The Jacksons – Torture

* Produced by Jackie Jackson
* Composed by Jackie Jackson and Kathy Wakefield

Written by Jackie Jackson with Kathy Wakefield, and originally planned as a duet between Jackie and Michael – Jermaine took on Jackie’s vocals, as he wasn’t sure he would be involved with the Victory album until the last minute, when he agreed to go on tour with his brothers.

Demo versions probably include one with Jackie and Michael singing lead, and maybe a solo version by Jackie.

It was recorded by the Jacksons – with lead vocals credited to Michael and Jermaine – for their Victory album, issued in July 1984.

It is the second single lifted from the album – charted at no.12 on the R&B singles chart and no.17 on the Hot 100 in the US, and no.26 in the UK.

A promotional short film was directed by Jeff Stein. Michael and Jermaine refused to be involved with the promo, so their four brothers went ahead and shot it without them.

Torture – Lyrics

It was on a street so evil
So bad that even hell disowned it
Every single step was trouble
For the fool who stumbled on it
Eyes within the dark were watchin’
I felt the sudden chill of danger
Something told me keep on walkin’
Told me I should not have gone there

Baby, ’cause you cut me like a knife
Without your love in my life
Alone I walk in the night
’Cause I just can’t stop this feeling
It’s torture
It’s torture
It’s torture

She was up a stair to nowhere
A room forever I’ll remember
She stared as though I should have known her
Tell me what’s your pain or pleasure
Every little thing you find here
Is simply for the thrill you’re after
Loneliness or hearts on fire
I am here to serve all masters

She said, ’Reality is a knife
When there’s no love in your life
Unmerciful is the night
When you just can’t stop this feeling’
It’s torture
It’s torture
It’s torture

And I still can’t find the meaning, no
No, no, of the face I keep on seeing
Was she real or am I dreaming
Did the sound of your name
Turn a wheel
Start a flame in me

Baby, ’cause you cut me like a knife
Without your love in my life
Alone I walk in the night
And I just can’t stop this feeling
It’s torture
It’s torture
It’s torture