I have never had the pleasure of seeing him perform live, nor have I met him, but seeing his life laid bare tugs the heart and pours out all of the memories of his music and of him.
You see, I've always been a fan of Michael and no, I'm not just saying that because he died.
I remember being a small child in the 80's and singing and dancing to Rocking Robin and other Jackson 5 hits and eventually moving onto Thriller, Billie Jean and many other solo tracks.
I loved his style and, like many others, as an 80's child I couldn't get enough.
Then, my mother introduced me to a song named "Ben" and I instantly fell in love. I listened over and over to Michael's voice pulled tightly over the strong words, and I felt the message behind it, of friendship beyond all bounds. And from then, his ballads became my favourite songs ever.
Then, a little older, I found his movies. My all time favourite, to this day, is "Moonwalker" with its ultimate mix of fantasy and storytelling.
Michael never stopped, always in my life through his music right through the 80's and into the 90's. He gave so much to so many. Yes, its a cliche, but its true.
He gave to charity. He helped the world in ways we'll never be able to truely understand and nobody will follow and he encouraged us to do the same. Give what we can to who we can and heal the world one action at a time.
When I was in my teens, around the time Michael introduced his nephews 3T to the world, I met another fan, and we became firm friends. We listened to the album HIStory for hours, especially the songs Smile, Childhood and History. We talked about one day, we'd travel to see him live. It never happened, but shortly after this the accusations started.
In a matter of time, superstar turned freak. The media went crazy, saying Michael did this and that, and tried to paint him as a weirdo. I never stopped listening to his music... trusted that this would all blow over and he'd continue giving his world famous talent. It never went away though and the accusations turned to those of Paedophilia.
The world looked on in disgust. People divided, some believing the allegations, others refusing to believe them. Me? I haven't made my mind up to this day, and I never will. Only those involved know the truth, and sometimes, when the dust has settled its time to sweep it away.
Then, one night in 2009, I was half asleep, and OH turned on the radio alarm to check the volume. Four words pulled me awake and tore my heart in half... "Michael Jackson has Died".
I yelled at him to turn it back on, and laid listening to "you are not alone" in complete disbelieving shock. It couldn't be true... but it was. My life is no longer complete.
I'm not trying to be melodramatic. Until now, not a tear has fallen, but watching his memorial, they are close.
So I'd like to share something... This is for you Michael.
GoodBye (self written)
Goodbye beautiful, precious soul,
its time to close the door
Pass on to the other side
to live forever more.
Your life was lived for someone else
you gave it to us all
Now's the time to take a rest
its the final call.
We will be sad and will not lie
Tears will always come
Your memory is always mine
Your talent will live on
Thankyou Mike, you gave your all.
You gave the world a gift.
You'll never leave the childrens hearts.
We're lucky that you lived.
So on you go, our precious friend
to the fairground in the sky.
Theres one more word we need to say.
Goodbye our friend, Goodbye.
Goodbye beautiful, precious soul,
its time to close the door
Pass on to the other side
to live forever more.
Your life was lived for someone else
you gave it to us all
Now's the time to take a rest
its the final call.
We will be sad and will not lie
Tears will always come
Your memory is always mine
Your talent will live on
Thankyou Mike, you gave your all.
You gave the world a gift.
You'll never leave the childrens hearts.
We're lucky that you lived.
So on you go, our precious friend
to the fairground in the sky.
Theres one more word we need to say.
Goodbye our friend, Goodbye.
Michael, you've always had a part within my life, and always will. Your children, and those who had the chance to meet you, will always carry a piece of you in there hearts as will each and every one of your fans.
Thankyou for giving so much, thankyou for showing us how to give some more.
Thankyou.
Thankyou for giving so much, thankyou for showing us how to give some more.
Thankyou.
