are struggling bc he's been there and he knows what it's like. I guess he's trying to offer them a sort of safe space.

He doesn't have to like Michael and he's entitled to be annoyed with his invited guest - the therapist - asking to bring along another person. Can't remember if it was a birthday party but, clearly, it wasn't the kind of occasion for a person in distress as Michael must have been. Elton must have known what was happening in Michael's life at that point. it's bizarre that he couldn't - apparently - find it in himself to offer Michael a more sympathetic welcome. Or arrange for Michael to hang out somewhere private and quiet and calming. Or - at the very least - to refrain from telling the story the way he has. Just don't talk about Michael like that. It's unhelpful.

(I have to admit, I did not watch the video above, but have heard of this story before)
I haven't watched the vid. My comments are based on what I've read in the past. I'm no expert on this and I have no idea if the versions I've read are even true. But the basic story does seem to have been repeated many times and I haven't come across anyone saying that it isn't true. It's all a bit depressing. Poor Michael. He just needed a bit of kindness. :(
 
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