Michael Jackson – You Are Not Alone

Written by R. Kelly, and recorded by Michael for his album, HIStory, issued in June 1995.

"I was amazed when Michael called me because, for years, I just didn’t expect to go to that level," admitted R. Kelly. "I was so nervous, I was afraid I wouldn’t be able to finish the project. When I first got to the studio something weird came over me. Michael was on a different level, and it was a hell of a level to go to. But passion took me over, and it put a shield around me, and allowed me to be just a normal guy who felt like he worked with Michael all the time."

Michael, after listening to the tape R. Kelly sent him, liked what he heard but felt the song needed more prominent climax – which he wrote, with R. Kelly’s approval.

Second single from the album – became the first single in the chart’s 37 year history to enter Billboard’s Hot 100 at no.1 in the US. Commemorated with a special award at the 6th annual Billboard Awards ceremony – Tina Turner collected the award on Michael’s behalf, as he was in hospital, after he collapsed rehearsing for his planned HBO TV special, Michael Jackson: One Night Only. The feat is recognised by Guiness World Records – Michael listed as the ‘First Vocalist to enter the US Singles chart at Number One.’

It also hit no.1 on the R&B singles chart in the US, and in France, Ireland, New Zealand, Switzerland and the UK.

The short film, directed by Wayne Isham, co-starred Michael’s then wife, Lisa Marie Presley – both, controversially, were seen almost naked on the edge of a swimming pool. Pool sequences were shot at Raleigh Stages, while theatre sequences were filmed at Pantages Theatre in Hollywood. The version is released on the home video, History On Film Volume II, digitally altered to give Michael an ‘angelic’ look.

A law suit against R. Kelly was filed in Belgium by brothers Eddy and Danny van Passel, who claimed the song sounded eerily similar to their song, If We Can Start All Over. "It’s identical," said Danny, "and I can’t say more than that, except it’s a protected copyright and you should ask permission before you use it, and R. Kelly didn’t ask for permission. Court documents can be found here.

You Are Not Alone – Lyrics

Another day has gone, I’m still all alone
How could this be? You’re not here with me
You never said good-bye, someone tell me why
Did you have to go, and leave my world so cold?

Everyday I sit and ask myself
How did love slip away?
Something whispers in my ear and says

That you are not alone
I am here with you
Though you’re far away
I am here to stay

You are not alone
I am here with you
Though we’re far apart
You’re always in my heart
You are not alone

All alone, why, oh…

Just the other night, I thought I heard you cry
Asking me to come, and hold you in my arms
I can hear your prayers, your burdens I will bear
But first I need your hand, then forever can begin

Everyday I sit and ask myself
How did love slip away?
Something whispers in my ear and says

That you are not alone
I am here with you
Though you’re far away
I am here to stay

You are not alone
I am here with you
Though we’re far apart
You’re always in my heart
You are not alone

Oh…whisper three words and I’ll come runnin’
Fly…and girl you know that I’ll be there
I’ll be there

That you are not alone
I am here with you
Though you’re far away
I am here to stay

You are not alone
I am here with you
Though we’re far apart
You’re always in my heart
You are not alone

Not alone
You are not alone, you are not alone…

You just reach for me baby
In the morning in the evening
You’re not alone, not alone
You and me, not alone, oh, together, together…