Human Nature

Michael Jackson

About Human Nature

"Human Nature" is a 1982 song by American singer Michael Jackson, and the fifth single from his sixth solo album, Thriller. The track was produced by Jones and performed by members of Toto with Michael Jackson providing vocals. The track was produced by Jones and performed by members of Toto with Michael Jackson providing vocals. It was originally written by keyboardist Steve Porcaro, based on a conversation he had had with his young daughter Heather after a boy pushed her at school, Porcaro said "he probably likes you and it's human nature". Porcaro, along with some of his bandmates from the band Toto, had been assisting with the production of Thriller, but he had not intended for "Human Nature" to be used by Jackson. However, Thriller producer Quincy Jones inadvertently heard a demo version of the track and thought it would be a great fit for the album. Jones then brought in songwriter John Bettis to rewrite the verses, whose lyrics are about a passerby in New York City."Human Nature" was released as a single on July 3, 1983. Like the four Thriller singles before it, the song became a top 10 hit in the US, reaching number seven on the Billboard Hot 100. It also reached number two on Billboard Adult Contemporary chart. It is certified Platinum by the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA). In Canada and the Netherlands, the single reached number 11. The single was not released in the UK. The song garnered positive reviews from music critics. "Human Nature" has been sampled by numerous artists, including Nas with "It Ain't Hard to Tell" , and Teddy Riley who remixed SWV's single "Right Here (Human Nature Remix)", with a sample of "Human Nature", the remix reaching number two on the Billboard Hot 100. 


Year:
1982
4:06
15,008 
#12

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Looking out
Across the nighttime
The city winks a sleepless eye
Hear her voice
Shake my window
Sweet seducing sighs

Get me out
Into the nighttime
Four walls won't hold me tonight
If this town
Is just an apple
Then let me take a bite

If they say,
Why, why, tell 'em that it's human nature
Why, why, does he do it that way
If they say,
Why, why, tell 'em that it's human nature
Why, why does he do me that way

Reaching out
To touch a stranger
Electric eyes are everywhere
See that girl
She knows I'm watching
She likes the way I stare

If they say,
Why, why, tell 'em that it's human nature
Why, why, does he do me that way
If they say,
Why, why, tell 'em that it's human nature
Why, why does he do me that way

I like livin' this way
I like lovin' this way

(That way) Why why
(That way) Why why

Looking out
Across the morning
Where the city's heart begins to beat
Reaching out
I touch her shoulder
I'm dreaming of the street

If they say,
Why, why, tell 'em that it's human nature
Why, why, does he do me that way
If they say,
Why, why, ooo tell 'em
Why, why does he do me that way
If they say why, why, cha cha cha cha cha cha
Why does he do me that way
If they say why, why, why, ooo tell 'em
Why does he do me that way
If they say why, ooo tell 'em
Why does he do me that way
If they say why, da da da da da da da da
Why does he do my that way, I like living this way
Why, oh why, why, why

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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: Steve Porcaro, John Bettis

Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind


13 facts about this song

Song's Origin
"Human Nature" was composed by Steve Porcaro, a member of the band Toto, and produced by Quincy Jones for Michael Jackson's famous album "Thriller" in 1982.
Chart Performance
The song managed to peak at number 7 on the Billboard Hot 100, making it the fifth top 10 single from the "Thriller" album.
Inspirational Source
The song was inspired by Steve Porcaro's daughter, who came home upset because a boy pushed her. Porcaro's initial song-writings were intended as a comforting message for his young child.
The Creation Process
The lyrics were written by John Bettis, who was largely inspired by the City of New York and his experiences there.
Popular Cover Version
"Human Nature" is perhaps best known for its cover by the R&B singer Brandy in her 1995 album “The Best of Brandy.”
Critical Reception
Many critics have praised the song for its sentimental lyrics and soft melody, making it one of Jackson's more underrated hits.
The Song's Legacy
"Human Nature" has been sampled and covered by numerous artists in different genres, including R&B, rap, and pop music. Notably, it was sampled by SWV for their song "Right Here (Human Nature Remix)" and by Chris Brown in "She Ain't You."
Live Performances
Michael performed "Human Nature" in each one of his world tours including "Victory Tour," "Bad World Tour," "Dangerous World Tour," "HIStory World Tour," and at his "This Is It" concert series.
Production Credit
Interestingly, Michael Jackson does not hold production credit for this song, unlike many of his others. Quincy Jones is the sole credited producer.
Song's Unique Appeal
"Human Nature" stands out as it veers away from the album's prevalent theme of disco and shows a more vulnerable side to Jackson both musically and lyrically.
Inclusion in Soundtracks
The song was also featured in the soundtracks for the movies "Waiting to Exhale" (1995) and "Captain EO" (1986), the latter of which starred Jackson himself.
Evolution of Lyrics
Originally, Porcaro wrote the song with the lyrics "Why, Why, Tell them that it's human nature/ Why, Why, does he do me that way," but Bettis changed it to "Why, Why, Tell them that it's human nature/ Why, Why, do they do me that way".
In a Tribute
Following Jackson's death in 2009, Madonna honored him by incorporating "Human Nature" into her Sticky & Sweet Tour.

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    Human Nature

    4.7M
    61,821     2,359

    Top Hot 100 Songs 1983

    Billboard #7


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