Childhood (Michael Jackson song)

Last updated • 7 min readFrom Wikipedia, The Free Encyclopedia

"Childhood"
SCREAMjacket.jpg
Single by Michael Jackson
from the album HIStory: Past, Present and Future, Book I and Free Willy 2: Original Motion Picture Soundtrack
A-side "Scream"
ReleasedMay 29, 1995 (1995-05-29)
Genre Orchestral pop [1]
Length4:27
Label Epic
Songwriter(s) Michael Jackson
Producer(s)
Michael Jackson singles chronology
"Gone Too Soon"
(1993)
"Scream" / "Childhood"
(1995)
"You Are Not Alone"
(1995)
Music video
"Childhood" on YouTube

"Childhood" is a 1995 song composed and recorded by American singer Michael Jackson. [2] It was released as a track on Jackson's 1995 studio album HIStory: Past, Present and Future, Book I , and was released as a double A-side with Jackson's single "Scream".

Contents

"Childhood" is an autobiographical song written and composed by Michael Jackson. The theme of the track is his difficult childhood experiences. It would become the main theme song for Free Willy 2: The Adventure Home that centered on the character Elvis, continuing his association with the Free Willy series. The track appeared on several compilation albums, but was met with a mixed reception amongst critics. The song's music video, which had little in common with the supporting film, has been critically praised.

Background

"Childhood" is a biographical reference to Jackson's difficult years as a youngster, such as the relationship with his father Joseph and the pressures of being world-famous from such a young age as the lead singer of the Jackson 5. From a young age, Jackson and his siblings were allegedly physically and emotionally abused by their father through incessant rehearsals, whippings and derogatory name-calling. Jackson's abuse as a child had affected him throughout his later life. [3] In one altercation—later recalled by Marlon Jackson—Joseph held Michael Jackson upside down by one leg and "pummelled him over and over again with his hand, hitting him on his back and buttocks". [4] Joseph would allegedly often trip up or push his sons into walls. [4] One night, while Jackson was asleep, Joseph climbed into his room through the bedroom window. Wearing a fright mask, he entered the room screaming and shouting. Joseph said he wanted to teach his children not to leave the window open when they went to sleep. For a number of years afterward, Jackson suffered nightmares about being kidnapped from his bedroom. [4]

Although it had been reported for several years that Jackson had an abusive childhood, he first spoke openly about it in a 1993 interview with Oprah Winfrey. He grimaced when speaking of the childhood abuse at the hands of his father; he stated he had missed out on much of his childhood, admitting that he often cried from loneliness. [5] [6] [7] In the same interview, speaking of his father, Jackson said, "There were times when he'd come to see me, I'd get sick...I'd start to regurgitate. I'm sorry...Please don't be mad at me...But I do love him". [8] In Jackson's other high-profile interview Living with Michael Jackson (2003), he covered his face with his hand and began crying when talking about his childhood abuse. [4] Jackson recalled that Joseph sat in a chair as the group rehearsed, saying, "He had this belt in his hand. If you didn't do it the right way, he would tear you up, really get you. It was bad. Real bad". [9] When Jackson received his Living Legend award—presented to him by Janet Jackson—at the 1993 Grammys, he said, "I don't read all the things written about me, I wasn't aware the world thought I was so weird and bizarre. But when you grow up like I did in front of 100 million people since the age of five, you're automatically different...My childhood was completely taken away from me. There was no Christmas, no birthdays. It was not a normal childhood, no normal pleasures of childhood. Those were exchanged for hard work, struggle and pain, and eventual material and professional success". [10]

Both of Jackson's parents have denied the longstanding abuse allegations and Katherine acknowledges that although the whippings are viewed as child abuse by current generations, such disciplinary methods were normal back then. [11] [12] [13] In an interview, Jackie, Tito, Jermaine and Marlon have also denied that their father is abusive and according to Jermaine, he is, second to Michael, one of the most misunderstood people. [14]

For its inclusion in Free Willy 2: The Adventure Home, despite being billed as the theme from the film, "Childhood" played a pivotal role in the scene where Elvis ran away after his half-brother Jesse and their foster parents, Glen and Annie Greenwood each denied his help which in-turn caused the latter to accidentally break a promise she made between her and Elvis the previous day about letting him get involve in helping Willy and his siblings especially Willy's sister Luna who falls ill from swimming through the oil spill that trapped the whales at the main Camp Nor'Wester site where the Greenwoods were camping. An instrumental version of the song is also played when Elvis is all alone later that night. [15] [16]

Album booklet

In the HIStory: Past, Present and Future, Book I album booklet there is a drawing of Jackson as a child. He is huddled in a corner of the room and looks scared; the electric cord of his microphone has snapped. On one corner wall are the lyrics to "Childhood", the other wall shows Jackson's signature. [17] [18]

Production, music and reception

"Childhood" is a biographical song, written, produced and sung solely by Michael Jackson. [15] [19] New York City's children's choir are credited for providing backing vocals on the track. [20] The song appeared alongside an instrumental version in Free Willy 2: The Adventure Home and its soundtrack which was released by Epic Soundtrax, 550 Music and Jackson's label MJJ. [15] [16] Jackson had previously provided the main theme song for the first Free Willy film, his hit single "Will You Be There", originally from Dangerous . [21] Aside from HIStory and the Free Willy 2: The Adventure Home soundtrack, "Childhood" appeared on compilations such as Movie Music: The Definitive Performances and Sony Music 100 Years: Soundtrack for a Century. [16]

Jon Pareles described it as a "defense show...Over tinkling keyboards and strings that could be sweeping across a cinemascope panorama, he croons [the lyrics]". [17] He described it as "creepy" yet "lushest". [17] In the song, Jackson states, "No one understands me...They view it as such strange eccentricities, 'cause I keep kidding around". He invokes "the painful youth I've had" and asks the public to, "Try hard to love me" and, with a breaking voice, asks, "Have you seen my childhood?". [17] James Hunter believed, "uncut Hollywood fluff like "Childhood"...has zero point of view on itself; its blend of rampaging ego and static orchestral pop is a Streisand-size mistake". [1] Chris Willman of the Los Angeles Times described it as "dynamically enunciated reading and maudlin string arrangement directly invoke Streisand". [22]

Tim Molloy, of the Associated Press, called it a sweet sounding pleading song. [23] Patrick Macdonald of The Seattle Times described "Childhood" as "a sad, self-pitying song, but quite moving and beautiful". [24] Taraborrelli observed that the song was not purely about his bad childhood years, but was also a plea for compassion and understanding. [25]

Live versions

"Childhood" was performed as an instrumental prelude to "Smooth Criminal" during the HIStory World Tour. It was also performed live during the Michael Jackson: The Immortal World Tour by Cirque du Soleil and is featured on the Immortal remix album.

Music video

The video is set in a forest; Jackson, in scruffy clothes, sings "Childhood" while sitting on a tree stump. The camera moves up the trees into the night sky and flying airships travel overhead. On board the ships, children are seen playing a variety of games as they travel further away from Jackson, towards the Moon. Other children appear in the forest undergrowth before floating up towards the airships, but Jackson remains seated on the tree stump. In addition to an appearance from Jenna Malone and Erika Christensen, there is a Free Willy 2 tie-in featuring Jason James Richter and Francis Capra reprising their roles as Jesse and Elvis respectively.

The video for "Childhood" is four and a half minutes long and has little in common with the corresponding film. [15] [19] In the publication, Doug Pratt's DVD: Movies, Television, Music, Art, Adult, and More!, Pratt describes the video as "outstanding, a Chris Van Allsburg-style vision of children in flying airships, crusading through a forest at night". [19]

Track listing

Adapted from the 1995 cassette single. [26]

No.TitleWriter(s)Length
1."Scream" (with Janet Jackson)James Harris III, Terry Lewis, Michael Jackson, Janet Jackson 4:38
2."Childhood" (Theme from Free Willy 2 )Michael Jackson4:28

Personnel

Cover versions

The song was covered by Italian singer Cristina D'Avena for her 2009 Magia Di Natale album as a tribute to Jackson. [28]

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Rebbie Jackson</span> American singer (born 1950)

Maureen Reillette "Rebbie" Jackson-Brown is an American singer and the eldest child of the Jackson family of musicians. She first performed on stage with her siblings during shows in Las Vegas, Nevada, at the MGM Grand Hotel and Casino in 1974, before subsequently appearing in the television series The Jacksons. At age 34, Jackson released her debut album Centipede (1984). The album featured songs written by Smokey Robinson, Prince, and Jackson's younger brother Michael, whose contribution became Rebbie's most successful single release. Jackson released two more albums in quick succession: Reaction (1986) and R U Tuff Enuff (1988).

<i>HIStory: Past, Present and Future, Book I</i> 1995 album by Michael Jackson

HIStory: Past, Present and Future, Book I is a double album by American singer-songwriter Michael Jackson, released on June 20, 1995. It consists of the greatest hits album, HIStory Begins, in addition to his ninth studio album, HIStory Continues. HIStory Begins was his first hits compilation not to be released on the Motown label and his first to contain material originally released through Epic Records, spanning from 1979 through 1991. HIStory Continues comprises new material written and produced by Jackson and collaborators. It was Jackson's fifth album released through Epic Records, and the first on his label MJJ Productions. The album includes appearances by Janet Jackson, Shaquille O'Neal, Slash, and the Notorious B.I.G. Its genres span R&B, pop, and hip hop with elements of hard rock and funk rock. The themes include environmental awareness, isolation, greed, suicide, injustice, and Jackson's conflicts with the media.

<i>Blood on the Dance Floor: HIStory in the Mix</i> 1997 remix album by Michael Jackson

Blood on the Dance Floor: HIStory in the Mix is a remix album by the American singer Michael Jackson. It was released on May 20, 1997, by Epic Records, and is the second album also released by MJJ Productions, Jackson's own record label. The album comprises eight remixes of songs from Jackson's ninth studio album, HIStory: Past, Present and Future, Book I (1995), and five new songs that failed to make previous albums. Jackson was involved primarily with the production of the new material; the remixes were produced by other artists. Blood on the Dance Floor: HIStory in the Mix incorporates R&B, pop, industrial, hip hop, house, funk and new jack swing. It concerns themes such as drug addiction, sex, relationships, and paranoia.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Wade Robson</span> Australian dancer and choreographer

Wade Jeremy William Robson is an Australian dancer and choreographer. He began performing as a dancer at age five, and has directed music videos and world tours for pop acts such as NSYNC and Britney Spears. Robson was the host and executive producer of The Wade Robson Project, which aired on MTV in 2003. In 2007, he joined the Fox television dance series So You Think You Can Dance as a guest judge and choreographer. He won a Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Choreography for the dance number "Ramalama " of So You Think You Can Dance.

<i>Free Willy 2: The Adventure Home</i> 1995 American film

Free Willy 2: The Adventure Home is a 1995 American family adventure drama film directed by Dwight Little from a screenplay by Karen Janszen, Corey Blechman and John Mattson. It is the sequel to the 1993 film Free Willy and second installment in the Free Willy film series distributed by Warner Bros. under their Warner Bros. Family Entertainment label. Jason James Richter, Jayne Atkinson, August Schellenberg, Michael Madsen and Mykelti Williamson reprise their roles from the first film. New cast members include Jon Tenney and Elizabeth Peña. Unlike the previous film where Keiko played Willy, a robotic double created by Edge Innovations was used to play the eponymous whale while the Free Willy Keiko Foundation devised a plan to bring Keiko to the Oregon Coast Aquarium where he would be rehabilitated from poor health, although Keiko did make an uncredited appearance, reprising his role as Willy through an archival clip shown in the film.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Scream (Michael Jackson and Janet Jackson song)</span> 1995 single by Michael and Janet Jackson

"Scream" is a song by American singers and siblings Michael and Janet Jackson. It was released as the lead single off Michael Jackson's ninth album HIStory: Past, Present and Future, Book I. It was released as a double A-side with "Childhood", a solo song by Michael. The single was released on May 29, 1995.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Earth Song</span> 1995 single by Michael Jackson

"Earth Song" is a song by the American singer Michael Jackson. It was written by Jackson and produced by Jackson, David Foster and Bill Bottrell. It was released by Epic Records on November 7, 1995, as the third single from Jackson's ninth studio album, HIStory: Past, Present and Future, Book I (1995).

<span class="mw-page-title-main">The Girl Is Mine</span> 1982 single by Michael Jackson and Paul McCartney

"The Girl Is Mine" is a song recorded by American singer-songwriter Michael Jackson and English singer-songwriter and musician Paul McCartney for Jackson's sixth solo album, Thriller. The track was written and co-produced by Jackson and produced by Quincy Jones. The song was recorded at Westlake Studios, Los Angeles, from April 14 to 16, 1982 and was released on October 18 of that same year as the album's first single. The year before, Jackson and McCartney had recorded "Say Say Say" and "The Man" for the latter's fifth solo album, Pipes of Peace (1983). Although "The Girl Is Mine" was released as a single, Jackson and McCartney never performed the song live.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Stranger in Moscow</span> 1996 single by Michael Jackson

"Stranger in Moscow" is a song by American singer Michael Jackson from his ninth studio album, HIStory: Past, Present and Future, Book I (1995). The song was released as the sixth and final single worldwide on November 4, 1996 by Epic Records. It was not released in the United States until July 7, 1997.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Cristina D'Avena</span> Italian singer and actress (born 1964)

Cristina D'Avena is an Italian actress, singer and television personality. She has sold nearly 7 million copies of her albums.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Ghosts (Michael Jackson song)</span> 1997 single by Michael Jackson

"Ghosts" is a 1997 song by American singer Michael Jackson, written, composed and produced by Jackson and Teddy Riley. It was released as part of "HIStory" / "Ghosts", a double A-side single with remixes of the song "HIStory" from Jackson's 1995 album as the second single from Blood on the Dance Floor: HIStory in the Mix. The Ghosts music video was a five-minute clip taken from a longer film, Michael Jackson's Ghosts. The song was a top five hit in the UK and Belgium.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Taj Jackson</span> American musician and producer (born 1973)

Tariano Adaryll "Taj" Jackson II is an American singer, songwriter, producer, and director. He is an original member of 3T along with his brothers Taryll Adren Jackson and Tito Joe ("TJ") Jackson. His career and solo work include a reality television series for which he was executive producer. His band 3T currently still tours, and he works as a spokesperson on behalf of the Jackson family.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Michael Jackson</span> American singer (1958–2009)

Michael Joseph Jackson was an American singer, songwriter, dancer, and philanthropist. Dubbed the "King of Pop", he is regarded as one of the most significant cultural icons of the 20th century. Over a four-decade career, his vast contributions to music, dance and fashion, along with his publicized personal life, made him a global figure in popular culture. Jackson influenced artists across a variety of musical styles. Through his decorative singing and visual presentation, he popularized street dance moves such as the moonwalk, which he named, the robot, and the anti-gravity lean.

"D.S." is a song by Michael Jackson, released on his 1995 album HIStory: Past, Present and Future, Book I. It is a rock song that conveys themes such as bitterness, mistrust and corruption within law enforcement. It was written, composed and produced by Jackson and includes an instrumental accompaniment and guitar solo by Slash.

The original Heal the World Foundation was a charitable organization founded by singer Michael Jackson in 1992. The foundation's creation was inspired by his charitable single of the same name. Through his foundation, Jackson airlifted 46 tons of supplies to Sarajevo, instituted drug and alcohol abuse education and donated millions of dollars to disadvantaged children, including the full payment of a Hungarian child's liver transplant. Failure to file yearly accounting statements saw the charity lose its tax exempt status in 2002. A different organization, with no relationship to Michael Jackson's foundation, incorporated in the state of California under the same name and applied for new tax exempt status in 2008. The Jackson estate took legal action against this organisation for unfair competition and trademark infringement in 2009.

<i>E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial</i> (album) 1982 audiobook and soundtrack album

E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial is an audiobook and soundtrack companion album for the 1982 film directed by Steven Spielberg. Composed by John Williams, the album was narrated by recording artist Michael Jackson, produced by Quincy Jones and distributed by MCA Records. The audiobook was produced by John Williams and Michael Jackson working with Rod Temperton, Freddy DeMann, and Bruce Swedien.

"Tabloid Junkie" is a song performed by American recording artist Michael Jackson. The song appeared as the eleventh track on Jackson's ninth studio album, HIStory: Past, Present and Future, Book I, which was released in 1995 as a two-disc set. The song was written, composed, and produced by Michael Jackson, Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Personal relationships of Michael Jackson</span> Overview of the personal relationships of Michael Jackson

The personal relationships of Michael Jackson have been the subject of public and media attention for several decades. He was introduced to the topic of sexual activity at the age of 9 while a member of the Jackson 5. He and his brothers would perform at strip clubs, sharing the bill with female strippers and drag queens, and the sexual adventures of his brothers with groupies further affected Jackson's early life. It was reported that his first girlfriend was actress Tatum O'Neal, when he was a teenager in the 1970s. However, Tatum O'Neal had stated that their relationship was strictly platonic. In recent years, singer and actress Stephanie Mills had revealed herself to be Jackson's first girlfriend, their relationship starting when they first met at the production of The Wiz. Jackson was then rumoured to have entered a platonic relationship with actress and model Brooke Shields in 1984. Shields later stated that they both held an equal admiration for each other, but that he started to become more asexual and distant towards her.

Bradley Buxer is an American keyboardist and composer, known for his many collaborations with the American musician Michael Jackson. In addition to recording with Jackson, Buxer was also the musical director for Jackson's tours for many years. Prior to that, he was a session musician for artists such as Stevie Wonder and Smokey Robinson and a member of the new wave band the Jetzons with Bruce Connole, Damon Doiron and drummer Steve Golladay. In the 2000s, he reunited with Connole with the Suicide Kings.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Philanthropy of Michael Jackson</span>

American singer Michael Jackson left a lasting legacy as a prolific philanthropist and humanitarian. Throughout Jackson's public life, he dedicated himself to various humanitarian causes, particularly in areas regarding poverty, disease, welfare, and disadvantaged youth. Jackson's early charitable work has been described by The Chronicle of Philanthropy as having "paved the way for the current surge in celebrity philanthropy", and by the Los Angeles Times as having "set the standard for generosity for other entertainers". By some estimates, he donated over $500 million to charity over the course of his life, at one time being recognized in Guinness World Records for the breadth of his philanthropic work.

References

  1. 1 2 Hunter, James (August 10, 1995). "Michael Jackson HIStory". Rolling Stone . Archived from the original on February 5, 2007. Retrieved July 23, 2008.
  2. "Childhood (Theme From "Free Willy 2")". MJJ Music. Sony Music Entertainment. Retrieved February 17, 2021.
  3. "Michael Jackson's Secret Childhood". VH1. Archived from the original on September 15, 2008. Retrieved June 20, 2008.
  4. 1 2 3 4 Taraborrelli, p. 20–22
  5. George, p. 45–46
  6. Campbell (1995), p. 14–16
  7. Lewis p. 165–168
  8. Taraborrelli, p. 620
  9. Taraborrelli, p. 602
  10. Campbell (1995), p. 20
  11. Katherine Jackson: Michael's strict upbringing not abuse (video). CNN. May 15, 2012. Archived from the original on December 22, 2021. Retrieved May 31, 2015.
  12. Friedman, Roger (February 7, 2003). "Michael Jackson's Unacceptable Behavior Revealed". Fox News Channel . Retrieved May 31, 2015.
  13. Duke, Alan (July 21, 2009). "Joe Jackson denies abusing Michael" (Press release). CNN. Retrieved May 31, 2015.
  14. "Jackson Brothers: Was Joe Jackson Abusive?". Yahoo! Celebrity. Archived from the original on May 22, 2015. Retrieved May 31, 2015.
  15. 1 2 3 4 "History on Film, Vol. 2". Billboard. Nielsen Business Media. Archived from the original on January 13, 2009. Retrieved September 15, 2008.
  16. 1 2 3 "Childhood ; Michael Jackson". Allmusic. Retrieved September 18, 2008.
  17. 1 2 3 4 Pareles, Jon (June 18, 1995). "Pop View; Michael Jackson Is Angry, Understand?". The New York Times. Retrieved September 18, 2008.
  18. Jackson, Michael. HIStory booklet. Sony BMG. p 34
  19. 1 2 3 Pratt, p. 792
  20. Jackson, Michael. HIStory booklet. Sony BMG. p 40
  21. "Free Willy Soundtrack". Allmusic. Retrieved September 18, 2008.[ dead link ]
  22. Willman, Chris (June 18, 1995). "POP REVIEW Hits and Missives Michael Jackson takes off the glove and rails at attackers with new songs that take the King of Pop from 'Bad' to sad-very sad". Los Angeles Times. Archived from the original on November 8, 2012. Retrieved August 18, 2008.
  23. Molloy, Tim (May 22, 2005). "Michael Jackson seemingly gives his side of story – on decade-old album". Associated Press. Retrieved November 5, 2008.
  24. Macdonald, Patrick (June 21, 1995). "'History' Lesson: Jackson's Living On Past Glories". The Seattle Times. Retrieved November 7, 2008.
  25. Taraborrelli, p. 437
  26. "Michael Jackson - Scream - Childhood - Theme From Free Willy 2 Cassette + Lyrics". Ebay.com . Retrieved November 13, 2020.
  27. Lecocq, Richard; Allard, François (October 23, 2018). Michael Jackson All The Songs: The Story Behind Every Track. Cassell. pp. 476–477. ISBN   978-1788400572.
  28. "Cristina D'Avena – Magia di Natale – cd di Cristina D'Avena – - disco di Cristina D'Avena – IBS". Ibs.it. Retrieved May 28, 2010.
Bibliography