"Childhood" is a song by Michael Jackson released as the tenth track on the second disc of the HIStory: Past, Present and Future, Book I album. It was released as a single on May 29, 1995, and serves as the second single from the album, specifically a part of a double-a-side, "Scream/Childhood". The song became the main theme song for Free Willy 2: The Adventure Home.
The song would also be released as a standalone promotional single in the UK and Europe.[1][2]
Background[]
Jackson wrote, co-produced with David Foster, and recorded "Childhood" between June 27, 1994-March 1995. The track is Jackson's most biographical song. It's themes revolve around his childhood trauma, people judging him over his child-like character, the pressures of being world-famous from such a young age, and his relationship with his father, Joseph.
According to then-assistant engineer Ryan Arnold however, Foster didn't produce much on "Childhood". He said that the song seemed like an opportunity for the latter to be on the credits. He also stated that he didn't listen to the song in 25 years, due to his dislike for it.[3]
Music video[]
The video was directed by Nicholas Brandt and released in July 1995. It features Jackson in a forest, while in the night sky are flying airships. On them, children are seen playing games. More children are flying up to the airships while Jackson stays in place on the ground. Actors featured in Free Willy 2 reprise their roles for the clip.[4]
Audio[]
An alternate mix originating from August 24, 1994, leaked online on January 27, 2023, after the Brad Sundberg laptop theft. No major changes are noticeable.
- August 24, 1994 mix - (
listen)
Lyrics[]
[Verse 1]
Have you seen my childhood?
I'm searching for the world that I come from
'Cause I've been looking around
In the lost and found of my heart
No one understands me
They view it as such strange eccentricities
'Cause I keep kidding 'round
Like a child, but pardon me
[Chorus]
People say I'm not okay
'Cause I love such elementary things
It's been my fate to compensate
For the childhood
I've never known
[Verse 2]
Have you seen my childhood?
I'm searching for that wonder in my youth
Like pirates in adventurous dreams
Of conquest and kings on the throne
Before you judge me, try hard to love me
Look within your heart, then ask
Have you seen my childhood?
[Chorus]
People say I'm strange that way
'Cause I love such elementary things
It's been my fate to compensate
For the childhood (Childhood)
I've never known
[Verse 3]
Have you seen my childhood?
I'm searching for that wonder in my youth
Like fantastical stories to share
The dreams I would dare, watch me fly
Before you judge me, try hard to love me
The painful youth I've had
[Outro]
Have you seen my childhood?
Gallery[]
![Promotional CD #1 back cover[1]](/wiki/File:Childhoodpromosingleback.jpg "Childhoodpromosingleback.jpg (128 KB)")
![Promotional CD #1[1]](/wiki/File:Childhoodpromosinglecd.jpg "Childhoodpromosinglecd.jpg (74 KB)")
![Promotional CD #2 back cover[2]](/wiki/File:Childhoodcdback.jpg "Childhoodcdback.jpg (55 KB)")
![Promotional CD #2[2]](/wiki/File:Childhoodcd.jpg "Childhoodcd.jpg (103 KB)")
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"Look deep within yourself, and you'll find something amazing." To view the Childhood gallery, click here. |
Trivia[]
- The HIStory album booklet includes 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.
References[]
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 https://www.discogs.com/release/997738-Michael-Jackson-Childhood
- ↑ 2.0 2.1 2.2 https://www.discogs.com/release/1690277-Michael-Jackson-Childhood
- ↑ https://www.reddit.com/r/MichaelJackson/comments/bhi3u6/comment/elt42v8/
- ↑ https://www.imdb.com/title/tt6664076/?ref_=nv_sr_srsg_0_tt_2_nm_0_q_childhood%2520michael