Michael_Jackson_-_Heal_the_World_Song_Analysis_Assignment

Since time immemorial singers have written songs through which they try to speak to all the people to change their attitude and help the world, which really does need healing. For instance songs “What More Can I Give” or “Tears In Heaven” were written and sung by world-famous artists as Sharon Osbourne, Celine Dion and the Carter brothers to benefit the victims of Hurricane Katrina or a song “We Are the World” produced by Michael Jackson and many other artists to donate money to needy. These songs became popular all over the world for their catchy lyrics and mellow music. One of these is next Michael Jackson’s song “Heal the World”. This song lets us know that we have to value our world and try to protect it and the way the song is performed leaves no eye dry and no heart cold. Michael Jackson gave his heart into the songs he wrote. I listened to “Heal the World” over and over again and it touched my heart. The song forced me to think about myself and my selfishness and also gave me the power to become a better person and start helping my surroundings, so I decided to follow English proverb “Charity begins at home,” even though, Michael's original idea was to help needy people in the whole world. In my opinion, the song emits a strong feeling, nobility and obsession to go inside that dream world portrayed with grace and love towards everybody and everything. The song reminds me that our existence could be without lies and hypocrisy, unfortunately, it is not. Therefore, I listen to it, when I feel sad or disappointed and I am in mood to think about the real world we live in. If everyone cared for joyful giving and helping each other, this dream world, which was portrayed in the song, would become a reality. Michael Jackson sent a strong message of peace to the world in an effort to draw the world's attention to people living in countries suffering from unrest. Directly, in the first verses Michael sings “And if you really try … there's no hurt or sorrow.” These words encourage people to put the strength of their love into helping and if people make an effort to aid needy people, there will be no sadness or regret for a loss. Helping gives them just a feeling of happiness. Further, in the third stanza was written “Love is strong; it only cares for joyful giving… Love's enough for us growing.” It means love cares for giving and does not need a repayment. Love is everlasting; it will mentally fulfill us because love is enough for us to lead a contented life. He puts emphasis on words “stop existing and start living” because he wants at least showing a bit of humaneness from people, not only showing total disregard of other people. In stanza five Michael sings “Wound this earth, crucify its soul. Though it's plain to see, this world is heavenly. Be God's glow.” I assume in this part Michael used a religious subject. In my opinion, through these metaphors he compares God's sacrifice for our sins to save the humanity with our effort to fight against poverty in poor countries. Michael urges us to become a God's glow by opening our hearts to others. In the next vehicle of expression is written “…I feel you are all my brothers… See the nations turn their swords into plowshares.” In his lyrics through these words, Michael thought that he consider us all as his brothers and sisters. Here he also quotes the Bible to advance the idea of peace and equality among the people. Moreover, he begs people to help needy people. He explains how strong individuality we are. The sky is the limit and our spirits are deathless and fearless, so do not be afraid and lend them a hand. Then, co-operative efforts pan out. The repeated chorus states “Heal the world; make it a better place, for you and for me and the entire human race. There are people dying. If you care enough for the living, make a better place for you and for me.” With all of these words Michael persuades people to create a better world for them. The entire chorus is done with a feeling and the end of the song “You and for me” is a shining example for whom we should do it - for ourselves, for our huge family, for the whole of humanity. “Heal the World” is very melodious and has mostly free verse, only the chorus is rhymed. Nevertheless, the song is so catchy that people repeatedly sing it or at least croon its melody. The slowness and sentimentalism of the music and lyrics indicates the genre of the song that is pop ballad. Piano, guitar and Michael's singing with a vocal support composes the music of the song. The song starts with a mellow piano solo and a speech of a small child about better world for us and our children. The whole song is set up high on a soprano range because of Michael's soprano voice that emphasizes grandeur which the song is performed with. The song enhances the mood and it reminds me a feeling which church songs cause inside me, a feeling of and ethereality and nobleness. Michael's high voice with group of people's voices and mellow melody not to drown the lyrics makes people understand the message better. Each chorus is sung louder than other stanzas, which is created by powerful vocals. However, the loudest words, which are emphasized at most, are “Be God's Glow.” After them listeners start thinking about the message and the music immerses them in the song. “Heal the World” is the song from Michael Jackson's hit album, Dangerous, released in 1991. Michael wrote this song himself. Wikipedia website says “Heal the World“ was inspired by children living in countries suffering from hunger and unrest and is about Michael's hope for creating a better world for human children. A year after the album Dangerous had been released, Michael founded a charity named after this song. “The purpose of the charity was to provide medicine to children and fight world hunger, homelessness, child exploitation and abuse. Jackson stated that he wanted to improve the conditions for children throughout the world.”1 Many artists are inspired after this song and wrote similar versions of “Heal the World” or they just re- sung the same version. No wonder that in a 2001 Internet chat with fans, Jackson stated the song he is most proud of to have created is “Heal the World”. Firstly, because he wrote such a popular song that is well-known everywhere all over the world. Secondly, because Heal the World Foundation had donated millions of dollars to less fortunate children in poor countries. The lyrics touch your heart and the music suffuses your head and they leave inside you a question whether you do enough for needy people and for the world or not. If you do enough or not, you could do more, so help everyone you know who is in need. Give coins to homeless or toys and clothes you do not want anymore to orphanage. Those braver ones can try volunteer work. Create a better place for living with trifles. “Heal the World” is really an impressive song. It captures listeners with all its aspects. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Heal the World Foundation