April 24, 2024 / By Mindy Strong
The Meaning Behind The Song: Somebody’s Watching Me by Rockwell (featuring Michael Jackson)
Rockwell’s hit song “Somebody’s Watching Me” featuring Michael Jackson was released back in 1984 but remains a timeless classic that continues to resonate with many. As the years have gone by, the song has been covered and sampled by various artists, proving its lasting relevance.
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The song’s opening line, “I’m just an average man, with an average life,” is one that many people can relate to, which is part of the reason why the song has been so popular. However, the meaning behind the lyrics goes much deeper than just an average man living an average life. In this article, we will explore the meaning behind the song “Somebody’s Watching Me” by Rockwell (featuring Michael Jackson).
The Lyrics
The lyrics of “Somebody’s Watching Me” describe the feeling of being constantly surveilled, watched, and followed. Rockwell sings about things that might seem mundane, like watching TV, but then adds the element of paranoia by saying, “And I don’t feel safe anymore, oh, what a mess, I wonder who’s watching me now.” The chorus repeats the phrase, “I always feel like somebody’s watching me,” which drives home the point that the narrator feels like he is being watched all the time.
The Music Video
The music video for “Somebody’s Watching Me” is what really brings the lyrics to life. The video shows a man going about his day-to-day life, but he is constantly being watched by a variety of people, from paparazzi to spies. The man becomes increasingly paranoid as the video progresses, and in the end, he is revealed to be living in some kind of testing facility. The video was produced by Motown Records’ visual department, and it reflects the anxieties of the Cold War era, where feelings of being watched and surveilled were widespread.
The Collaborations
One of the most significant collaborations for “Somebody’s Watching Me” is, of course, Michael Jackson’s involvement in the chorus. Jackson’s voice adds a haunting quality to the song, which perfectly complements the feeling of paranoia that the lyrics convey. The song’s chorus has been extensively sampled by other artists over the years, including Fatboy Slim, Mystikal, and Gwen Stefani. Its popularity has even led to an official remix by DJ Christofi, which has further cemented the song’s status as a classic.
The Producer
Rockwell, whose real name is Kennedy William Gordy, is the son of Motown Records founder Berry Gordy. Motown is known for producing some of the most iconic music of the 20th century, and “Somebody’s Watching Me” is no exception. Rockwell had been writing songs and trying to make it as a musician for years before he finally got his big break with this hit single. The song was produced by Curtis Anthony Nolen, who was responsible for many other Motown hits at the time, including Marvin Gaye’s “Sexual Healing.”
The Legacy
There is no doubt that “Somebody’s Watching Me” has left a lasting legacy in the world of music. The song’s message of paranoia and surveillance is still relevant today, with many people feeling like their every move is being watched and recorded. Its influence can be seen in everything from popular TV shows like Black Mirror to the increasing prevalence of CCTV cameras throughout society.
Aside from its cultural impact, “Somebody’s Watching Me” has also been a commercial success. The song was a chart-topping hit when it was first released, and it continues to be a popular choice on radio stations around the world. According to Billboard, “Somebody’s Watching Me” has sold over 2 million copies to date.
Conclusion
In conclusion, “Somebody’s Watching Me” by Rockwell (featuring Michael Jackson) is a timeless classic with a deep meaning that has continued to resonate with listeners for decades. The song’s lyrics describe the feeling of being constantly watched, which is something that many people can relate to today more than ever before. The collaboration between Rockwell and Jackson, as well as the iconic music video, have helped to cement the song’s status as a classic in the world of music. Its influence can be seen in everything from popular TV shows to the increasing prevalence of CCTV cameras throughout society. Rockwell’s hit single will undoubtedly continue to be a beloved and influential song for many years to come.
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