Entertainment

9 Times Michael Jackson Songs Summed Up Your Life

by Kadeen Griffiths

It's been five years since Michael Jackson passed away. In all honesty, it seems like no time at all has passed. Whether it's a teen dancing like Michael Jackson at a talent show or Justin Timberlake featuring on "Love Never Felt So Good", among other new songs and collaborations on Jackson's latest posthumous album, the King of Pop isn't going to fade from the public consciousness anytime soon. In fact, he's been such a revolutionary figure in everything from music to dancing to sheer style that he might never fade from the public consciousness at all.

#RIPMichaelJackson and #KingOfPop have been trending on Twitter all morning in honor of the star, with people honoring Michael Jackson's memory in various ways. From touching statements to timeless photographs, the Internet is celebrating their love for Jackson with tasteful reverence. While there were admittedly times when the man himself was a polarizing figure in the public eye, there can be no denying that he consistently produced good music, songs that everyone knows all the words to even today.

So, in honor of Michael Jackson on the fifth anniversary of his death, we'd like to honor his musical legacy. Michael Jackson has put out so many songs that it's far from difficult to find one that applies to just about every occasion in a person's life. From first loves to bitter defeats, here's a Michael Jackson song to listen to that will get you through it.

For Waking Up

Song: "Brand New Day" (1975)

Relevant Lyrics: Can't you feel a brand new day? Everybody be glad because the sun is shining just for us. Everybody wake up! Into the morning, into happiness.

Explanation: "Brand New Day" comes straight off the film soundtrack for The Wiz and was sung by Michael Jackson, Diana Ross, Nipsey Russell, and Ted Ross. Nothing says "get pumped up for the day" like Michael Jackson and Diana Ross singing together.

For Falling in Love

Song: "I Just Can't Stop Loving You" (1987)

Relevant Lyrics: You know how I feel. This thing can't go wrong. I'm so proud to say I love you. Your love's got me high. I long to get by. This time is forever. Love is the answer.

Explanation: This was a duet with Michael Jackson and Siedah Garrett. If you're single, it will make you wish you were in love just so you had someone to dedicate this song to.

For Getting in a Fight

Song: "Beat It" (1983)

Relevant Lyrics: You better run, you better do what you can. Don't wanna see no blood. Don't be a macho man. You wanna be tough, you better do what you can, so beat it. But you wanna be bad.

Explanation: "Beat It" has always sounded to me like something straight out of a West Side Story rumble scene.

For Breaking Up

Song: "Much Too Soon" (2010)

Relevant Lyrics: I never thought she'd leave me here forever, but who knows just what the future brings? And wouldn't you like to go with me? And she answered "No" to me.

Explanation: "Much Too Soon" was a single from Michael Jackson's first posthumous album, Michael, so people were sobbing for more than one reason while listening to it.

For Your Good Days

Song: "Don't Stop 'Til You Get Enough" (1979)

Relevant Lyrics: So let love take us through the hours. I won't be complaining 'cause this is love power. Keep on with the force. Don't stop. Don't stop 'til you get enough.

Explanation: If you want a song that will pump you up to take on the world, "Don't Stop 'Til You Get Enough" is one of the many, many ones that Jackson has in his arsenal.

For Your Bad Days

Song: "Man in the Mirror" (1988)

Relevant Lyrics: I'm starting with the man in the mirror. I'm asking him to change his ways. And no message could have been any clearer if you want to make the world a better place.

Explanation: If you can't change your situation, then change your perspective — but in song form.

For Getting Back Together

Song: "Love Never Felt So Good" (2014)

Relevant Lyrics: Baby, every time I love you, it's in and out my life, in out baby. Tell me, if you really love me, it's in and out my life driving me crazy. Baby, love never felt so good.

Explanation: It's Michael Jackson (posthumously) and Justin Timberlake on a song together. It had to make the list.

For Falling Asleep

Song: "Heal the World" (1992)

Relevant Lyrics: There's a place in your heart and I know that it is love and this place could be much brighter than tomorrow... There are ways to get there if you care enough for the living. Make a little space. Make a better place.

Explanation: If you don't go to bed thinking of ways to make the world a better place when you wake up the next day, then maybe you should start.

For Nostalgia

Song: "Rockin' Robin" (1972)

Relevant Lyrics: He rocks in the tree tops all day long, hoppin' and a-boppin' and singing his song. All the little birdies on Jaybird Street love to hear the robin go tweet tweet tweet.

Explanation: "Rockin' Robin" was the biggest commercial hit off Michael Jackson's very first solo album, Got to Be There, and it's always nice to remember how far he had come from the Jackson 5.

Image: Michael Jackson's Official Website