Behind the Mask – English Lyrics

• By: Michael Jackson
• Album: Michael

Lyrics & Translation

Discover the story of Michael Jackson's "Behind the Mask", a song with origins in Japanese synth-pop that evolved into a commentary on hidden emotions and superficiality. By exploring the lyrics, you'll gain insights into themes of deception and the quest for genuine connection, enriched by Jackson's signature musical style and the creative fan contributions to its music video .

Key Vocabulary

Vocabulary	Meanings
mask /mɑːsk/ B1	noun - a covering for the face
control /kənˈtroʊl/ B2	verb - to have power over noun - the power to influence
truth /truːθ/ B1	noun - the quality of being true
face /feɪs/ A2	noun - the front part of the head
love /lʌv/ A2	noun - an intense feeling of affection verb - to have a strong affection for
scared /skeərd/ B1	adjective - feeling fear
sword /sɔːrd/ B2	noun - a weapon with a long blade
cuts /kʌts/ A2	verb - to separate with a sharp tool
stabs /stæbs/ B1	verb - to pierce with a sharp object
phony /ˈfoʊni/ B2	adjective - not genuine
suffering /ˈsʌfərɪŋ/ B2	noun - the state of experiencing pain
empty /ˈempti/ A2	adjective - containing nothing
tears /tɪrz/ A1	noun - drops of liquid from the eyes
soul /soʊl/ B2	noun - the spiritual or immaterial part of a human
walk /wɔːk/ A1	verb - to move at a regular pace by lifting and setting down each foot
wearing /ˈwerɪŋ/ A2	verb - to have on the body

Key Grammar Structures

• All along, I had to talk about it

  ➔ Past Perfect Tense (had to talk)

  ➔ The past perfect tense 'had to talk' indicates an obligation or necessity that existed throughout a period of time leading up to the present. It emphasizes that the speaker felt compelled to address something previously.

• But like a two edged sword, it cuts you and it stabs me

  ➔ Simile (like a two edged sword)

  ➔ This line uses a simile to compare a situation to a 'two edged sword,' meaning it harms both parties involved. The use of 'like' establishes the comparison.

• You sit behind the mask, and you control your world

  ➔ Present Simple Tense (sit, control)

  ➔ The present simple tense emphasizes the habitual or ongoing nature of the actions. It suggests that the person consistently hides behind a facade and maintains control.

• Try to find the truth but that's your hiding place

  ➔ Modal Verb (Try to)

  ➔ The modal verb 'try to' expresses an attempt or effort to achieve something. It highlights the speaker's struggle to uncover the truth, which is ironically the person's hiding place.

• Who do you love?

  ➔ Indirect Question

  ➔ This is an indirect question, embedded within the song's lyrics. It's not a direct inquiry but a plea for honesty and vulnerability.

• Heaven must be wearing Your smile is scary

  ➔ Modal Verb (must be)

  ➔ The modal verb 'must be' expresses a strong supposition or deduction. The speaker is suggesting that the person's smile is so captivating or unsettling that it's almost supernatural.

• Every year, yours are good

  ➔ Adverb of Frequency (Every year)

  ➔ The adverb of frequency 'Every year' indicates that the action (having good tears) happens repeatedly on an annual basis. It suggests a pattern of insincerity.