Michael Jackson has long been considered a visionary, and his song Cry is a powerful example of why he deserves this title. This emotional song focuses on unity, healing and hope — it calls us to action, and reminds us that change is possible but only when everyone acts together.

Jackson doesn’t rely on intensity to carry this track. Instead, he delivers a calm yet compelling performance. His vocals hold a quiet urgency, drawing listeners in. The chorus, however shifts the tone—demanding solidarity as he insists, “I can’t do it by myself.” For this reason the production takes a quiet route, letting Jackson’s voice shine through instead.

Michael Jackson – Cry (Official Video)

The music video, directed by Nicholas Brandt, does not focus on Michael Jackson. Instead, it shows people from different backgrounds holding hands to represent unity. This powerful choice goes beyond needing a famous face and helps us pay attention to the song’s meaning.

Lyrically, Cry borrows from Man in the Mirror and Heal the World, with its tense theme of urgency; Jackson urges people to reflect on where the world is, and how they can make it better. The words hit even harder when looked at in the context of the sincere production, with zero spectacle, and just raw emotion.

Michael Jackson – Beat It (Official 4K Video)

“Cry” was never meant to be a commercial powerhouse, and it doesn’t need to be. Instead, it stands on its own, painting a vision of a better world. It reminds us that Jackson wasn’t just about making music, he was about making a difference.

For more of Michael Jackson’s timeless messages through music, follow his official social media pages—his impact continues to inspire generations.