As one of Michael Jackson's most spiritual songs, the deep meaning of "Another Part of Me" can easily overlooked given its inaugural debut in Captain E.O. Though it's meaning certainly aligned with the storyline of the short film, this high energy pop song may often be cast aside as just another great dance hit. However, in this episode we take a slowed down approach, reading the lyrics and analyzing them line-by-line.

Though this episode kicks off with a reflection on attending Spike Lee's birthday block party for Michael on August 29 in Brooklyn, NY, the majority of the discussion centers not only on the themes within the lyrics of "Another Part of Me", but also the choices Michael made to alter the lyrics in his live performance of the song. I also touch upon how the unity Michael strives for in these lyrics lives on today in his fandom around the world.

For questions or comments please email readingmichaeljackson@yahoo.com

Kicking off our first episode of Season 3 is a deep-dive into arguably one of Michael's strongest album opener's: "Wanna Be Startin' Somethin.'" This high-energy song with it's uplifting and much-sampled outro is undeniably beloved. But how well understood is it?

Join me for a slowed down and deeply thoughtful conversation about the meaning in these lyrics and the many messages Michael is conveying to his audience even now, nearly 50 years since it was first released.

For questions or comments email readingmichaeljackson@yahoo.com.

After a post-biopic summer hiatus, "Reading Michael Jackson" is back with Season 3! Having already covered Michael's books in Seasons 1 and 2, this season we will focus on Michael's most well-known, yet routinely under-appreciated writing: his lyrics.

As a songwriter and lyricist Michael tackled themes of inspiration, heartbreak, global unity, humanitarianism, media, social commentary, sex, violence, spirituality, systemic racism, personal growth, love, vulnerability, and more. Yet as an artist, the shine of his aura and his talents as a singer and dancer often lend to his strengths as a songwriter being overlooked, if not entirely ignored.

As the premiere of Season 3, this episode will cover my reasoning and decision for choosing Michael's lyrics as our focus this season, as well as my general parameters for picking songs to cover. Next week we will kick off with episode 1, with a full reading and analysis of the lyrics to one of Michael' greatest songs.

If you have requests for specific songs to be covered this season, please leave a comment or send an email to readingmichaeljackson@yahoo.com.