This song was recorded by Michael for his solo album, Off The Wall, issued in August 1979.

It was written by Tom Bahler - originally in E flat, whereas Michael sang the song in E. Bahler couldn't play the song in E, "so, Quincy recorded me playing it in my key and we made a tape for the pianist who was going to record it for the album. He took it home and studied it, in order to gasp whatever magic, there was in my performance. When I listen to the record, I think - God, it sounds just like me!"

It was inspired by Karen Carpenter, who broke up with Bahler, after she discovered he had fathered a child with another woman.

Everytime he recorded the song, Michael cried, so producer Quincy Jones suggested a two week break - this changed nothing, so the emotional ending was left in. Numerous takes were recorded, but Michael's first take made it on to his album.

The promo short film was directed by Bruce Gowers - a simple affair with Michael sitting on a stool and singing, ended in tears as well.

It was the fourth single from the album - charted at no.3 in the UK, and no.10 on the Hot 100 and no.42 on the R&B singles chart in the US, making Off The Wall the first solo album to produce four Top 10 singles on both sides of the Atlantic.


She’ Out Of My Life - Lyrics

She's out of my life
She's out of my life
And I don't know whether to laugh or cry
I don't know whether to live or die
And it cuts like a knife
She's out of my life

It's out of my hands
It's out of my hands
To think for two years she was here
And I took her for granted I was so cavalier
Now the way that it stands
She's out of my hands

So I've learned that loves not possession
And I've learned that love won't wait
Now I've learned that love needs expression
But I've learned too late

She's out of my life
She's out of my life
Damned in decision and cursed pride
Kept my love for her locked deep inside
And it cuts like a knife
She's out of my life