As far as I can see it. Yes, there is a deeper meaning to "Billie Jean" as with all of Michael's music, lyrics and videos. You may want to pay attention to the tiles lighting up = Magic. There is also a lot of meaning behind Cat symbolism. You may want to look into that. The "private eye" following and watching Michael throughout the video is telling. Think of the symbolic meaning of "eye" and its origin and perhaps which group and actions it may represent in relationship to Michael. Also think of the clue Michael gives by being just out of reach, ever so elusive. What would be your interpretation of that knowing the sort of person Michael is?
Also there is the whole sort of surreal, dreamlike aspect of the visuals too. This is part of the meaning as well.
My point is break down the visuals of the video, the wording and even the sounds he used in composing the music. Think what the subliminal message is and and you will get the meaning.
One more: You may recall in Michael's channeled message through Bonnie telling us that he lived in a "controlled environment" and that he felt himself to be the "keeper of secrets". The meaning of Billie Jean is related to this message as well.
Last Edited by on Jun 21, 2011 8:29 AM
As you might remember Billie Jean was the song that Michael used to first introduce himself after he passed. I just now looked at the video (thx Irina). Certainly being a bright light always followed by a dark destructive virus that erases the truth (messages) makes perfect sense. It is interesting how the lyrics to the song have nothing to do with the images presented in the video. Michael has also shown a white cat to me while in dream state.
I was thinking of adding in some more words about the LIGHT. SYNCHRONICITY at work here !!! You nailed it . Yes, I recall you documenting all of that. "I am the one ...gonna dance on the floor... in a round." Amazing!
The visuals are unrelated to the song. The song's meaning is also unrelated to the face value meaning of the words. All meaning here is symbolic. Michael- brilliant as always! :)
I wanted to suggest - if you want you can ask Bonnie for my email address - there were some thoughts coming to me and that I would like to tell you personally.
hi Madelon, Yes. Do try writing to Ute. Other than the clues above I intentionally do not want to spell out what both Ute and I feel is the true meaning of Billie Jean lyrics and video. We feel there is very specific message but it may be best to discuss off the board.
Regards, Irinal
Last Edited by on Jun 21, 2011 2:21 PM
Hi Madelon. I don't know of the hidden and/or symbolic meanings of "Billie Jean," but I do know Michael addressed the song's lyrics in "Moonwalk." I found a link that gives some interpretations. I don't have time right now (I'm at work) to find the YouTube video in which Michael comments on the song, but it's out there somewhere.
Billie Jean was a 'composite' of all the many groupies Michael had seen over the years. That would be the LITERAL interpretation of the song.
It's interesting that Michael may have been communicating on more than one level between his actual songs and the music videos that accompanied them. Sometimes, the songs and videos may not always seem related or highly interconnected. I hadn't really thought about that before.
Warmly, Carmen
Edited to add: Its' been a long time since I've watched Michael's music videos. I'm totally out of the loop in this conversation as a result.
Last Edited by on Jun 21, 2011 3:27 PM
Thank you God, and thank you, Michael - I was having some difficulty finding this, but here it is:
The meaning(s) within the "Billie Jean" video itself may different, as Michael may have chosen to communicate with us on more than one level as an Artist. I do think, feel and believe that he is being honest and telling the truth in this interview in regards to the question asked.
Love, Carmen
Last Edited by on Jun 21, 2011 6:43 PM
Thanks all for your comments in trying to understand Billie Jean. Special thanks to Carmen for finding us this beautiful video of Michael. I can not believe this Saturday will be the second anniverssary of his ascending. I wonder where he is at now...What kind of work his spirit is engaged in...I bet, he is still writing music :) ---------- With L.O.V.E, Anne
It is a funny thing..I was just looking at my recommended videos on YouTube and the one Carmen posted was on my recommended list. Life is truly magical.
It would seem the messaging in the video is completely different from the message in the song. Michael was obviously referring to the song in the clip above.
I am glad to see everyone posting today. The board has been very quiet. It warms my heart that people are still coming by.
Thank you for all your suggestions, ideas and thougts. I'v seen the video again and for me it's indeed really about the visuals and not about the lyrics. I read about the symbolic meaning off the tiger. They have great mystical qualities and great maternal devotion. Besides that the tiger is connected with the Hindu goddess Kali who stands for creation and dissolution. And in China the tigers stands for darkness/new moon and lightness/full moon. I never saw it that way but this little tiger at the end has a great meaning.
And Irina (and Ute), Bonnie has send my email to Ute. I hope that Ute can help me a little bit more.
I just saw the video above and I think it's funny how Michael laughes a little bit at the beginning. That speaks for itself. Thank you all Madelon
hi Madelon, You are welcome. Smart of you to notice the telling little laugh at the beginning. True the lyrics do not appear to relate to the video. This is only if you look at the lyrics literally and factor in Michael's official story about the background of the song. I suggest you read the lyrics carefully. They may just open up to you and you will find that the visuals connect more on a subliminal level to the lyrics than literally.
Look for the definition of "for forty and days and forty nights". What is he possibly referencing here?
Also think of what he means with his first verse "She was more like a beauty queen from a movie scene". Is "she" an illusion or is "she" real? "Who" or perhaps "what" is the "she" he is referring to?
See if it all clicks for you. Have fun.
All the Best Irina
Last Edited by on Jun 22, 2011 1:32 PM
I'm personally content with Michael's official explanation of the song and what inspired him to write it, so speaking for myself (and only for myself), I don't feel compelled to look any further regarding the song's lyrics.
For those who wish to analyze Michael's music videos for hidden and symbolic meanings, I would respectfully suggest the following, which I have yet to do myself but will do when I'm ready: 1) Turn OFF the sound. By cutting off the music and sound tracks, you will be able to focus completely on the visuals. 2) Start with Michael's dancing and physical gestures. True, he was inspired to move to the music and become one with the music, but you may find certain gestures cropping up and you may find him gesturing or pointing or shifting his body in certain directions. Pay attention to what is behind him or in the direction of his pointing when he does this. 3) Pay attention to use of colors in the background. This may or may not be symbolic, as artistic choices can, are and will be made by the artist, director, art director and D.P. (director of photography). The use of certain colors or certain color combinations may mean something to you 4) Keep in mind that the song's lyrics may not be related to the visuals at all, or may be related at times but not at other times. That's why I suggest cutting out the soundtrack so that you can focus on the various layers Michael and his artistic team may have used to communicate with the public. 5) Keep in mind that the Artist has the right to do things on a purely artistic and expressive level; there does not HAVE to be hidden symbolism in every little dance move, wink, curtain or sofa color, or strobe of light. Sometimes, an Artist and his/her team may do something because it looks good or sounds good. I say this as someone who works in the industry as a costumer and has been in this industry for over twenty years. Yes, I believe Michael had hidden meanings and symbolism in his videos, and possibly in his music, but I also think he made artistic and expressive choices on a purely artistic and instinctive level - not unlike his dance moves, which were 'felt' more than planned sometimes. I acknowledge that part of Michael as an Artist, which he was first and foremost, before being a victim of the Illuminati.
I personally think "she was more like a beauty queen from a movie scene" not only rhymes (important for the song, or any song, for that matter), but it's also symbolic of how the man in the song ends up being seduced by a woman, who later accuses him of being the father of her child. If 'she' was on his tail for 40 days and 40 nights, that could be a symbolic reference to something, or it could be that 'he' slept with her at least once, and 'she' missed her menstrual cycle around that time, and 'oooops' occurred. Now, 'he' denies he's the one.
I also want to mention that this song played in Bonnie's head, according to one of her channeled video sessions, right around the time Michael died. It played in a loop, if I recall Bonnie's words, and "The kid is not my son" was the loop that played repeatedly. This was right around the time Omar Bhatti was rumored to be Michael's son.
Madelon, follow Irina's lead and see what you find. Good luck! :)
Warmly, Carmen
P.S. Too much control stifles creativity. Michael would have understood this concept. :)
Also, "Billie Jean" would have been written between 1979-1981, I believe, which would have been too soon for Michael to start incorporating dark themes and lyrics into his early career and "Thriller" album, in my opinion. Illuminati themes or dark references would have come later in his music - in my personal opinion.
Last Edited by on Jun 22, 2011 4:34 PM
Hello All, special(((HUG Bonnie))) Wow!!!Carmen, I so love your explanation. Now I am going to turn down the music and watch Michael's videos for added meaning. I do remember Bonnie's first channeling of Michael and the rumor about Omar Bhatti that followed soon after. This is an incredible connection you made there Carmen. Again, Billie Jean is such a trademark of Michael's that he might have selected to reach Bonnie through his trademark song, but the sychronicity with Bhatti rumor is remarkable. Great that you picked up on it Carmen. ---------- With L.O.V.E, Anne
These song loops have all had meaning to present events.
This thread was started by Madelon who had a dream state experience. It sure has triggered some great discussion. This is a wonderful reminder. When we band together to help each other the world gains a little more light.
Hugs to you all for your great insight and contribution.
The loop playing in Bonnie's head signaled to me personally that he was telling her Omar was not his son. He may have loved Omar, but Omar was not Michael's son.
I also want to add that each person must feel free to follow their own path in regards to Michael. We each may have a different journey with him as we search for and uncover the truth about him and his death. It could well be that we are meant to separate at times and follow our instincts; the truth may be found faster that way. . .
I noticed that you posted at 4:34 PM, Bonnie, just as I was editing my post while at work, also at 4:34 PM. :)
I found this and wanted to share: Quincy Jones commenting on the story behind “Billie Jean” as told to him by Michael - starting at the 1:12 mark. This ties in to Michael’s previously cited explanation as noted above in the video I posted. There was a real “Billie Jean” but the song was symbolic of women like ‘her’ in general, according to Michael. I do like Quincy's personal memory of the song's inspiration.
Love, Carmen
P.S. I do agree with you, Bonnie, on the value and importance of working with each other and banding together to seek and shed light. While we may feel pulled in different directions at times in our search for the truth and information, we can always return to our 'family' to share what we've learned and uncovered. :)
I liked the idea of watching the video without the sound. And of course saw some of Michael's iconic dance moves there. Thank you for the GREAT suggestion and for all of the additional information. :)
Madelon, I feel your message in the dream perhaps IS that there is a hidden meaning to Billie Jean. Same as Ute, I believe the discussion around Billie Jean and its meaning is synchronistic to the most recent events surrounding Michael. Such as the disclosure of the details around Michael's death in La Toya's book and the past day's discussion on the board in general. Also, not sure if you recall, and thought I'd remind you that there is a Tiger cub on the cover art for the Thriller album. http://www.cduniverse.com/search/xx/music/pid/2226783/a/Thriller.htm
Isn't it interesting that the question of the true meaning of Billie Jean is being asked, even though we are given a seemingly straightforward story in the lyrics? Why would Michael choose another storyline entirely for the video?
----- Irina
Last Edited by on Jun 23, 2011 8:48 AM
I agree regarding "think twice," and I'd like to add that it's very important to make the distinctions between our own personal bias and the original intent (or intention) behind a song, painting, poem, work of art, etc. We must also remember that in regards to Michael, we are looking at things from a backwards-in-time perspective. A song written in the late 1970s or early 1980s may have a new and not originally intended meaning as we look and listen from a totally different perspective in time.
Michael may have written "Billie Jean" as he and Quincy stated, and may have chosen to re-interpret the song using the visual medium of video. As I said, that is his choice. "Do think twice" is good advice as there may be more than one interpretation of a song and/or a video. The key is to be sure we find the correct one in terms of seeking the truth regarding any messages from Michael, and to keep in mind a song may be written at a certain point in time with a certain intent, and be re-interpreted at a later time. A prime example of this would be the song written by Rod Temperton: "Thriller." I don't believe Mr. Temperton asked Michael for hints or inspiration regarding dark forces or Illuminati influences or the seedy side of the music industry when he re-wrote Michael's song. I don't consider "Thriller" as written by Mr. Temperton to be a biography of Michael's life. However, LOOKING BACK IN TIME FROM OUR CURRENT PERSPECTIVE, we can listen to that song and have certain lyrics play in our heads, and see some eerie similarities to Michael's life, the music industry's occult practices, etc. Just because we 'see' something today does NOT mean that it was the original intent of the Artist. That's what I'm trying to say. :)
I'm not really familiar enough with Michael's videos to know if his songs and videos are usually in sync in terms of the song's lyrics and the visuals. If they normally are, and his "Billie Jean" video is the exception, then I would find that interesting. But I still maintain it is the Artist's right (and there may be others involved in the creative decision making process along the way when it comes to music videos) to deviate from a song's lyrics when it comes to the visuals. I am not in a position to comment on whether or not this was the norm for Michael.
The meaning behind the video itself may be far more symbolic of something (regarding sinister or deeply influential things in Michael's life)than the song itself, but I do personally accept Michael's and Quincy's explanation regarding the song.
I'm in the minority on this one here, but that's okay. I'm still family. :)
"Do think twice" means to me, personally, to make the careful distinction between one's own point of view, point of reference, or personal bias, and in this case, that of the Artist himself. If I'm wrong, I accept it. It's just that I've noticed a strong tendency sometimes in people (myself included) to PROJECT ONE'S OWN BELIEF SYSTEMS AND PERSONAL BIAS into a celebrity, or something that celebrity says or does. I've seen this done with living celebrities, and I've seen it possibly being done with Michael. For all I know, I may be doing it myself with Michael, but I am very conscious of making the distinction between his thoughts, his views, his beliefs, etc, and my own. My efforts to understand him have always started with taking information in rather than choosing information (i.e. articles, interviews, etc.) that support my own preconceived notions or personal position.
When the time comes for me to review and study Michael's videos, I will heed my own advice and forget what I know and start from scratch.
You are right as far as making the distinction between one's own point of view and that of the Artist. Michael gave us some information about his creative process in his message through Bonnie. Otherwise, in my case, I AM seeing a hidden meaning but that is my personal gut/ instinctual reaction and that is why I am not plainly stating it here other than what I have already written.
Good art is often imbued with multiple layers of meaning. Sometimes details can manifest which were placed there by the artist subconsciously.
Best to let everyone make their own interpretation here as it relates to their understanding of Michael and the events surrounding his life.
With Love, Irina
Last Edited by on Jun 23, 2011 11:17 AM
A current message referencing past material does bring the reference into present time, if it is being used to convey information about current events.
Quincy says it is about a real person who accused Michael of parenting one of her twins. Michael says it is about experiences his brothers had with groupies accusing them of fathering their children. Obviously these 2 thoughts are in conflict. It is not clear in their answers if the music itself or the music video is being referenced, but both men are clearly in a sound bite situation where no detail is provided.
I agree thinking twice is great advice. I know in my research on this case I have had to re-think things many times.
We did this yesterday in the thread with Raymone Bain.
Most of the information coming in on this case has been rumor and certainly conflicting and convoluted in nature. First thoughts can and have led people down a path directed by others. Independent thought and examination is the key.
IMHO, Bonnie
Last Edited by on Jun 23, 2011 7:35 PM
Hi Everyone, It's great to see all you views and thoughts about it. It doesn't make it easier but it's really interesting to see that you can look at it from many kinds of view. I love the fact that you all are very respectful over that. However for myself I see it like this: I do understand that Michael has hidden messages in his work. My own believe is that he had en still has a message of light but that the attention always went to gossip. With the result that many people didn’t see his pure message. That’s why he always had to be on his guard. In that light I can see why I had this dream, which came to by my subconscious, my guides or maybe by Michael; I don’t know. But all that said; maybe I have to think twice :)
Irina: yes I remembered there was a little tiger involved. I really love animals and I always want to know what kind of symbolic shamanistic meaning they have. I found the similarity quiet striking or remarkable.
Carmen: I did indeed ask myself if I’m not going to deep in to it. Because Michael was only 22 or 23 years old when he worked at billie jean. Not many young man of that age know about symbolism in this profound way. But I’m looking for a connection with my own life and I can tell you that groupies do not make part of that :)
This was YOUR dream, and YOU own this highly personal and unique experience unto you. I don't consider myself to be psychic, although I may have some such abilities. I don't call them by that name.
I need to clarify: While I accept Michael's and Quincy's public and official version of the story behind "Billie Jean," I do not discount the possibility of other interpretations and possible meanings as may be revealed in the official video, or in someone's dream.
I feel the urge to mention to you that I noticed in your recollection of your dream that you were WATCHING a video presentation of the song. I noted that you were not seated at a CD player or stereo system, just listening. Is that correct? You were watching the video itself with the song playing, and you asked Michael what the song meant. If that is the case, I believe you will find your answer IN THE VIDEO ITSELF, and NOT in the song itself or the lyrics. Again, cut the sound when you watch the video, and see if you can learn (Irina and Ute are excellent teachers and helpers here!) about Illuminati symbolism. Some of us believe he was a victim of THEM at a young age, which might explain his use of symbolism.
Look to the video itself. I believe you will find your answer(s) there.
Michael, in my opinion, may communicate differently using different methods and conveying different messages with and to different people. I have a feeling he knows who is receptive to what and when, and how best to reach that person. Every single person on this board has a valid view, valid experiences, valid perceptions and valid feelings.
You'll have to 'feel' your way through this, Madelon. You seem to be getting the urge to look deeper into this issue, and I respect that, regardless as to where the source comes from. Do follow it. :)
Much love and a hug, Carmen
Edited again to Add: I had to chuckle when I read your comment about not being a part of groupies or sharing that experience with Michael. I believe you, Madelon! LOL.
Michael, however, experienced groupies at a very young age while a part of The Jackson Five. He was exposed to certain things that little boys should never be subjected to or exposed to. That is why I accept his publicly stated version of the inspiration for "Billie Jean." His brothers and Michael witnessed many things over the years while growing up, and it had a profound effect on Michael, in my personal opinion. When you read "Moonwalk," you'll come to understand this a bit better.
The Illuminati symbols in Michael's music videos may have been placed there not entirely by Michael's own free will. He may have been forced to incorporate them, whether he wanted to or not, and regardless as to whether or not they tied into his song's lyrics.
Again, his songs may have been written with one message or a certain type of message in mind, but they may have been presented visually with the incorporation of certain Illuminati symbols, which may have had nothing to do with the song itself. As Michael stated via one of Bonnie's channeled sessions, "I was made to do things I did not want to do."
That's all I wanted to add. Good luck in seeking your answers and with your journey, Madelon!
Last Edited by on Jun 23, 2011 5:59 PM
I wanted to add that, although Ute and I feel there to be a message in Billie Jean, we do not see any heavy Illuminati symbolism in the video. There are as I said in the beginning references to Magic - the good kind. (Note what happens to the panhandler when Michael tosses a coin in his cup.)
I personally see a lot of symbolic references to Enlightenment as part of the message.
Last Edited by on Jun 24, 2011 8:02 AM
I didn't have the energy to respond last night; yesterday was a rather crazy and unusual day at work for me. I did, however, manage to watch the video of "Bille Jean" and took some mental notes.
First, I want and need to mention that when I suggested watching the video - without sound, of course - that it is to be watched on DVD and on your TV screen. Any analysis I do for clues or symbolism in Michael's videos will only be done using my DVD collection and a large screen format. My television is a 35" Proscan TV. It's from 1996 and does not have high resolution, but it's still excellent with DVDs. I have always envisioned Michael's videos being seen and watched, and in particular studied, using as large a medium as possible. Also, by watching your MJ videos on DVD, you are bypassing Sony and Vevo and any corporate sponsors who may be interfering with its true presentation on formats that rely on computers and YouTube, etc. You'll also recall Madelon's dream: the video was watched (or presented, depending on how you want to look at this) on a TV monitor. If it wasn't a TV monitor but a large computer console that functions as a TV monitor, you'll recall Madelon was watching it as if it had been on TV. That is important to me. It is exactly how I intend to study his videos. I don't want any interference from Sony or any other advertisers while watching Michael's videos.
Another advantage to watching these videos on a larger screen is that you will see all the little details in their entirety. You will not have to squint or strain your eyes.
With all of that said, here are the things I observed after watching the video several times last night. These are not presented in any particular order:
1) the first image is of a mysterious man in a trench coat, looking like a vintage Hollywood movie detective or spy. He ends up spying on Michael's character, trying to catch Michael 'in the act' with "Billie Jean." He's looking for evidence.
2) the video starts in vintage black and white, with a sinister entrance by the 'detective' or 'spy.'
3) the detective figure could also represent, in Illuminati terms, a member of the Mafioso
4) we jump to color with the toss of a coin as it enters a gold cup, and the video really begins. This is a style change and used for dramatic effect, in my opinion.
5) Michael's shirt and tie colors are connected to the background skyline, so artistically, there is unity. The scenic background is basically kept simple during Michael's dance moves, so nothing competes with his dancing. The side walk and background scenery vaguely reminds me of the background in "The Wiz." Michael's dancing is confined to the sidewalk and city skyline 'stage.'
6) there are two felines in the video, not counting the tiger
7) there are two females in the billboard on the right side of the screen as Michael dances. They both represent attractive women who may each be a "Bille Jean." The word or name "Louisa" is at the bottom of the billboard. The girl's faces shift and smile while watching Michael dance. They are both caucasian.
8) I don't know the significance of the store front names or the green color scheme of "Ronalds."
9) "Ronalds" may have been a sponsor of the video and may have helped pay for its production, in which case, the company might have been given some upfront screen time and advertising.
10) KEY IMAGE: the graffiti on the wall as Michael is seduced to come up to another "Billie Jean's" bedroom. You will see "MZ Rules" on the wall and a peace symbol to the left of it. I had originally thought the peace symbol was a pentagram within a circle, because that's what it looked like to me at one point, but later on, it reveals itself to be a peace symbol. The peace symbol does have its origins in the Illuminati, from what I recall reading.
11) the first shot of "Billie Jean's" bedroom shows a woman covered by sheets, sleeping. The pillow next to her is dented, and the covers on that side of the bed have been pulled away. Someone was with her, in her bed.
12) POSSIBLE ILLUMINATI REFERENCE: a black triangle is formed behind the woman's bed frame in the shot I previously described. This may be for artistic effect, as it echoes the curtains in the foreground. Or it may mean something more. As we know, one of the Illuminati symbols is the Triangle or Pyramid.
13) the detective finds tiger stripe fabric, cut in a square, on the ground immediately after we see the first bedroom/ "Billie Jean" shot as described above. This symbolizes the evidence that Michael was with "Billie Jean," in her bed, and the detective has a piece of evidence. The tiger stripe fabric symbolizes "Billie Jean" in my opinion. Michael was there, or someone was there, and the detective/ spy knows it. "Billie Jean" is staying in a hotel room, as we see Michael climbing stairs with the words "Hotel" behind him, to the right of the screen.
14) Michael's character goes up to Billie Jean's room. He sees a body in the bed. He stands there and thinks. He eventually gets into the bed. There is some activity going on under the covers. The trench coat detective has a camera and yet again tries to get his proof, using a camera, of Michael with Billie Jean. The two bodies under the sheets have morphed into one, so the detective never gets his proof.
15) the tiger stripe fabric morphes into a real tiger at the end of the video, after the detective drops the fabric on the ground. Since we have a third, never actually seen but definitely implied female in this video, I must conclude that 'she' is represented by the tiger, and that the previous domestic felines are tied in to the females on the billboard. Women may be symbolized by cats in this video.
16) ILLUMINATI REFERENCE: If you look at the ground, you will find what appears to be normal pavement. Normal pavement often has a grid pattern on it. Normal pavement does not light up, of course, but this pavement does in response to Michael's feet and dancing. If you watch the grid pattern at the end of the film and in some dance sequences, you will see the lights form a checkerboard pattern. As we have come to know, the black and white checkerboard is THEIR symbol. If I were to associate any images in this video with Illuminati symbolism, the ground and pavement on which Michael walks and dances would be one, and the black triangle formed by the curtains in "Billie Jeans" bedroom would be another. The video ends with the checkerboard light pattern on the pavement.
17) "Billie Jean's" hotel bedroom image takes the place on the billboard where the two caucasian girls were previously seen, as the video comes to an end
My final conclusion, after watching this video on a large screen TV, and without the soundtrack, is that it does actually tie into the song lyrics and story of "Billie Jean." The video references "Billie Jean" symbolically with women and cats, and the song lyrics "For 40 days and for 40 nights, the law was on her side" are symbolized by the detective/spy who is trying to gather evidence against Michael and in favor of "Billie Jean." The detective eventually gets caught by police and arrested, allowing Michael's character to escape and not be found guilty. The detective represents "Billie Jean's" version of events or her point of view; he's on her side. The police ultimately take him away, and therefore allow Michael's character to state "Billie Jean's not my lover. . .the kid is not my son."
But "Billie Jean" did seduce him, and he did go up to her room. All of this is played out in the video.
~The video is tied to the story and song of "Billie Jean," while allowing Michael to showcase his fabulous dance moves on a checkerboard lit pavement. I believe the video connects to the song itself, allows Michael to show his dance moves, and allows possible - and very subtle - Illuminati references. ~
Much love, Carmen
Last Edited by on Jun 25, 2011 8:21 AM
Interesting connection, Bonnie. Very good observation, in my opinion. :)
I felt the urge to do a little more research on “Billie Jean,” and knew where I had to look.
Citing “Moonwalk,” page 200:
“The three videos that came out of “Thriller”- “Billie Jean,” “Beat It,” and “Thriller” - were all part of my original concept for the album. I was determined to present this music as visually as possible. . .I wanted something that would GLUE you to the set, something you’d want to watch over and over.”
This suggests to me that Michael already had visual concepts in mind before the album was released.
“Billie Jean” and “Beat It” came before “Thriller.” I find this an important point to note because the final clash between Michael and his Jehovas Wintness faith and the ‘Monitors’ who always accompanied him on his video projects had not yet occurred until the “Thriller” video. That means that “Billie Jean,” a song involving premarital and/or extra marital sex and lust (and Michael's experiences with groupies) would already have been a possible issue with the Jehovas Witness faith; and Michael would have had to find a discreet and tasteful way to present the song’s concept for 1982 or 1983 audiences, MTV, and without offending the leaders of his chosen faith. If we don’t see graphic depictions of certain things, I think we need to remember the time in which the video was made, the person who heavily influenced how it would be presented, and the strong influence of Jehovas Witness ‘Monitors’ who would have objected to certain imagery.
That’s all I wanted to add.
With another warm hug to my fellow board members and lurkers, Carmen
Edited again to add something that may be important: Citing page 202 of "Moonwalk," Michael mentions that "Billie Jean" was done with CBS's money - about $250,000. " We all know the "eye" symbol used by CBS as their official company or corporate logo.
Michael continues to say "At the time that was a lot of money for a video, but it really pleased me that they believed in me that much." Who knows how many other hidden Illuminati symbols may be in the video, apparent to eyes that are much more observant to THEIR symbols than mine are? If CBS backed it and funded it. . .
Michael continues to say "Steve Baron, who directed "Billie Jean," had very imaginative ideas, although he didn't agree at first that there should be dancing. It was great to dance for the video. . ." Can you imagine a Michael Jackson video without his dancing???
So, there were Michael's choices as well as Steve Baron's choices, and most likely some people at CBS put there hands in the video pie as well. This is all the analysis I can do for this video at this time. Those who truly feel, sense and/or believe there is more to it are far more likely to find any additional hidden meanings. On the flip side of the coin, we may also find things that are not there but that we place there. That's the one thing I caution against. I have to stop at this point because I honestly don't have anything more to share or to put on the table for discussion regarding this topic. This is the best I can do.
Last Edited by on Jun 25, 2011 11:09 AM
Just wanted to add a few more comments concerning "for forty days and for forty nights" verse in Billie Jean. I agree that in relationship to the unfolding of the current events surrounding Michael it just may be symbolic of the increased number of concert dates.
However it is my belief that at the song's inception, back when Michael was an observant Jehovah's Witness, it may have been a Biblical reference. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Temptation_of_Christ http://www.watchtower.org/e/bible/mt/chapter_004.htm
Again this is just my opinion based on what I have researched. I was hoping that someone else here would find the connection.
Also when I listen to the song I hear an " 'I' was on her side" as opposed to the written version of the lyrics which says "the LAW was on her side". Please tell me if I am wrong on this one.
Love, Irina
Last Edited by on Jun 25, 2011 12:14 PM
Oh and Bonnie regarding your mention above concerning a white cat, which Michael showed you in a dream. In the video I believe the very first white cat to be him. It looks like first the white cat makes an appearance and then in the following shot Michael seems to suddenly materialize.
Anyway there are plenty of interesting elements in the video. This is why I find all this discussion so interesting.
Hi Irina. I thought I heard "I was on her side" as well, but the official lyrics refer to the "the law" being on her side.
I had thought about the Biblical reference to "40 days and 40 nights," as you did, but I don't know if Michael was trying to tie his religious faith into the song somehow.
I had to get back to my computer to add a thought that came to mind as I was driving around this morning, picking up my iced coffee and visiting a thrift shop to drop some things off. This may be obvious to other people here, but I may have a mental block when it comes to some things, so PLEASE bear with me and be patient.
I have just come to realize that several people here, including Bonnie, Irina, Ute and now Madelon, are all applying a MODERN and CURRENT REINTERPRETATION of Michael's song lyrics. The songs that have been playing in your heads for days, weeks or months were not written years ago by Michael with current events in mind. However, and this is a BIG 'however,' Michael is quite possibly asking those of you who are open to this, to set aside the original and intended meaning of his lyrics and to REINTERPRET them according to current events.
I can see that this is where I have gone in a separate direction from others on this board, as I search for the original intent, intentions, meaning and source material for Michael's songs and videos. He may well be asking those of you who are open to doing this (and don't have my mental blocks) to "think twice" and reinterpret his song lyrics. I myself resist this partly because I fear applying my own interpretation or misinterpretation of Michael's meaning. I can present Michael's original intended meaning for a song or lyrics, perhaps, and cite my sources accordingly, but I have not reinterpreted his lyrics.
To those of you who have been hearing certain songs and lyrics playing in your heads, and who feel the urge to connect those lyrics to modern and current events surrounding Michael, I think that you are doing what he may want you to do. I rarely get certain types of song lyrics in my head, and fortunately for me, the songs that do play in my head do not remind me of his pain or his suffering. They are not songs that have led me or inspired me to go in the direction that others here have chosen to go.
I can only say that I am a friend to him the best way I know how to be. I also believe that he relates to each of us as individuals, just as he would have in life. So, what he shares with one person, he may not with another. I accept this.
I just needed to post this: If you feel the need to reinterpret Michael's lyrics, it's quite possibly what Michael is asking you to do.
Much love, Carmen
Last Edited by on Jun 25, 2011 12:38 PM
Why is all of Madelon's comments deleted? At least from my computer that is what it is showing. Does anyone else see this? Did you deleted you comments Madelon?
