Childhood – English Lyrics

• By: Michael Jackson
• Album: HIStory

Lyrics & Translation

Dive into Michael Jackson's "Childhood," a poignant and highly autobiographical song that offers a unique window into the artist's soul and the English language. Through its deeply personal lyrics, you can learn about expressing complex emotions, understanding nuanced vocabulary related to personal history and longing, and appreciating the power of a narrative told through music. The song's orchestral pop style and vulnerable storytelling make it a special piece for language learners to connect with authentic emotional expression in English.

[English]

Have you seen my Childhood?

I'm searching for the world that I come from

'Cause I've been looking around

In the lost and found of my heart...

No one understands me

They view it as such strange eccentricities...

'Cause I keep kidding around

Like a child, but pardon me...

People say I'm not okay

'Cause I love such elementary things...

It's been my fate to compensate,

For the Childhood

...

I've never known...

Have you seen my Childhood?

I'm searching for that wonder in my youth

Like pirates in adventurous dreams,

Of conquest and kings on the throne...

Before you judge me, try hard to love me,

Look within your heart then ask,

Have you seen my Childhood?

...

People say I'm strange that way

...

'Cause I love such elementary things,

It's been my fate to compensate,

For the Childhood I've never known...

...

Have you seen my Childhood?

I'm searching for that wonder in my youth

Like fantastical stories to share

The dreams I would dare, watch me fly...

Before you judge me, try hard to love me.

The painful youth I've had

...

Have you seen my Childhood...

...

Key Vocabulary

Vocabulary	Meanings
Childhood /ˈtʃaɪldhʊd/ A2	noun - the state of being a child
searching /ˈsɜːrtʃɪŋ/ B1	verb - trying to find something
wonder /ˈwʌndər/ B2	noun - a feeling of amazement and admiration
youth /juːθ/ B1	noun - the time of being young
pirates /ˈpaɪrət/ B1	noun - a person who attacks and robs ships at sea
adventurous /ədˈventʃərəs/ B2	adjective - willing to take risks; exciting
conquest /ˈkɒŋkwest/ B2	noun - the act of conquering a place or country
throne /θroʊn/ B1	noun - a ceremonial chair for a monarch
judge /dʒʌdʒ/ A2	verb - to form an opinion or conclusion about
elementary /ɪˈleməntri/ B1	adjective - basic or fundamental
compensate /ˈkɒmpənˌsteɪt/ C1	verb - to make up for something
fate /feɪt/ B2	noun - the development of events beyond a person's control
fantastic /fænˈtæstɪk/ B2	adjective - extremely good or impressive; imaginative
dare /deər/ B1	verb - to be brave enough to do something
painful /ˈpeɪnfəl/ B1	adjective - causing physical or mental pain