: Quincy Jones originally intended the song for Frank Sinatra but decided it would help Jackson explore more mature, adult themes.
: Eschewing the complex choreography of his later "short films," the video features Jackson sitting on a barstool in a dark room, lit only by a single spotlight.
Watch the official performance where Michael Jackson delivers one of his most intimate and emotionally raw vocal takes: Michael Jackson Shes Out Of My Life Official Video
: Jackson later explained in his autobiography, Moonwalk , that the song reminded him of his profound loneliness and feeling "poor in moments of true joy" despite his professional success. Songwriting Context
The video is most famous for Jackson’s tearful conclusion. While some viewers may assume it was theatrical, the emotional reaction was authentic: : Quincy Jones originally intended the song for
: It notably uses a split-screen technique during the second and third verses to show Jackson from two different angles simultaneously.
: Jackson requested a change from "begging my wife" to "cuts like a knife" because, as a 21-year-old, he felt uncomfortable singing about marriage. Songwriting Context The video is most famous for
Michael Jackson 's official video for is a minimalist production that emphasizes the raw vulnerability of the song, which reached No. 10 on the Billboard Hot 100 in 1980. Production & Direction Director : The video was directed by Bruce Gowers .