Michael Jackson – Gone Too Soon

Written for and dedicated to the memory of Ryan White, a haemophiliac who was diagnosed with the AIDS virus aged eleven years, and who died just after turning eighteen in April 1990.

It was performed by Michael on 19th January 1993, at An American Reunion – The 52nd Presidential Inaugural Gala, for the incoming President , Bill Clinton. Michael, as well as dedicating the song to his late friend Ryan, used the occasion to speak out in favour of funding AIDS-related research:

"He is gone, but I want his life to have meaning beyond his passing. It is my hope, President-elect Clinton, that you and your administration commit the resources needed to eliminate this awful disease that took my friend, and ended so many promising lives before their time."

Following the tragic death of Diana, Princess of Wales on 31st August 1997, Michael permitted the inclusion of Gone Too Soon on an album titled ‘Tribute’, with all proceeds from the sales going to the Diana, Princess of Wales Memorial Fund. Michael also dedicated his Ostend concert to the memory of Diana and, speaking via Kingdom International, took a swipe at the world’s paparazzi:

"As one who has been under scrutiny the majority of his life, I speak with authority when I say that I am horrified that the paparazzi, supported by the tabloid’s’ animalistic behaviour, may be acceptable to the public. the world’s acceptance of this practice, if continued, will accelerate tragedies of this magnitude."

[Teddy Riley’s Words About The Song]
Another innovative track. I think he was trying to reinvent himself and become more credible; more commercial and he achieves that here. It reminds me of a more worldly version of She’s Out Of My Life. With this album he’s hinting at his past songs as well as trying to reinvent himself.

Credits
* Music by Larry Grossman
* Lyrics by Buz Kohan
* Produced by Michael Jackson
* Co-produced by Bruce Swedien
* Recorded and mixed by Bruce Swedien
* Solo vocal: Michael Jackson
* Rhythm arrangement by David Paich
* Orchestra arranged and conducted by Marty Paich
* Keyboards: David Paich
* Synthesizers: David Paich, Steve Porcaro and Michael Boddicker
* Bass: Abraham Laboriel
* Percussion: Paulinho Da Costa
* Prelude composed, arranged and conducted by Marty Paich

Gone Too Soon – Lyrics

Like A Comet
Blazing ‘Cross The Evening Sky
Gone Too Soon

Like A Rainbow
Fading In The Twinkling Of An Eye
Gone Too Soon

Shiny And Sparkly
And Splendidly Bright
Here One Day
Gone One Night

Like The Loss Of Sunlight
On A Cloudy Afternoon
Gone Too Soon

Like A Castle
Built Upon A Sandy Beach
Gone Too Soon

Like A Perfect Flower
That Is Just Beyond Your Reach
Gone Too Soon

Born To Amuse, To Inspire, To Delight
Here One Day
Gone One Night

Like A Sunset
Dying With The Rising Of The Moon
Gone Too Soon

Gone Too Soon