Meaning and Lyrics of Human Nature by Michael Jackson

“Human Nature” by Michael Jackson is a masterful blend of lyrical introspection, smooth production, and melodic elegance. Released on his 1982 landmark album, *Thriller*, the track simultaneously showcases Jackson’s impeccable vocal delivery and delves into the universal questions of human behavior and emotional complexity.

Verse 1:
“Looking out across the nighttime, the city winks a sleepless eye” — from the onset, Jackson sets a nocturnal scene. The cityscape becomes more than just a backdrop; it mirrors the restless and kinetic energy within us all. The “sleepless eye” hints at the ever-awake consciousness, constantly observing and experiencing life.

“Hear her voice, shake my window, sweet seducing sighs” — Here, there’s a transition from the external to the internal. The ‘her’ might represent a muse or an abstract entity, provoking Jackson’s inner turmoil or curiosity. It is an external call compelling him to action, symbolized by the window shaking, a barrier between his current state and the beckoning allure of the night.

“Get me out into the nighttime, four walls won’t hold me tonight” — Jackson is expressing the urge to escape the confinements of his environment. The nighttime represents freedom and possibility, away from the restrictions of his immediate surroundings.

“If this town is just an apple, then let me take a bite” — Referencing the Biblical tale of the forbidden fruit, Jackson emphasizes his desire to experience life’s fullness, even if it means transgressing boundaries. This line underscores a fundamental aspect of human nature: the innate urge to explore, to understand, and to taste the essence of life.

Chorus:
“If they say why (Why?), why (Why?), tell them that it’s human nature” — The repetitive questioning underscores society’s perplexity towards human actions. Jackson’s response, “it’s human nature,” is both a resignation and an acceptance. Human behavior, with all its irrationality and emotion, is intrinsic and often inexplicable.

“Does he do me that way?” — This rhetorical question hints at a bid for understanding emotional pain or betrayal, possibly in relationships or societal interactions. The repeated question suggests a cry for clarity amidst confusion.

Verse 2:
“Reaching out to touch a stranger, electric eyes are everywhere” — The motif of reaching out continues, this time emblematic of human interaction. Amidst the anonymity of urban life, ‘electric eyes’ signal the omnipresence of observation and connection in a digital age—a prophetic line considering today’s tech-laden environment.

“See that girl, she knows I’m watching, she likes the way I stare” — This observation touches upon the voyeuristic elements inherent in human nature. The silent communication through glances signifies a primal understanding, one that transcends words.

Bridge:
“I like livin’ this way, I like lovin’ this way” — Jackson embraces his human nature, finding joy in the freedom and complexity it brings. The repeated “why?” questions emphasize his relentless introspection, yet the declaration “I like” suggests contentment despite the chaos.

Verse 3:
“Looking out across the morning, the city’s heart begins to beat” — Transitioning from night to morning symbolizes renewal and the constant cycle of desire and exploration. The city, with its collective pulse, reflects the interconnectedness of human experiences.

“Reaching out, I touch her shoulder, I’m dreaming of the street” — The physical touch returns, signifying connection. Yet, Jackson ‘dreams of the street,’ a place of unbridled reality and authenticity, suggesting a longing for genuine experiences over artificial interactions.

The Outro reintroduces the persisting “why?” reinforcing the endless quest for understanding the motives behind human actions, intertwined with Jackson’s acceptance of living and loving according to one’s nature.

“Human Nature” stands as a testament to Michael Jackson’s artistry. The song melds lyrical profundity with ethereal production, making it a timeless exploration of the human condition. It resonates because it captures the essence of what it means to be inherently curious, passionate, and flawed. It’s a melodic reminder that, at our core, we are driven by timeless, tireless questions—the “why?” of existence.