MJ and Ben

Right now, as I'm working, listening to MJ, I can't help but still be in a state of shock that he passed away. He's made songs that's shaped my childhood and to know that he's gone is still surreal. I wanted him to perform live one last time. Was hoping for the MJ career comeback. He deserved it and I'm sure we were all hoping for him to do it.

Didn't think his death would hit me this hard. I'm listening to "Ben" right now and its erie how this song he sang when he just a kid sums up his life and lifelong inner struggle. He's been isolated and alone his whole life. Growing up without a childhood for a life of fame. Growing up in the public eye and enduring a harsh upbringing with a ruthless father.


Listening to "Ben" I can understand the things he has done. As an adult he tried recapturing his lost childhood building the Neverland Ranch and inviting children there. Also befriending childhood stars like Mccully Culkin because he wanted those childhood friends he never had. Also he didn't like the way "adults" mistreated him and only wanted him for his money and fame. Even though he has kids now, I don't feel as though his loneliness has ever been filled. Also buying the remains of "The Elephant Man," a disfigured man who looks hideous, is also understandable. I believe that he can relate to the elephant man. To share a bond through their loneliness and public ridicule. There have been tabloids and endless jokes at his expense made throughout his life, which I am certain took a toll on him. A few of lines during the song and the last verse of "Ben" speaks volumes:

Ben most people would turn you away,
I don't listen to a word they say.
They don't see you as I do,
I wish they would try to.
I'm sure they'd think again,
If they had a friend like Ben.
Like Ben,
A Friend.

All his life he's been "Ben." Always running here and there, not wanted anywhere. Looking for a friend and a place to go. I don't judge the things he has done, if anything I feel that he was misjudged and ridiculed for the mistakes he has made. Hopefully now that he passed away he can truly sing this song.


FYI - Here's the lyrics to the song. Honestly, one of the saddest and emotional songs I know. It's simple but it tugs on your heart strings. To hear about someone, a rat in this case but can be used in the context of a person, who has been lonely their whole life and finally finding a friend. It's touching.


Ben
by The Jackson 5

Ben, the two of us need look no more,
We both found what we were looking for.
With a friend to call my own,
I'll never be alone.
And you my friend will see,
You've got a friend in me.

Ben, you're always running here and there,
You feel you're not wanted anywhere.
If you ever look behind and don't like what you find,
There's something you should know,
You've got a place to go.

I used to say,
I and me.
Now it's "us."
Now it's "we."

Ben, most people would turn you away,
I don't listen to a word they say.
They don't see you as I do.
I wish they would try to.
I'm sure they'd think again,
If they had a friend like Ben.
A Friend.