Happy Birthday Michael Jackson

Michael Jackson would have celebrated his 54th birthday, had he been alive yesterday. However just like it happens with some music legends, he left us when we still wanted more from him.

In a decade that saw the decline of quality that came from legendary bands such as Led Zeppelin, The Rolling Stones, Pink Floyd, King Crimson and others, Michael Jackson emerged as an undisputed, imposing figure that became synonimous with majestic, royalty and genius talent, right there on the same pedestal where The Beatles and Elvis Presley sit.

Strange and eccentric as only himself could be, he was misunderstood by a society that to this day keeps labeling and judging those who stand out, pointing at them and rejecting them when they most need affinity and love. Michael was a kid until the last days of his life, and all he did was try to enjoy life as best as he could, doing the one thing that gave him most pleasure: entertain. As time goes by, I am quite sure that his legacy will continue to grow and his presence will be missed more every day, among mortals who weren't able to appreciate him the way he deserved.

The quality that impressed me most from Michael was the energy he was able to transmit in each of his appearances. Without being a remarkable singer, he was able to take full advantage of his voice and use it to the best of its extent. His concerts were more than spectacles to collect tens of thousands of people to watch him sign and dance; his musical videos were more than just random scenes backing up his songs. Michael carried a message with him, similar to that brought to us by John Lennon and Carole King. Michael was telling us that life is simple, and that the more positive feelings you collect, the closer you will get to happiness.

My favorite Michael Jackson song is "Man in the Mirror". Not only it's a musical achievement, transitioning from a ballad to a pop song to a gospel song. It is a strong critique to hypocrisy, fake feelings and vanity all human beings are possesed with. The lyrics...

"the kids on the streets with not enough to eat"
"who am I to be blind not to see them"
"I'm starting with the man in the mirrror"
"I'm asking him to change his ways"

... are powerful sentences with a strong and profound meaning, that make you think about what justice and equality really are.

Michael may not be with us anymore, but he did enough to leave his message on Earth... forever.