Scared Of The Moon
Michael Jackson
The Haunting Shadows: Michael Jackson's 'Scared Of The Moon'
Michael Jackson's 'Scared Of The Moon' delves into the deep-seated fears and anxieties that can linger from childhood into adulthood. The song paints a vivid picture of a young girl lying alone in her room, surrounded by darkness and shadows. The moonlight, which should be a source of comfort, instead becomes a source of terror, casting eerie shadows that invade her space and her mind. This imagery sets the stage for a narrative about the persistence of childhood fears and how they can shape one's life even as they grow older.
The lyrics describe the girl's attempts to hide from the moonlight, pulling up the covers and shivering in fright. Despite reassurances from others that her fears are just 'childish fantasies,' the terror she feels is very real to her. This highlights a common experience where children's fears are often dismissed by adults, yet these fears can have a lasting impact. The moon, a symbol often associated with mystery and the unknown, becomes an antagonist in her life, representing the things that go bump in the night and the anxieties that are hard to shake off.
As the song progresses, it becomes clear that the girl's fear of the moon has not diminished with age. The 'feeling of terror' she experienced as a child has 'turned from a fantasy into the truth,' suggesting that her childhood fears have evolved into a more profound psychological struggle. The moon's light, which once caused her to cry out in fear, now 'twists her soul' and takes a 'fearful toll.' The song concludes with a poignant image of others who share her fear, waiting for the sunlight to dispel their gloom. This collective experience of fear underscores the song's theme of shared human anxieties and the ways in which we cope with them.
' Scared Of The Moon' is a haunting exploration of the lasting impact of childhood fears and the ways in which they can shape our adult lives. Michael Jackson's emotive delivery and the song's evocative lyrics create a powerful narrative about the shadows that linger in our minds and the light we seek to dispel them.