Behind the Mask

Michael Jackson

About Behind the Mask

"Behind the Mask" is an instrumental composed by Japanese musician Ryuichi Sakamoto for a 1978 Seiko commercial. One year later, a rerecorded version by his band Yellow Magic Orchestra was released in 1979 as part of their album Solid State Survivor, with English lyrics added by Chris Mosdell. The song has been performed by several artists since its original release. In the early 1980s, Michael Jackson wrote additional lyrics for the song with an accompanying melody; this version has been recorded by himself, Greg Phillinganes, Eric Clapton, and Ryuichi Sakamoto (as a solo artist), among others.  


Year:
2010
146 
#1

 Watch: New Singing Lesson Videos Can Make Anyone A Great Singer

All along I had to talk about it
But like a two edged sword,
He touched you and it stabs

All along I knew you were
A phony girl
You sit behind the mask
And you control your world

You sit around and I watch your face
I try to find the truth but that's your hiding place
You say you love me but its hard to see
Cause when he's in your arms,
Your throwing rocks at me
Who do you love?
Is it me?
Well, I don't know
Who do you love?
That I want
If you had
If you knew me

(There is nothing in your eyes)
There is nothing in your eyes
(But that's the way you cry)
But that's the way you cry, girl (cry, girl)
(All is grand, all is bright)
All is grand, all is bright
(You're just steady in my mind)

I walk around I'm sufferin'
In my doom
When I come to you,
You're sittin' in your room
You sit around in the strangest place
So take off the mask
So I can see your face
Who do you love?

Is it me?
Well, I don't know
Who do you love?
That I want ya
If you had
I know you

(Heaven must be weary)
Heaven must be weary
(Your smile is scary)
You got me scared, girl
(Insincere, empty tears)
?
You got me scared, girl

(Heaven must be weary)
Heaven must be weary
(Your smile is scary)
You know ooh, babe
(Insincere, empty tears)
?
Na na na
(Where's your soul? Where did it go?)

I walk around, I'm suffering in my doom
When I come to you, you're sitting in your room
You sit around in the strangest place
So take off the mask, so I can see your face

Who do you love?
Is it me?
Well, I don't know
Who do you love?
Gotta want ya
If he had
I know you

Who do you love?
Is it me?
Well,
I don't know
Who do you love?
God I want ya
If he can
I don't know
I don't wanna talk about it (let's talk about it)
I don't wanna talk about it (let's talk about it)
I don't wanna talk about it (let's talk about it)

 The easy, fast & fun way to learn how to sing: 30DaySinger.com


Michael Jackson

Michael Joseph Jackson (August 29, 1958 – June 25, 2009) was an American recording artist also he is the most famous recording artist worldwide, entertainer and businessman. Often referred to as the King of Pop, King of Pop, Rock and Soul, or by his initials MJ, Jackson is recognized as the most successful entertainer of all time by Guinness World Records. His contributions to music, dance, and fashion, along with a much-publicized personal life, made him a global figure in popular culture for over four decades. The eighth child of the Jackson family, he debuted on the professional music scene along with his brothers as a member of The Jackson 5 in 1964, and began his solo career in 1971. He has donated a total of 500 Million dollars to charities and has sold… more »

49 fans

Written by: RYUICHI SAKAMOTO, CHRIS MOSDELL, MICHAEL JACKSON

Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind


10 facts about this song

Creation Process
The song "Behind the Mask" was still unfinished in Michael Jackson's hands when he died. It was posthumously completed and released.
Original Creators
The song was originally written and performed by the Japanese band, Yellow Magic Orchestra in 1979.
Greg Phillinganes Version
It was first reworked and introduced to the Western audience by Greg Phillinganes, a keyboardist who had previously worked with Michael Jackson.
Copyright Issues
Michael Jackson's version of "Behind the Mask" faced some legal issues and came out after legal clearances.
Posthumous Release
The song is featured in his first posthumous album, "Michael", released in 2010.
Recognition
"Behind the Mask" was nominated for Best Male Pop Vocal Performance at the 54th Annual Grammy Awards.
Background Singers
The background vocals in the finalized version of the song include Jackson’s nephews, Taryll, Taj, and TJ Jackson.
Mysterious Persona
The lyrics contain elements that coincide with the mysterious and misunderstood persona that the media often portrayed Jackson as having.
Musical Style
The song is known for its fusion of pop and rock, which is a trademark of many of Michael Jackson's compositions.
Music Video
Though Jackson is no longer alive, a music video was created for "Behind The Mask". It is a compilation of clips submitted by fans worldwide showing their love for Michael Jackson and his music.

Discuss the Behind the Mask Lyrics with the community:

0 Comments

    Citation

    Use the citation below to add these lyrics to your bibliography:

    Style:MLAChicagoAPA

    "Behind the Mask Lyrics." Lyrics.com. STANDS4 LLC, 2024. Web. 29 Mar. 2024. <https://www.lyrics.com/lyric/24345647/Michael+Jackson/Behind+the+Mask>.

    Missing lyrics by Michael Jackson?

    Know any other songs by Michael Jackson? Don't keep it to yourself!

    Watch the song video

    Behind the Mask

    11.4M
    376.5K     8,962

    Browse Lyrics.com

    Quiz

    Are you a music master?

    »
    Who of the following is not a Dutch rapper?
    A Lars Vaular
    B Snelle
    C Kraantje Pappie
    D Lil Kleine

    Free, no signup required:

    Add to Chrome

    Get instant explanation for any lyrics that hits you anywhere on the web!

    Free, no signup required:

    Add to Firefox

    Get instant explanation for any acronym or abbreviation that hits you anywhere on the web!

    Michael Jackson tracks

    On Radio Right Now

    Loading...

    Powered by OnRad.io


    Think you know music? Test your MusicIQ here!