Breaking News

The song 'Breaking News' addresses the troubled relationship the artist has with the media and the constant public scrutiny of his personal and professional life. The lyrics reflect the relentless pressure Jackson faced, with reporters and tabloids always eager for new, often sensationalized stories about his life. The repetition of 'This is breaking news' emphasizes how any aspect of his life, no matter how trivial, was turned into a headline.

The singer questions the media's and the public's obsession with his life, especially concerning his romantic relationships and mental sanity. He wonders why it is strange for him to fall in love and who the 'boogie man' people imagine is. These rhetorical questions highlight the disconnect between public perception and the reality of his life. The lyrics also suggest that the media uses his words as weapons, destroying his reputation and turning their backs on him even when he tries to reconnect with love and humanity.

The song also touches on a broader theme of how celebrities are treated by the media. The singer mentions that 'every day they say we're crazy celebrities,' reflecting the media's tendency to portray public figures negatively and exaggeratedly. The repetition of 'No matter what, you just wanna read it again' suggests that regardless of the truth, the public and the media are more interested in scandal and the repetition of sensationalist narratives. The song thus serves as a powerful critique of celebrity culture and the media's destructive role in the lives of famous people.

Additionally, there are discussions about the authenticity of the vocals in the song, with some speculating that someone else may have sung instead of Michael Jackson, but this has been denied by the record label. The debate continues to this day, and as a result, the song has even been removed from some music platforms. This adds an extra layer of complexity to the analysis, as it raises questions about authenticity and the manipulation of the artist's public image.