Michael Jackson – Ghosts

“Ghost,” a mesmerizing short film and song by Michael Jackson, is a captivating journey into the surreal and fantastical. Released in 1996 as part of the “Blood on the Dance Floor: HIStory in the Mix” album, “Ghosts” showcases Jackson’s unparalleled creativity and his ability to push the boundaries of music and visual storytelling.

Background (Watch the video below)

From the moment the film begins, viewers are transported into a world of magic and mystery, as Jackson portrays a variety of characters, including a supernatural being known as the Maestro, who is misunderstood and feared by the townsfolk. Through stunning special effects and choreography, Jackson dazzles audiences with his ability to seamlessly transform into different characters, blurring the lines between reality and fantasy.

Lyrically, “Ghosts” delves into themes of persecution and acceptance, as Jackson’s character confronts the prejudices and misconceptions of the townspeople. With powerful lines like “Tell me are you the ghost of jealousy, the ghost of jealousy” Jackson challenges us to confront our own fears and prejudices, urging us to embrace diversity and celebrate our differences.

But perhaps the most striking aspect of “Ghosts” is its groundbreaking special effects and innovative use of technology. Directed by Stan Winston and written by Stephen King and Mick Garris, the film features state-of-the-art visual effects that were ahead of its time. From jaw-dropping transformations to breathtaking illusions, “Ghosts” is a testament to Jackson’s commitment to pushing the boundaries of creativity and storytelling.

Despite its initial commercial reception, “Ghosts” remains a beloved favorite among Jackson’s devoted fans, who appreciate its artistic vision and its powerful message of tolerance and acceptance. It serves as a testament to Jackson’s enduring legacy as a visionary artist and a true pioneer of popular culture, reminding us of the transformative power of music and storytelling to inspire, uplift, and unite us all.

Lyrics: Let’s sing along with the lyrics!

There’s a ghost down in the hall
There’s a ghoul upon the bed
There’s something in the walls
There’s blood up on the stairs
And it’s floating through the room
And there’s nothing I can see
I know This place is doomed
Because now it’s haunting me

I don’t understand it
Hey!
I don’t understand it!
Aaow!

There’s a tapping in the floor
There’s a creak behind the door
There’s a rocking in the chair
But there’s no-one sitting there
There’s a ghostly smell around
But nobody to be found
And a coughing and a yawning
Where a restless soul is going

Don’t understand it
(Got a ghost, got a break in the walls)
Hey!
(Got a ghoul, got a break in the halls)
Don’t understand it!
(Got a ghost, got a break in the walls)
(Got a ghoul, got a break in the halls)
(Got a ghost, got a break in the walls)
(Got a ghoul, got a break in the halls)
(Got a ghost, got a break in the walls)
(Got a ghoul, got a break in the halls)

And who gave you the right to scare my family?
And who gave you the right to shame my baby, she needs me
And who gave you the right to shake my family tree?
You put a knife in my back, shot an arrow in me!
Tell me, are you the ghost of jealousy?
The ghost of jealousy

There’s a tapping in the floor
There’s a creak behind the door
There’s a rocking in the chair
But nobody sitting there
There’s a ghostly smell around
But nobody to be found
And a coffin in-lay open
Where a restless soul is spoiling

Don’t understand it!
(Gotta ghost gotta break in the walls)
Yeah yeah!
(Got a ghoul, got a break in the halls)
Don’t understand it!
(Got a ghost, got a break in the walls)
You’re just a dog gone!
(Got a ghoul, got a break in the halls)
Aaow!

And who gave you the right to scare my family?
And who gave you the right to scare my baby
She needs me
And who gave you the right to shake my family tree?
And who gave you the right to take intrusion
To see me?
And who gave you the right to shake my family?
And who gave you the right to hurt my baby
She needs me
And who gave you the right to shake my family tree?
You put a knife in my back, shot an arrow in me!
Tell me, are you the ghost of jealousy?
A suckin’ ghost of jealousy
Aaow!
And who gave you the right to shake my family?
And who gave you the right to shake my baby
She needs me
And who gave you the right to shake my family tree?
And who gave you the right to take intrusion
To see me?
And who gave you the right to hurt my family?
And who gave you the right hurt my baby, she needs me
And who gave you the right to scare my family tree?
You put a knife in my back, shot an arrow in me!
Tell me, are you the ghost of jealousy?
The ghost of jealousy
Aaow!

Dog gone
But there’s no doubt about it, piece of mind
Tell me, are you the ghost of jealousy?

Video