Michael Jackson – Behind The Mask

Song written by Chris Mosdell and Ryuichi Sakamoto, with additional lyrics by Michael.

* Produced by Michael Jackson, John McClain & Jon Nettlesbey
* Mixed by Jon Nettlesbey, Khaliq Glover
* Lead & Background Vocals: Michael Jackson
* Additional Background Vocals: Shanice Wilson, Alphonso Jones
* Background Vocals Arranged by Leon F. Sylvers III
* Engineered by Jon Nettlesbey, Allen Sides, Khaliq Glover
* Saxophone and Saxophonic Percussion: Mike Phillips
* Keyboards & Drum Programming: Big Jim Wright
* Additional Keyboards: Greg Phillinganes
* Bass: Alex Al
* Percussion: Paulino Da Costa
* Additional Keyboards, Drum Programming, Sequencing & Digital Editing: Jon Nettlesbey

Original instrumental version, with choral backing, recorded by the Yellow Magic Orchestra, for their 1979 album, SOLID STATE SURVIVOR.

Quincy Jones heard Yellow Magic Orchestra’s version during the Thriller sessions, and brought it to Michael’s attention.

(…) I didn’t know who Michael Jackson was – I wasn’t into that whole soul disco stuff,’ confessed Chris Mosdell. ‘When Michael Jackson recorded it, he also added an extra melody line and a few extra lyrics (…)

Michael’s keyboardist, Greg Phillinganes, did record a version for his album PULSE, issued in 1985.

Phillinganes first met Michael and his brothers during the sessions for the Jacksons’ DESTINY album in 1978, and went on to serve as musical director for Michael’s Bad World Tour.

Phillinganes, who also played with his band, brought the song to Eric Clapton’s attention. Clapton’s cover version, on which Phillinganes played keyboards and sang backing vocals. This version, curiously, failed to
credit Michael as one of the song’s cowriters.

Behind The Mask – Lyrics

All along, had to talk about it
Like a two-edged sword, he touched you and it stabs me
All along, i knew you were a phony girl
Sit behind the mask, and you control your world

I Sit around and i watch your face
I try to find the truth, but that’s your hiding place
You say you love me, but it’s hard to see
’cause when he’s in your arms, you’re throwing rocks at me

Who do you love ?
Is it me ?
Well ?
I don’t know
Who do you love ?
You Know Me

There is nothing in you eyes
That’s the way you cry, girl
All is grand, all is bright
You’re just studying my mind

I walk around, i’m suffering in my doom
When i come to you, you’re sitting in your room
You sit around in the strangest place
So take off the mask, so i can see your face

Who do you love ?
Is it me, is it him ?
Well ?
I don’t know
Who do you love ?
I know you

Heaven must be wearing
Your smile is scary (you got me scared, girl)
Insincere, empty tears
Where’s your soul ?
Where did it go ?

I walk around, i’m suffering in my doom
When i come to you, you’re sitting in your room
You sit around in the strangest place
So take off the mask, so i can see your face

Who do you love ?
Is it me ?
Well ?
I don’t know
Who do you love ?
I know you

Who do you love ?
Is it me ?
Well ?
I don’t know
Who do you love ?

I don’t know
I don’t wanna talk about it (let’s talk about it)