Looking out
Across the nighttime
The city winks a sleepless eye
Hear her voice
Shake my window
Sweet seducing sighs
Get me out
Into the nighttime
Four walls won't hold me tonight
If this town
Is just an apple
Then let me take a bite
If they say
Why (why?), why (why?)
Tell 'em that it's human nature
Why (why?), why (why?)
Does he do me that way?
If they say
Why (why?), why (why?)
Tell 'em that it's human nature
Why (why?), why (why?)
Does he do me that way?
Reaching out
To touch a stranger
Electric eyes are everywhere
See that girl
She knows I'm watching
She likes the way I stare
If they say
Why (why?), why (why?)
Tell 'em that it's human nature
Why (why?), why (why?)
Does he do me that way?
If they say
Why (why?), why (why?)
Tell 'em that it's human nature
Why (why?), why (why?)
Does he do me that way?
I like livin' this way
I like lovin' this way
(That way) Why? Ho why?
(That way) Why? Ho why?
Looking out
Across the morning
Where the city's heart begins to beat
Reaching out
I touch her shoulder
I'm dreaming of the street
If they say
Why (why?), why (why?)
Tell 'em that it's human nature
Why (why?), why (why?)
Does he do me that way?
If they say
Why (why?), why (why?) (She's keeping him by, keeping him around)
Hoo tell 'em
Why (why?), why (why?)
Does he do me that way?
If they say
Why (why?), why (why?)
Cha, da, cha, sha, sha, sha, sha, sha (aah-ah)
Why (why?), why (why?)
Does he do me that way?
If they say
Why (why?), why (why?) (She's keeping him by, keeping him around)
Hoo tell 'em
Why (why?), why (why?)
Does he do me that way?
If they say
Why (why?), why (why?)
Hoo tell 'em
Why (why?), why (why?)
Does he do me that way
If they say why
Why (why?), why (why?) (She's keeping him by, keeping him around)
Da, da, da, da, da, da, da, da
Why (why?), why (why?)
Does he do my that way?
I like living this way
Why? Oh, why? (that way)
Why? Oh, why? (that way)
Why? Oh, why? (that way)
About This Song
"Human Nature" is a sultry, introspective ballad that explores urban longing and the irresistible pull of nighttime desire, with Michael Jackson singing about being drawn into the city's seductive energy despite knowing the risks. The song's smooth R&B groove, featuring a distinctive synthesizer melody and laid-back rhythm, creates an atmospheric soundscape that perfectly captures the nocturnal wandering and romantic yearning described in the lyrics. Thematically, it examines the tension between restraint and impulse, suggesting that giving in to temptation and desire is simply part of human nature-an inevitable aspect of being human that shouldn't be questioned or judged. The track stands out in Jackson's catalog for its sophisticated, jazz-influenced arrangement and mature lyrical content, becoming one of his most enduring and critically acclaimed songs. Its exploration of urban romance and moral ambiguity, combined with Quincy Jones' polished production, helped define the sound of 1980s R&B and solidified Jackson's evolution from pop star to serious artist.
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