In the Closet – English Lyrics

• By: Michael Jackson
• Album: Dangerous

Lyrics & Translation

Learning a language through music is a fantastic way to immerse yourself in a new culture, and Michael Jackson's "In the Closet" offers a unique opportunity. The song's clear, emotive vocals and repetitive chorus make it easier to pick up on the nuances of English pronunciation and vocabulary related to love and relationships. Beyond the language, you'll discover a pivotal moment in the career of a global icon as he explored more mature and provocative themes.

[English]

There's something I have to say to you

If you promise you'll understand

I cannot contain myself when in your presence

I'm so humble

Touch me

Don't hide our love

Woman to man

She's just a lover who's doin' me by

Is it worth the giving? Is it worth the try?

You cannot cleave it or put it in the furnace

You cannot wet it, you cannot burn it

She wants to give it

(She wants to give it, ah, she wants to give it) dare me

(She wants to give it, ah, she wants to give it)

She wants to give it, yeah

(She wants to give it, ah, she wants to give it)

(She wants to give it, ah, she wants to give it)

It's just a feeling, you have to soothe it

You can't neglect it, you can't abuse it

It's just desire, you cannot waste It

Then if you want it, then won't you taste it

She wants to give it

(She wants to give it, ah, she wants to give it) dare me

(She wants to give it, ah, she wants to give it)

She wants to give it, yeah

(She wants to give it, ah, she wants to give it)

(She wants to give it, ah, she wants to give it)

One thing in life you must understand

The truth of lust woman to man

So open the door and you will see

There are no secrets, make your move, set me free

Ah, because there's something about you, baby

That makes me want to give it to you

I swear there's something about you, baby

Just promise me whatever we say (and we get it)

Or whatever we do to each other

For now, we'll make a vow to just (never knew)

Keep it in the closet

If you can get it, is it worth the try?

I really want it, I can't deny

It's just desire, I really love it

'Cause if it's aching, you have to rub it

She wants to give it

(She wants to give it, ah, she wants to give it) dare me

(She wants to give it, ah, she wants to give it)

She wants to give it, yeah

(She wants to give it, ah, she wants to give it)

(She wants to give it, ah, she wants to give it)

Just open the door and you will see

This passion burns inside of me

Don't say to me, you'll never tell

Touch me there

Make the move

Cast the spell

Ah, because there's something about you, baby

That makes me want to give it to you

I swear there's something about you, baby

That makes me want

Just promise me whatever we say

Or do to each other

For now, we'll make a vow to just (whatever we do)

Keep it in the closet

Because there's something about you, baby

That makes me want to give it to you

Because there's something about you, baby

That makes me want to give it to you

I swear there's something about you, baby

That makes me want to give it to you

I swear there's something about you, baby

That makes me want to give it to you

I swear there's something about you, baby

That makes me want to give it to you

Somethin' about you, baby

That makes me want

Just promise me whatever we say

Or whatever we do to each other (yeah, what ever we do)

For now, we'll make a vow to just

Keep it in the closet

(She wants to give it) dare me

(Ah) keep it in the closet

(She wants to give it) dare me

(Ah) keep it in the closet

She wants to give it, ah, she wants to give it

She wants to give it, ah, she wants to give it

She wants to give it, ah, she wants to give it

She wants to give it, ah, she wants to give it

(Bring it down)

(She wants to give it)

(She wants to give it ah)

(She wants to give it) keep it in the closet

(She wants to give it)

(She wants to give it) keep it in the closet

(She wants to give it, ah, she wants to give it) dare me

...

Key Vocabulary

Vocabulary	Meanings
promise /ˈprɒmɪs/ A2	verb - to assure someone that you will do something noun - an assurance that you will do something
contain /kənˈteɪn/ B1	verb - to hold something inside
humble /ˈhʌmbəl/ B1	adjective - having or showing a modest or low estimate of one's own importance
presence /ˈprezəns/ B2	noun - the state or fact of being present
worth /wɜːθ/ A2	noun - the value of something
cleave /kliv/ C2	verb - to split or sever
furnace /ˈfɜːrnəs/ B2	noun - a very hot oven or structure for melting or heating things
neglect /nɪˈɡlekt/ B2	verb - to fail to care for properly
abuse /əˈbjuːs/ B2	verb - to treat someone badly or unfairly
desire /dɪˈzaɪər/ B1	noun - a strong feeling of wanting something
ache /eɪk/ B1	verb - to have a dull, continuous pain
lust /lʌst/ C1	noun - very strong sexual desire
passion /ˈpæʃən/ B2	noun - strong and barely controllable emotion
spell /spel/ A2	noun - a word or combination of words verb - to cast a spell
vow /vaʊ/ B2	noun - a solemn promise verb - to promise solemnly

Key Grammar Structures

• There's something I have to say to you

  ➔ Existential 'there' + infinitive construction

  ➔ The phrase introduces a statement the speaker needs to make. The 'there' doesn't refer to a place, but indicates existence. The infinitive 'to say' functions as the subject.

• If you promise you'll understand

  ➔ First conditional + future in the 'if' clause (will)

  ➔ This is a classic conditional sentence. 'If' introduces the condition, and 'you'll understand' is the likely result. 'You'll' is a contraction of 'you will'.

• You cannot cleave it or put it in the furnace

  ➔ Modal verb 'cannot' + base form of verb + coordinating conjunction 'or'

  ➔ This sentence uses 'cannot' to express impossibility. 'Cleave' means to split or sever, and 'furnace' is a very hot oven. The 'or' connects two impossible actions.

• It's just desire, you cannot waste it

  ➔ Noun phrase as subject + copula 'is' + adjective + modal verb 'cannot' + base form of verb

  ➔ This sentence defines something as 'just desire' and then states that it shouldn't be wasted. 'Waste' here means to use carelessly or ineffectively.

• Then if you want it, then won't you taste it

  ➔ Conditional sentence (elliptical) + tag question

  ➔ The 'then' is redundant but adds emphasis. The sentence is a conditional asking if the listener desires something and, if so, will they experience it. 'Won't you' is a polite tag question.