Michael Jackson

Released: July 16, 1988

Songwriter: John Bettis Steve Porcaro

Producer: Quincy Jones

[Verse 1]
Reaching out
Across the night-time
The city winks a sleepless eye
Hear her voice
Shake my window
Sweet seducing sighs
Get me out
Into the night-time
Four walls won't hold me tonight
If this town
Is just an apple
Then let me take a bite

[Chorus]
If they say, "Why? Why?"
Tell 'em that is human nature
Why, why does he do me that way?
If they say, "Why? Why?"
Tell 'em that is human nature
Why, why does he do me that way?

[Verse 2]
Reaching out
To touch a stranger
Electric eyes are everywhere
See that girl
She knows I'm watching
She likes the way I stare

[Chorus]
If they say, "Why? Why?"
Tell 'em that is human nature
Why, why does he do me that way?
If they say, "Why? Why?"
Tell 'em that is human nature
Why, why does he do me that way?
I like livin' this way
I like lovin' this way

[Refrain]
Ha-wah-oh-wah
Ha-wah-wah

[Verse 3]
Reaching out
Into the night-time
The city's heart begins to beat
Reaching out
I touch her shoulder
I'm dreaming of the street
Everybody sing

[Chorus]
If they say, "Why? Why?"
Tell 'em that is human nature
Why, why does he do me that way?
Everybody, "Why? Why?"
Tell 'em that is human nature
Why, why does he do me that way?
If they say, "Why? Why? Why? Why?"
Ooh, tell them
Why does he do me that way?
If they say, "Why? Why? Why? Why?"
Ooh, tell 'em
Why does he do me that way?
I like living this way

[Outro]
Ha-wah-oh-wah
Ha-wah-oh-wah
Wah...

Michael Jackson was born on August 29, 1958, in Gary, Indiana. Jackson began his career when he was seven years old as the lead singer of the Jackson 5, breaking into stardom in 1969 after signing into Motown. The Jackson 5’s first four singles all peaked at number one on the Billboard 100, and soon after Michael pursued a solo career.

His breakthrough fifth album, 1979’s Off The Wall produced four top ten hits (including “Don’t Stop ‘Til You Get Enough”) and sold 20 million copies, establishing him as a household name. The album was followed with 1982’s Thriller, which became the best selling album of all time, and was the first album to feature seven top 10 singles, including “Billie Jean” and “Beat It.”

In 1985, Michael contributed to the collaboration single “We Are The World”, which remains one of the best-selling singles of all time and raised nearly $65 million for famine relief.

more tracks from the album

Live at Wembley (July 16, 1988)

From the albums

Michael Jackson popular songs

Human Nature (Live at Wembley Stadium, July 16, 1988)Michael Jackson

Michael Jackson

Live at Wembley (July 16, 1988)