Tabloid Junkie
Michael Jackson
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Speculate to break the one you hate Circulate the lie you confiscate Assassinate and mutilate The hounding media in hysteria Who's the next for you to resurrect JFK exposed the CIA Truth be told the grassy knoll The blackmail story in all your glory It's Slander You say it's not a sword But with your pen you torture men You'd crucify the Lord And you don't have to read it And you don't have to eat it To buy it is to feed it So why do we keep foolin' ourselves Just because you read it in a magazine Or see it on the TV screen Don't make it factual Though everybody wants to read all about it Just because you read it in a magazine Or see it on the TV screen Don't make it factual, actual They say he's homosexual In the hood Frame him if you could Shoot to kill To blame him if you will If he dies sympathize Such false witnesses Damn self righteousness In the black Stab me in the back In the face To lie and shame the race Heroine and Marilyn The headline stories of All your glory It's slander With the words you use You're a parasite in black and white Do anything for news If you don't go and buy it Then they won't glorify it To read it sanctifies it Then why do we keep foolin' ourselves Just because you read it in a magazine Or see it on the TV screen Don't make it factual Everybody wants to read all about it Just because you read it in a magazine Or see it on the TV screen Don't make it factual See, but everybody wants to believe all about it Just because you read it in a magazine Or see it on the TV screen Don't make it factual See, but everybody wants to believe all about it Just because you read it in a magazine Or see it on the TV screen Don't make it factual, actual She's blonde and she's bisexual Scandal With the words you use You're a parasite in black and white Do anything for news And you don't go and buy it Then they won't glorify it To read it sanctifies it Why do we keep foolin' ourselves Slander You say it's not a sin But with your pen you torture men Then why do we keep foolin' ourselves Just because you read it in a magazine Or see it on the TV screen Don't make it factual Though everybody wants to read all about it Just because you read it in a magazine Or see it on the TV screen Don't make it factual See, but everybody wants to believe all about it Just because you read it in a magazine Or see it on the TV screen Don't make it factual Just because you read it in a magazine Or see it on the TV screen Don't make it factual Just because you read it in a magazine Or see it on the TV screen Don't make it factual, actual You're so damn disrespectable
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Written by: MICHAEL JACKSON, JAMES HARRIS III, TERRY LEWIS
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd.
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
13 facts about this song
Album Classification"Tabloid Junkie" is one of the tracks on Michael Jackson's ninth studio album, "HIStory: Past, Present and Future, Book I," which was released in 1995.
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Song's MessageIt is a commentary on the media and how it can twist and manipulate words and situations to sell stories, hence the title, "Tabloid Junkie."
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Collaborative EffortThe song was co-written by Michael Jackson, Jimmy Jam, and Terry Lewis.
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Sound EffectsUnlike most pop songs, "Tabloid Junkie" includes sound effects like camera shutters clicking and telephone lines ringing to create an atmosphere of press harassment.
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Defensive LyricsThe lyrics of the song defend Jackson against negative press coverage, making it autobiographical to a certain extent.
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Partial SpeechThe song begins with a partial speech by actor Malcolm McDowell, "Just because you read it in a magazine or see it on a TV screen, don't make it factual."
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AccompanimentThe song features a choir singing in unison with Jackson at certain points, adding impact to his message.
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Musical CompositionThe song primarily utilizes pop and RnB elements and is noted for its intricate layering, building up a rich texture of sounds.
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Nods to other songsThe lyrics "Just because you read it in a magazine / Or see it on the TV screen / Don't make it factual" have been compared to the lines "Just because you read it in a book / Or see it on your TV screen / Don't make it factual" from Jackson's earlier song "Can't Let Her Get Away," implying a recurring theme in his work.
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ReceptionWhile the song didn't achieve chart success, it has been generally appreciated by fans and critics for its musical innovation and potent message.
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No Official Music VideoThere is no official music video for "Tabloid Junkie". As such, it is one of the lesser-known songs from the HIStory album.
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Unauthorized LyricsDespite its strong message about media misrepresentation, lyrics of this track were reported in some media as officially authorized by the artist, which was not factual. This incident particularly echoed the song's underlying critique of how the media often misconstrues facts.
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InfluencesThe track reportedly drew influences from new jack swing - a fusion genre popular in the late 80s and early 90s, combining elements of jazz, funk, R&B, and hip hop.
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Citation
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