Michael Jackson – Childhood

Written by Michael, and featured on his solo album HIStory, released in June 1995.

It was used as the theme song from the film, ‘Free Willy 2’.

Michael described the song as a reflection of his life:

“Our personal history begins in childhood and the song – Childhood – is a reflection of my life… it’s about the pain, some of the joys, some of the dreaming, some of the mental adventures that I took because of the different lifestyle I had, in being a child performer. I was born on stage and Childhood – it’s my mirror – it’s my story.”

The promotional short film was directed by Nick Brandt and shot in a fantasy forest. It was filmed in Sequoia National Park, with ships filled with children (including the young star of the Free Willy films) floating over treatops – paying homage to Peter Pan.

A scheduled performance by Michael, at the 1996 Grammy Awards, was cancelled.

Childhood – Lyrics

Have you seen my Childhood?
I’m searching for the world that I come from
‘Cause I’ve been looking around
In the lost and found of my heart…
No one understands me
They view it as such strange eccentricities…
‘Cause I keep kidding around
Like a child, but pardon me…

People say I’m not okay
‘Cause I love such elementary things…
It’s been my fate to compensate,
for the Childhood
I’ve never known…

Have you seen my Childhood?
I’m searching for that wonder in my youth
Like pirates in adventurous dreams,
Of conquest and kings on the throne…

Before you judge me, try hard to love me,
Look within your heart then ask,
Have you seen my Childhood?

People say I’m strange that way
‘Cause I love such elementary things,
It’s been my fate to compensate,
for the Childhood I’ve never known…

Have you seen my Childhood?
I’m searching for that wonder in my youth
Like fantastical stories to share
The dreams I would dare, watch me fly…

Before you judge me, try hard to love me.
The painful youth I’ve had

Have you seen my Childhood….