"In the Closet" is a song written and produced by American singer-songwriter Michael Jackson, released as the third track from the Dangerous album. It was released as a single on April 9, 1992, serving as the third single from the album. Princess Stéphanie of Monaco is featured during spoken parts of the song, credited as "Mystery Girl".
Background[]
"In the Closet" was written and composed by Jackson and Teddy Riley, and was one of several other ideas created by Riley at Soundtrack Studios to present to Jackson and his team in mid-1990. The track was originally envisioned a duet between Jackson and Madonna. According to a 1992 interview with British journalist Jonathan Ross, Madonna said she worked on some lyrical ideas for "In the Closet", but when she presented them to Jackson, he thought they were too provocative.[1] The duet idea eventually fell through.
Music video[]
The music video for "In the Closet" was directed by Herb Ritts and released on April 23, 1992. The video, which features model Naomi Campbell, was shot in sepia and takes place in Salton Sea, California. In the clip, the parts of Princess Stéphanie of Monaco are performed by Campbell, who performs sensual dance routines alongside Jackson.
Live performances[]
During the Dangerous World Tour, Jackson's band performed the instrumental to the first half of "In the Closet" as an interlude between "Heal the World" and "Man in the Mirror".
"In the Closet" was properly performed only during the HIStory World Tour. It was featured as a part of the tour opener, that being the "Scream" / "They Don't Care About Us" / "In the Closet" medley.
Audio[]
An early version of "In the Closet" was leaked alongside the rest of a DAT filled with early Dangerous mixes in 2002. This version doesn't feature anyone but Jackson, who performs scratch vocals over what would later be performed by Princess Stéphanie of Monaco.
- Early version - (
listen)
Lyrics[]
[Intro]
There's something I have to say to you
If you promise you'll understand
I cannot contain myself when in your presence
I'm so humble
Touch me, don't hide our love
Woman to man
[Verse 1]
She's just a lover who's doin' me by
It's worth the givin', it's worth the try
You cannot cleave it or put it in the furnace
You cannot wet it, you cannot burn it
She wants to give it
[Chorus]
She wants to give it
Ah, she wants to give it (Dare me)
She wants to give it
Ah, she wants to give it (She wants to give it)
She wants to give it (Yeah)
Ah, she wants to give it
She wants to give it
Ah, she wants to give it
[Verse 2]
It's just a feelin', you have to soothe it
You can't neglect it, you can't abuse it
It's just desire, you cannot waste it
Then if you want it, then won't you taste it?
She wants to give it
[Chorus]
She wants to give it
Ah, she wants to give it (Dare me)
She wants to give it
Ah, she wants to give it (She wanna get it)
She wants to give it (Yeah)
Ah, she wants to give it
She wants to give it
Ah, she wants to give it
[Interlude]
One thing in life you must understand
The truth of lust, woman to man
So open the door and you will see
There are no secrets, make your move, set me free
[Refrain]
Oh, because there's somethin' about you, baby
That makes me want to give it to you
I swear there's somethin' about you, baby (Oh)
[Interlude]
Just promise me whatever we say or whatever we do to each other
For now, we'll make a vow to just keep it in the closet
[Verse 3]
If you can get it, is it worth the try?
I really want it, I can't deny
It's just desire, I really love it
'Cause if it's achin', you have to rub it
She wants to give it
[Chorus]
She wants to give it
Ah, she wants to give it (Dare me)
She wants to give it
Ah, she wants to give it (Get it)
She wants to give it (Yeah)
Ah, she wants to give it
She wants to give it
Ah, she wants to give it
[Post-Chorus]
Just open the door and you will see
This passion burns inside of me
Don't say to me you'll never tell
Touch me there, make the move, cast the spell
Oh, because there's somethin' about you, baby
That makes me want to give it to you
I swear there's somethin' about you, baby
That makes me want
Just promise me whatever we say or do to each other (Whatever we do)
We'll make a vow forever that we'll just keep it in the closet
[Refrain]
Because there's somethin' about you, baby
That makes me want to give it to you
Because there's somethin' about you, baby
That makes me want to give it to you
I swear there's somethin' about you, baby
That makes me want to give it to you
I swear there's somethin' about you, baby
That makes me want to give it to you
I swear there's somethin' about you, baby
That makes me want to give it to you
I swear there's somethin' about you, baby
That makes me want
[Interlude]
Just promise me whatever we say or whatever we do to each other (Baby, whatever we do)
For now, we'll make a vow to just keep it in the closet
[Chorus]
She wants to give it (Dare me)
Keep it in the closet
She wants to give it (Dare me)
Keep it in the closet
She wants to give it
Ah, she wants to give it (Dare me)
She wants to give it
Ah, she wants to give it
She wants to give it
Ah, she wants to give it
She wants to give it
Ah, she wants to give it (Break it down)
She wants to give it (Dare me)
She wants to give it
Ah, she wants to give it
She wants to give it (Keep it in the closet)
She wants to give it (Ah)
She wants to give it (Ah, better keep it in the closet)
She wants to give it
Ah, she wants to give it (Dare me)
Gallery[]
Single release[]
![Vinyl back cover[2]](/wiki/File:Intheclosetvinylback.jpg "Intheclosetvinylback.jpg (54 KB)")
![Vinyl[2]](/wiki/File:Intheclosetvinyl.jpg "Intheclosetvinyl.jpg (90 KB)")
Recording sessions[]
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"Look deep within yourself, and you'll find something amazing." To view the In the Closet gallery, click here. |
Trivia[]
- On the single's original vinyl release, Princess Stéphanie of Monaco is credited as "Mystery Girl".
- The music video for "In the Closet" was banned in South Africa due to its "raunchy" content.[3]
- During the HIStory World Tour, Jackson performed the bridge part of "In the Closet" in a deep voice. These performances marked the first time Jackson had revealed his deep voice to the public.