In 1998, Michael Jackson wrote, composed and produced the song “People Of The World” for the Japanese band J-FRIENDS in support of the Kobe relief effort.
Michael wrote this song for the children in Kobe, where a devastating earthquake killed more than 5000 people in 1995.
He offered to work with J-FRIENDS, Japanese singers who were then planning a charity project for the Kobe children, and co-produced this song with Japanese producer Yasushi Akimoto.
It is said that the singers listened to MJ’s demo version before recording this, but MJ’s version remains unreleased. So today we still have no access to his original English lyrics. Here is an English translation of the Japanese lyrics (source).
People Of The World (Lyrics translation)
Written by Michael Jackson
Arranged by Michael Jackson, Yasushi Akimoto
[1st verse]
You came to me and shown me
That love is the answer
I will save you, protect you from everything
We should live in togetherness with one another
[Chorus1]
People all over the world
When you start to lend a helping hand
You can make it a better place
This song is for you
To bring love and harmony to this world
[2nd verse]
I can hear people crying
My heart weeps when I see your tears
I will give my shoulder whenever you need
So let us sing together
[Chorus2]
People all over the world
Your smile makes me smile
We can make our future brighter
Let the world shine with happy smiles
Repeat chorus 1 and 2.
Voice by a child: “Together we sing to make a better world ….”
