Earth Song

"Earth Song" is the third single from Michael Jackson's album HIStory: Past, Present and Future, Book I. It is a ballad that incorporates elements of blues, gospel and opera. Jackson had a long-standing history of releasing socially conscious material such as "We Are the World", "Man in the Mirror" and "Heal the World". However, "Earth Song" was the first that overtly dealt with the environment and animal welfare. The song was written and composed by Jackson; the task of production was split between Jackson, David Foster and Bill Bottrell. Reviews were generally favorable, but some charged that the song sounded pompous, even if unintentional. "Earth Song" was accompanied by a lavish music video shot on four geographical regions. It centered around the destruction and rebirth of Earth and went on to receive a Grammy nomination in 1997. The song was a top five hit in most European countries. In the UK, it remains Jackson's best-selling single. "Earth Song" was not released as a single in the United States. Jackson performed the song at the 1996 BRIT Awards, but was interrupted when Jarvis Cocker stormed the stage, offended with the imagery presented. Jackson went on to receive recognition from various animal and environmental organizations.

[Verse 1] What about sunrise? What about rain? What about all the things that you said we were to gain? What about killing fields? Is there a time? What about all the things that you said was yours and mine? [Pre-Chorus 1] Did you ever stop to notice All the blood we've shed before? Did you ever stop to notice This crying Earth, these weeping shores? [Chorus] Ah, ooh Ah, ooh [Verse 2] What have we done to the world? Look what we've done What about all the peace that you pledge your only son? What about flowering fields? Is there a time? What about all the dreams that you said was yours and mine? [Pre-Chorus 2] Did you ever stop to notice All the children dead from war? Did you ever stop to notice This crying Earth, these weeping shores? [Chorus] Ah, ooh Ah, ooh [Bridge] I used to dream I used to glance beyond the stars Now I don't know where we are Although I know we've drifted far [Chorus] Ah, ooh Ah, ooh Ah, ooh Ah, ooh [Breakdown] Hey, what about yesterday? (What about us?) What about the seas? (What about us?) The heavens are falling down (What about us?) I can't even breathe (What about us?) What about Africans (What about us?) I ain't even through (What about us?) What about nature's worth? (Ooh) It's our planet's womb (What about us?) What about animals? (What about it?) Turned kingdom to dust (What about us?) What about elephants? (What about us?) Have we lost their trust? (What about us?) What about crying whales (What about us?) Ravaging the seas? (What about us?) What about forest trails? (Ooh) Burnt, despite our pleas (What about us?) What about the holy land? (What about it?) Torn apart by creed? (What about us?) What about the common man? (What about us?) Can't we set them free? (What about us?) What about children dying? (What about us?) Can't you hear them cry? (What about us?) Where did we go wrong? (Ooh) Someone tell me why (What about us?) What about baby boy? (What about it?) What about the days? (What about us?) What about all their joy? (What about us?) What about the man? (What about us?) What about the crying man? (What about us?) What about Abraham? (What about us?) What about death again? (Ooh) Do we give a damn? [Outro] Ah, ooh (Hoo, hoo, hoo, hoo, hoo, hoo, hoo) Ah, ooh (Hee, hoo, hoo, hoo, hoo, hoo, boo) Ah, ooh