The gospel according to Michael Jackson ('Will You Be There?' and 'Heal the World' videos included)

Michael Jackson photo: Wikipedia

Part 2 of Michael Jackson's gospel music ties

The gospel according to Michael Jackson

Michael Jackson, the controversial "King of Pop," performed many styles of music during his stellar career, often combining and overlapping several genres on one song. As reported in Michael Jackson's gospel music ties, one style Jackson incorporated several times was gospel music. This is most obvious on those songs where he used a gospel choir on the chorus, but several of Michael Jackson's songs also utilized Bible verses or Christian themes in the lyrics, and he would use Biblical themes in his songs throughout his career.

Wikipedia on Michael Jackson gospel songs

Wikipedia lists at least two of Michael Jackson's songs as gospel: "Cry" and "Will You Be There." A partial list of some of the songs recorded by Michael Jackson with gospel elements in the music and/or lyrics would include: 

"The Little Drummer Boy" - Jackson 5

Included on the the 1970 Jackson 5 Christmas Album,  "The Little Drummer Boy" features lyrics about the birth of Jesus.

"Hallelujah Day"  - Jackson 5

"Hallelujah Day" was the first single from the Jackson 5's 1973 Skywriter album.

Hallelujah day

Sing hallelujah

Love is on its way

It’s coming to ya

Children gather ’round now

Clap your hands and sing

That old sun is shining down

Soon the bells are gonna ring

Yes they will now

Can’t you see that ray of hope

Somebody finally saw the light

They’re gonna send our brothers home

It’s gonna be alright, yeah

"We Are the World" - Michael Jackson

Michael Jackson's famous 1985 supergroup anthem "We Are the World," featured gospel music performers like Bob Dylan and Sheila E and was co-produced by gospel music's Michael Omartian. "We are the World" features this Bible misquote: 

As God has shown us by turning stone to bread

So we all must lend a helping hand.

"Man in the Mirror" - Michael Jackson

From the 1987 album Bad, "Man in the Mirror" features the Andraé Crouch Choir as well as background vocals from The Winans. More on Michael Jackson's relationship with Andraé Crouch at Did Michael Jackson become a Christian right before he died?

"Will You Be There?" - Michael Jackson

"Will You Be There?"  is from 1991's Dangerous. More on "Will You Be There?" at Michael Jackson's gospel music ties and Jennifer Hudson performs Michael Jackson's 'Will You Be There' at memorial service (video included). These lines are spoken by Michael Jackson in the song "Will You Be There?"

In our darkest hour

In my deepest despair

Will you still care?

Will you be there?

In my trials

And my tribulations

Through our doubts

And frustrations

In my violence

In my turbulence

Through my fear

And my confessions

In my anguish and my pain

Through my joy and my sorrow

In the promise of another tomorrow

"Keep the Faith" - Michael Jackson

"Keep the Faith" is also from Dangerous.

And you can go by feel

Stead of circumstance

But the power's in believing

So give yourself a chance...

"Heal the World" - Michael Jackson

"Heal the World" is a song with a direct scriptural reference from Michael Jackson's 1991 album, Dangerous.

We could fly so high

Let our spirits never die

In my heart

I feel you are all

My brothers

Create a world with

No fear

Together we'll cry

Happy tears

See the nations turn

Their swords

Into plowshares

"Cry" - Michael Jackson

From Michael Jackson's 2001 album, Invincible, "Cry" features a gospel choir directed by R. Kelly who also wrote the song and performs the backup vocals.

Faces filled with madness

Miracles unheard of (Hold on)

Faith is found in the winds

All we have to do is to reach for the truth, the truth

"Speechless" - Michael Jackson

"Speechless" is also from Michael Jackson's 2001 album, Invincible.

Nothing's real, but all is possible if God is on my side
When I'm with you I am in the light where I cannot be found
It's as though I am standing in the place called Hallowed Ground
Speechless, speechless, that's how you make me feel
Though I'm with you I am far away and nothing is for real
I'll go anywhere and do anything just to touch your face
There's no mountain high I cannot climb
I'm humbled in your grace

"We've Had Enough" - Michael Jackson

"We've Had Enough" is from Michael Jackson's Ultimate Collection which released in 2004.

We can't take it

We've already had enough

It's going down baby

Just let God decide,

It's going on baby

Just let God decide.

Was Michael Jackson a Christian?

Although he obviously had a deep interest in spiritual matters and often incorporated Biblical themes into his music, it is unclear whether or not Michael Jackson accepted Christ before he died. More on that discussion at Did Michael Jackson become a Christian right before he died? Singer Michael Jackson passed away on June 25, 2009.

More on Michael Jackson:

Michael Jackson King of Pop Dead at 50

Michael Jackson's gospel music ties

Did Michael Jackson become a Christian right before he died?

Forever Michael event honors King of Pop one year after Michael Jackson's death

Jennifer Hudson to perform at Michael Jackson's memorial service July 7

Musical guests, participants announced for Michael Jackson memorial service

Jennifer Hudson performs Michael Jackson's 'Will You Be There' at memorial service (video included)

More Michael Jackson Rumors - Was Michael Jackson a Christian When He Died?

Was Michael Jackson a Christian?

Also see:

The gospel according to 'Twilight's' Paramore ('Twilight' and 'Christian Sandwich' videos included)

The gospel according to Elvis Presley: Elvis' gospel recordings (gospel videos included)

Gospel Music 101: What is gospel music?