Show Notes
In this final essay from Dancing the Dream, Michael interrogates his own relationship to the world around him, and what he “owes” other life forms on earth. While examining a famous photograph of a baby seal, he finds himself projecting his own feelings and views onto the seal, forcing him to question his role in the good and bad that happens in the natural world. As a thoughtful close to this book, "Look Again, Baby Seal" challenges all readers to consider what role they play in both the betterment and suffering of the modern world.
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More from Reading Michael Jackson
According to the Songwriter's Hall of Fame, Michael wrote over 200 songs in his lifetime. However, so many of those songs have never been, and never will be heard. The rare unreleased that have leaked online over the years offer amazing insight into Michael's creative process and level of perfection, especially when those he kept in the vault are as good as "Chicago 1945!"
As one of Michael Jackson's most spiritual songs, the deep meaning of "Another Part of Me" can easily overlooked given its inaugural debut in Captain E.O. Though it's meaning certainly aligned with the storyline of the short film, this high energy pop song may often be cast aside as just another great dance hit. However, in this episode we take a slowed down approach, reading the lyrics and analyzing them line-by-line. Though this episode kicks off with a reflection on attending Spike Lee's birthday block party for Michael on August 29 in Brooklyn, NY, the majority of the discussion centers not only on the themes within the lyrics of "Another Part of Me", but also the choices Michael made to alter the lyrics in his live performance of the song. I also touch upon how the unity Michael strives for in these lyrics lives on today in his fandom around the world.
Kicking off our first episode of Season 3 is a deep-dive into arguably one of Michael's strongest album opener's: "Wanna Be Startin' Somethin.'" This high-energy song with it's uplifting and much-sampled outro is undeniably beloved. But how well understood is it?
After a post-biopic summer hiatus, "Reading Michael Jackson" is back with Season 3! Having already covered Michael's books in Seasons 1 and 2, this season we will focus on Michael's most well-known, yet routinely under-appreciated writing: his lyrics.
In this special bonus episode of Reading Michael Jackson, we celebrate Michael's 68th birthday with a deep dive into the true meaning behind the creation of his Neverland Ranch, as well as his humanitarian legacy. Featuring interview clips from Neverland's Head of Security Violet Gaitan Booker, Amusement Park Manager Al Scanlan, and Audio support Brad Sundberg, as well as clips from Michael Jackson's own interviews, this episode focuses on the true heart of Neverland, and honoring Michael Jackson's dream of healing the world.