“Human Nature,” a song beloved by Michael Jackson fans worldwide, holds a unique story of creation. It began with a simple demo and blossomed into a deeply personal and resonant track, thanks to the insightful songwriting process that considered Michael Jackson’s unique artistry and inner world. This is the story of how the “Human Nature Song” came to be, revealing the depth and sensitivity poured into its lyrics.
The journey of “Human Nature” started with Steve Porcaro’s demo, featuring the poignant lines “Why, why…”. When tasked with developing this seed of an idea, the songwriter embraced a unique approach. Instead of rigidly adhering to Porcaro’s initial vision, the focus shifted entirely to Michael Jackson himself. The songwriter explains, “from my seat, I was speaking to Michael.” This wasn’t merely about completing a song; it was about crafting lyrics specifically for Michael “the artist.” This involved an immersive process of understanding Michael’s artistic personality, ensuring the words would feel authentic and comfortable for him to sing. This personalized approach is why the songwriter notes that while their lyrical style remains consistent, each song adapts to the performer’s individuality.
A key aspect of tailoring the song to Michael was recognizing his exceptional rhythmic talent. The songwriter consciously incorporated sounds like the /aʊ/ diphthong and the /t/ consonant. Words like “nightime” and phrases such as “if this town is just an apple, let me take a bite” were deliberately chosen. These linguistic choices were made to provide “explosive consonants” that would allow Michael to fully express his innate rhythmic prowess. This meticulous attention to sonic detail highlights the deep understanding of Michael’s artistry that underpinned the songwriting process for “Human Nature.”
The impact of these carefully chosen lyrics became profoundly clear during a private moment between Michael and the songwriter after the song was accepted. Michael, described as “withdrawn but…possess[ing] power,” expressed a desire to understand how the lyrics seemed to be written specifically for him. This led to a deeply personal conversation where the songwriter shared the inspiration drawn from Karen Carpenter’s life and untimely passing. Drawing a parallel between Karen’s enforced isolation due to early stardom and Michael’s own experience as a child superstar, the songwriter articulated a “common theme” of emotional steps skipped and the resulting isolation. This connection resonated deeply with Michael, who later revealed “Human Nature” to be among his favorite songs he ever recorded. This intimate story behind the “human nature song” reveals the powerful emotional current that flows beneath its smooth melody, solidifying its place as a deeply meaningful piece in Michael Jackson’s iconic discography.
