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.
Earth Song
Michael Jackson Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
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 were yours and mine
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
Aah, ooh
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
Did you ever stop to notice
All the children dead from war
Did you ever stop to notice
This crying earth, these weeping shores
Aah, ooh
Aah, ooh
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
Aah, ooh
Aah, ooh
Aah, ooh
Aah, ooh
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 apathy
(What about us)
Drowning in the seas
(What about us)
What about the promised land
Preachin' what I believe
(What about us)
What about the holy land
(What about it)
What about the greed
(What about us)
Where did we go wrong
Someone tell me why
(What about us)
What about baby boy
(What about him)
What about the days
(What about us)
What about all their joy
Do we give a damn
Aah, ooh
Aah, ooh
The song Earth Song by Michael Jackson raises concerns about the current state of the planet, its inhabitants, and its future. He asks about peace, dreams, and beauty of nature and questions if we are not losing these precious gifts to our greed and selfishness. He wonders if we ever stop to look at the horrors of the world, the crimes against humanity, and the destruction of the environment that we are witnessing. The song implies that our actions have enabled us to suffer from being disconnected from nature, and we callously ignore the sorrow and cries of the earth as a result of our actions.
The chorus that starts with "What about us?" is probably the most powerful part of the song. It addresses the failure of humanity to live in harmony with nature and suggests that the world is in turmoil. The song brings to mind the important message of saving our planet and taking care of it. Earth Song connects with the younger generation as they are the ones that will inherit the world we leave behind.
Line by Line Meaning
What about sunrise
Have you ever considered the beauty of nature and its daily rebirth?
What about rain
Have you ever appreciated the life-giving rain and its importance?
What about all the things that you said We were to gain
What about all the promises of a better world, where we were supposed to prosper and live in harmony?
What about killing fields Is there a time
What about the horrors of war and genocide, and is there a solution to end them?
What about all the things That you said were yours and mine
What about the shared responsibility to protect and cherish the planet and its resources?
Did you ever stop to notice All the blood we've shed before
Have you ever reflected upon the countless lives that have been lost in past wars and conflicts?
Did you ever stop to notice This crying Earth, these weeping shores
Did you ever observe the degradation and pollution of the planet, which is causing it to suffer as if it were alive?
What have we done to the world Look what we've done
What have humans done to the planet, and what are the consequences of our actions?
What about all the peace That you pledge your only son
What about the values of peace and love, which are supposed to be universal and cherished by all?
What about flowering fields Is there a time
What about the beauty of nature and the importance of preserving it for future generations?
What about all the dreams That you said was yours and mine
What about the shared aspirations for a better and more just world, where everyone has equal opportunities?
Did you ever stop to notice All the children dead from war
Have you ever realized how many innocent lives are lost in wars, and how much suffering is caused to families and communities?
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 the current state of the world, where environmental, social, and political problems are threatening our existence and well-being?
What about apathy (What about us) Drowning in the seas (What about us) What about the promised land Preachin' what I believe (What about us) What about the holy land (What about it) What about the greed (What about us) Where did we go wrong Someone tell me why (What about us) What about baby boy (What about him) What about the days (What about us) What about all their joy Do we give a damn
What about the lack of empathy and compassion in our society, which is causing suffering and despair? And what about the common values and beliefs that should unite us rather than divide us?
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
The artist reflects on his own childhood dreams and aspirations, which seem to have faded away as he realizes the harsh reality of the world.
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: Michael Jackson
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@tumbamarch89
One of the most powerful videos in music history.
@GeaGea616
Agree with you ❤ from Zagreb
@GeaGea616
Agree with you 100% and crying...❤ from Zagreb
@seanyokay
Scorned and ridiculed at the time...yet Michael' s message still holds up....and is more relevant more than ever.
@luckie6682
And nobody could see what he was saying talking about the music industry , he saw way far away then we could ever imagine, this is why they got rid of him , I miss him so much , always love you Michael rest in heaven Amen
@mattobronkhorst4740
yes it is
@tenebos3378
Michael Jackson didn't make ordinary music. He made MAGIC.
@tranminhhao85
Heal the world, who is this, we are the world, dangerous, a place no name, what ever happen, say say say... so amazing. I love all of them
@cesarwcabrera
Yes my friend agree
@michaeljackson1219
Yes