The Eternal Questions of Love and Life in Michael Jackson's 'Why'

Michael Jackson's song 'Why' delves into the perplexing and often unanswerable questions that arise in both love and life. The lyrics are a series of rhetorical questions that juxtapose the predictable patterns of nature and time with the unpredictable and often painful experiences of love. By asking why Monday comes before Tuesday or why summers start in June, Jackson highlights the certainty of some aspects of life. In contrast, he questions why people fall in love only to break up, emphasizing the uncertainty and emotional turmoil that love can bring.

The song's chorus repeatedly asks, 'Why do I love you? Tell me why,' capturing the essence of love's inexplicable nature. Jackson admits that he cannot explain the feelings in his heart or the pain he experiences when apart from his loved one. This emotional vulnerability is a hallmark of Jackson's music, where he often explores deep and complex emotions. The lyrics convey a sense of helplessness and longing, as he expresses that without his loved one, he feels incomplete and unable to function.

Throughout the song, Jackson uses natural and temporal metaphors to draw parallels between the cycles of life and the cycles of love. Questions about the seasons, days of the week, and natural phenomena like rivers flowing to the sea serve to underscore the inevitability and mystery of life's processes. Yet, the recurring theme is the pain and confusion that love brings, making the listener ponder the purpose and nature of love itself. Jackson's soulful delivery and poignant lyrics make 'Why' a powerful exploration of the human condition, filled with both wonder and sorrow.

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  1. Billie Jean
  2. Heal The World
  3. You Rock My World
  4. Put It On The Line
  5. You Are Not Alone
  6. Chicago
  7. Why You Wanna Trip On Me
  8. They Don't Care About Us
  9. Beat It
  10. 2 Bad (feat. Shaquille O'Neal)
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