If you can recall the theme to Free Wiley, you'll definitely remember this. "Will You Be There" kept it's abode for 40 consecutive weeks on the American charts(6 of those in the top 10)!
The song starts of on a segment of "Ode To Joy"-A Beethoven masterpiece from the early 1800's. The Cleveland Orchestra played the part arranged by the fella who formally worked with Frank Sinatra(Johnny Mandel). Michael himself called back The Andrea Crouch Singers to warm up their vocals Beethoven style.
In 1997, an Italian opera singer sued Mr. Jackson claiming he stole the intro to his number "Swans of Ducks(1993). However, the judge dismissed the case since both begin on a Beethoven note. Which is in the public domain.
Will You Be There-The Short Film
Michael produced two music videos. One performing an interpreted dance while singing the tune live on stage. The other has scenes from the movie. But no one knows for sure what the true meaning he intended to convey.
But I'll share my personal 3 interpretations...
The first leads me to believe a prayer was meant. Since an angel descends to give him solace and comfort from above. In addition, the lyrics throughout alludes to the one true God. Let me explain.
"Hold me like the river Jordan" stems from Jesus' baptism. The Holy Spirit descended on Him as the Father spoke tenderly. Confirming his Trinitarian status to all who would listen. And encouraging Christ with a sense of belonging.(Matthew 3:13).
Another legitimate theory can be paralleled to Free Wiley. Like the killer whale, Michael has been cast into a net of fame. And held captive in a life of prestige.
A third idea has Emjay sending a message to all fans worldwide. Perhaps he's yearning for deeper intimacy. A friend to share his joys and sorrows. However, not much has been said on this one. I'll stick with my first 2 views.
The media seems to take a fourth view on a love song. In fact, someone has already compiled a CD on The 90's Greatest Love Songs. But obviously, the prayer-like spoken word has no place in a mere love song. Unless directed to the Father of Lights.
Whatever the meaning, we may never know until Michael fully discloses. Let me close with on more tidbit. Did I mention he wrote extra lyrics for his book "Living The Dream? I'll post it for you below. But first, let's see the music video.
"Will You Be There" Amended Version
Hold me
Like the river Jordan
And I will then say to thee
You are my friend
Carry me
Like you are my brother
Love me like a mother
Will you be there?
When weary
Tell me will you hold me?
When wrong, will you mold me?
When lost will you find me?
But they told me
A man should be faithful
And walk when not able
And fight til the end
But I'm only human
Everyone's taking control of me
Seems that the world's got a role for me
I'm so confused
Will you show to me
You'll be there for me
And care enough to bear me?
Hold me
Lay your head lowly
Softly then boldly
Carry me there
Hold me
Love me and feed me
Kiss me and free me
I will feel blessed
Carry
Carry me boldly
Lift me up slowly
Carry me there
Save me
Heal me and bathe me
Softly you say to me
I will be there
Lift me
Lift me up slowly
Carry me boldly
Show me you care
Hold me
Lay your head lowly
Softly then boldly
Carry me there
Need me
Love me and feed me
Kiss me and free me
I will feel blessed
In my darkest hour
In my deepest despair
Will you still care?
Will you be there?
In my trials
And my tribulations
Through our doubts
And frustrations
In my violence
In my turbulence
Through my fear
And my confessions
In my anguish and my pain
Through my joy and my sorrow
In the promise of another tomorrow
I'll never let you part
For you're always in my heart
Hold me
Like the River Jordan
And I will then say to thee
You are my friend
Carry me
Like you are my brother
Love me like a mother
Will you be there?
When weary
Tell me will you hold me?
When wrong, will you mold me?
When lost will you find me?
But they told me
A man should be faithful
And walk when not able
And fight till the end
But I'm only human
Everyone's taking control of me
Seems that the world's got a role for me
I'm so confused
Will you show to me
You'll be there for me
And care enough to bear me?
Hold me, show me
Lay your head lowly
Gently and boldly
Carry me there, I'm only human
Carry, carry
Carry me boldly
Gently and slowly
Carry me there, I'm only human
Knead me
Love me and feed me
Kiss me and free me
And I will feel blessed
Lonely
When I'm cold and lonely
And needing you only
Will you still care?
Will you be there?
Save me
Heal me and bathe me
Softly you say to me
I will be there
But will you be there?
Hold me
Hug me and shield me
Touch me and heal me
I know you care
But will you be there?
Lonely
When I'm cold and lonely
And needing you only
Will you still care?
Will you be there?
Carry
Carry me boldly
Gently and slowly
Carry me there
Knead me
Love me and feed me
Kiss me and free me
And I will feel blessed
Call me
Save me and face me
Bless me and say to me
I will be there
I know you care
Save me
Heal me and bathe me
Softly you say to me
I will be there
But will you be there?
Feed me
Feed me and soothe me
When I'm lonely and hungry
Will you still share?
Will you still care?
Nurse me
Soothe me, don't leave me
When I'm hurting and bleeding
Bruised and bare
Will you still care?
Kiss me
Face me and kiss me
And when my heart is breaking
Will you still care?
Will you be here?
Lift me
Lift me up carefully
I'm weary and falling
I know you're there
But do you still care?
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Instrumental
Acappella
Next, Keep The Faith
