Michael Jackson – You Were There (Sammy Davis Jr Tribute)

Written by Michael, with Alan ‘Buz’ Kohan, at the Shrine Auditorium – venue for Sammy Davis Jr.’s 60th Anniversary Show, on 13th November 1989.

Performed by Michael – for the one and only time – at the show, after which he was heard saying he would never sing the song again, as it was "Sammy’s song".

It was registered with the United States Copyright Office in December 1989.

You Were There – Lyrics

You were there, before we came.
You took the hurt, you took the shame.
They built the walls to block your way.
You beat them down.
You won the day.
It wasn’t right, it wasn’t fair.
You taught them all.
You made them care.
Yes, you were there, and thanks to you
There’s now a door we all walk through.
And we are here, for all to see —
To be the best that we can be.
Yes, I am here….