Abortion

Have you heard Michael Jackson’s pro-life song, ‘Abortion Papers’?

In September 2012, a little over three years after his death, the previously unreleased track ‘Song Groove (a.k.a. Abortion Papers)’ was included in Michael Jackson’s posthumous 25th anniversary album, Bad 25.

Written and recorded solely by Jackson sometime between 1983 and 1984, it is believed to have been originally planned for The Jacksons album, Victory.

The story behind the song

In the notes for the track in the anniversary album Bad 25, the song is about a young woman, the daughter of a priest. Despite being taught the teachings of the Bible and getting married within the Church, she decides to get an abortion, and thus wants “Abortion Papers”.

The song was considered controversial, perhaps playing a part in its delayed release. According to Jackson’s estate and confirmed by his personal friend, Matt Froger, in the liner notes for the writing of ‘Abortion Papers’, Jackson wrote:

I have to do it in a way so I don’t offend girls who have gotten abortions or bring back guilt trips, so it has to be done carefully… I have to really think about it

It seems that Jackson had strong views on the issue of abortion, but also had great empathy for the women and girls who have suffered as a result.

In the lyrics of the song, one question is repeatedly asked: “What about love?”. Despite the fact that Jackson wasn’t politically active regarding abortion in his life nor part of any campaign, it is clear from the words he chose that at least in the context of this song, the act of aborting your own child goes against the very meaning of “love”.

back to blog

Have you heard Michael Jackson’s pro-life song, ‘Abortion Papers’?

The story behind the song

Featured

Authors