They Don't Care About Us

Michael Jackson

About They Don't Care About Us

"They Don't Care About Us" is the fifth single from Michael Jackson's album HIStory: Past, Present and Future, Book I, released on June 16, 1995. It is a protest song and remains one of the most controversial pieces Jackson ever composed. In the US, media scrutiny surrounding allegations of antisemitic lyrics were the catalyst for Jackson issuing multiple apologies and re-recording the song with altered lyrics. The singer countered allegations of antisemitism, arguing that reviews had misinterpreted the context of the song, either unintentionally or deliberately. "They Don't Care About Us" was accompanied by two music videos directed by Spike Lee. The first was shot in two locations in Brazil, in Pelourinho, the historic city center of Salvador, and in a favela of Rio de Janeiro called Dona Marta, where the state authorities had tried to ban all production over fears the video would damage their image, the area and prospects of Rio de Janeiro staging the 2004 Olympics. Still, the residents of the area were happy to see the singer, hoping their problems would be made visible to a wider audience. The second video was shot in a prison and contained video footage of multiple references to human rights abuses. 


Year:
1995
4:44
13,066 
#32

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Skin head, dead head
Everybody gone bad
Situation, aggravation
Everybody allegation
In the suite, on the news
Everybody dog food
Bang bang, shot dead
Everybody's gone mad

All I want to say is that
They don't really care about us
All I want to say is that
They don't really care about us

Beat me, hate me
You can never break me
Will me, thrill me
You can never kill me
Sue me, Sue me
Everybody do me
Kick me, kick me
Don't you black or white me

All I want to say is that
They don't really care about us
All I want to say is that
They don't really care about us

Tell me what has become of my life
I have a wife and two children who love me
I am the victim of police brutality, now
I'm tired of bein' the victim of hate
You're rapin' me of my pride oh, for God's sake
I look to heaven to fulfill its prophecy
Set me free

Skin head, dead head
Everybody gone bad
Trepidation, speculation
Everybody allegation
In the suite, on the news
Everybody dog food
Black man, black mail
Throw your brother in jail

All I want to say is that
They don't really care about us
All I want to say is that
They don't really care about us

Tell me what has become of my rights
Am I invisible because you ignore me?
Your proclamation promised me free liberty, now
I'm tired of bein' the victim of shame
They're throwing me in a class with a bad name
I can't believe this is the land from which I came
You know I do really hate to say it
The government don't want to see
But if Roosevelt was livin'
He wouldn't let this be, no, no

Skin head, dead head
Everybody gone bad
Situation, speculation
Everybody litigation
Beat me, bash me
You can never trash me
Hit me, kick me
You can never get me

All I want to say is that
They don't really care about us
All I want to say is that
They don't really care about us

Some things in life they just don't want to see
But if Martin Luther was livin'
He wouldn't let this be, no, no

Skin head, dead head
Everybody gone bad
Situation, segregation
Everybody allegation
In the suite, on the news
Everybody dog food
Kick me, kick me
Don't you wrong or right me

All I want to say is that
They don't really care about us
All I want to say is that
They don't really care about us

All I want to say is that
They don't really care about us
All I want to say is that
They don't really care about 

All I want to say is that
They don't really care about 
All I want to say is that
They don't really care about us

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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: Michael Jackson

Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind


14 facts about this song

Song Title & Creator
"They Don't Care About Us" is a song by American recording artist Michael Jackson.
Album
It was released on March 31, 1996, from his ninth studio album, "HIStory: Past, Present and Future, Book I."
Controversy
The song was controversial for its lyrics containing racial slurs, which aroused accusations of anti-Semitism. Jackson stated that he was using those terms to describe societal prejudice, not to promote hate.
Filming Locations
Two versions of the music video were created—a prison version directed by Spike Lee and a Brazil version shot in the Santa Marta slum of Rio de Janeiro.
Legal Issues
Michael Jackson faced legal issues with the Rio de Janeiro state’s government because they argued that the singer didn't obtain the necessary permits to film the video that was broadcasted around the world, showing the country in a negative light.
Certifications
Despite the controversies, "They Don't Care About Us" managed to top the charts in several countries and was certified platinum by the RIAA.
Live Performances
The song was a part of Jackson's setlist for the HIStory World Tour that commenced in 1996 and also featured in his concert movie 'This Is It.'
Remix
In 2020, a remix version of the song was released, featuring Brazilian percussion troupe Olodum, who also appeared in the original music video.
Societal Impact
The song, years after its release, has been used in several protests against police violence and racism, following its strong lyrics against systemic inequality.
Later Usage
The song was featured in the credits of the 2007 film "Sicko" by Michael Moore as a critique of the American healthcare system.
Sample Usage
Rapper Tupac Shakur sampled Jackson's song in his own track, "Letter to the President."
Beatbox Version
A version featuring Michael Jackson beatboxing was leaked online, showcasing his extensive musical talents.
Commercial Success
The song sold over 2 million copies worldwide, cementing its place in pop culture history.
Awards
The song's music video won the NAACP Image Award for Outstanding Music Video in 1997.

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    They Don't Care About Us

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    4.6M     161.3K

    Top Hot 100 Songs 1996

    Billboard #30


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