MICHAEL'S PAIN

"MICHAEL'S PAIN" (Verse 1) I grew up in debt, I grew up in pain, Never knew what childhood was. Father told me every day: "Nothing comes without hard work, son." I danced and sang until I cried, Rehearsals, labor, hurt inside, I pushed myself with no rest, no dreams, Not knowing what it means to be a child… But all I ever wanted Was just a simple, normal life. Yet father scolded me and said: "You wanna be a star? Then work, endure the strife! Work!" (Chorus) My songs are not just a scream, They're the call of my will! My will! (My will!) I just wanted to live and be ordinary, But all I heard — (choir) Dance! Dance! Dance! Still I believe that one day The world will see ME, not the mask of a smile, That I always wear… (Verse 2) As I grew day by day, I began to see: People are amazed, people cry, people scream. But I understood one thing: I sing for everyone — For myself, for them, for the whole world to come. I sing, I dance for all of you! But I beg one thing: hear me, see me through! (Chorus) (Verse 3 — Peak of fame and loneliness) Crowds at the stage, cameras flashing, bouquets, But inside the dressing room — just me and my dreams. Millions of voices sing along in time, But who will hold me just because I'm not fine? I built Neverland — a haven for children's joy, To hide my heart from the grown-ups' ploys. But the brighter the spotlight blinded my eyes, The more I felt: I'm alone, like a tear in disguise. And I cried not into the mic — but into the void: "Look at my soul, not the height I've climbed!" (Chorus — with intensified ending) My songs are not just a scream, They're the call of my will! My will! (My will!) I just wanted to live and be ordinary, But all I heard — Dance! Dance! Dance! Still I believe that one day The world will see ME, not the mask of a smile, That I always wear… I always wear… (Finale — spoken word, like «Earth Song», building intensity) (quietly, almost a whisper) I'm so tired… Our home is on fire, and you turn your eyes away. I scream — you turn the volume up. I reach out my hand — you look through your fingers. (louder, with pain) Wake up! Forests are falling, oceans are choking, Children cry not from joy, but from hunger and wars! I sang to you about love, I danced to make you smile, And what have you done with this world?! (almost shouting, voice breaking) I'm no saint, I'm just a man, Who believed that music heals. Do you really need another dead prophet To start listening?! (fading to a soft, pleading tone) Heal our world… For all of us… For the children… I know you can… Just begin… Now… (silence, then a whisper: "Heal the world… Make it a better place…")