Why "Morphine" is special

Lately – well, these past few days – I've been listening to the song “Morphine” quite a lot. It's a song that I had never heard before Michael Jackson's “passing” – the song was acknowledged in the media for his strong link to the current events. I googled it, listened to it but never really took an interest. Then, I read on a blog that at some point, in the song, there are spoken parts that are barely audible. You can hear a faint “Is that what the Dr said” according to some – some claim that there's a hidden 911 call in there. Now, I don't know about that. I don't know if the song pertains to the hoax, I'm not sure it was planned that far ahead ; if hoax there is.
But still, I went back to the song a lot lately and really listened to it. I listened to it because I was trying to understand Michael Jackson's relations to drugs. We all know he admitted to being addicted to painkillers back in the early 90s, after undergoing reconstructive surgery – he apparently sought help, went to rehab and got treated for it. I wasn't a hard-core MJ fan but I had not heard about his link to drugs before he “died”. (I was born in 1991, too young to remember his confession to taking painkillers at the time).
Just a little disclaimer : These are my personal feelings on the song. They do not stand for the truth as I don't know Michael Jackson personally and I know very well that a song calls for many interpretations.
OK – so I don't know if Michael Jackson ever really took morphine. Maybe he did, maybe he didn't. What struck me about this song is that – whether he experienced morphine – he knows clearly what it's about (could stem from personal experience, other's accounts, research….)
First of all, let's think about the numerous songs about drugs. I'll single some out : “Comfortably Numb” by Pink Floyd, “Heroin” by The Velvet Underground or even “Cocaine Blues” by Johnny Cash. We could also add to the list “Lucy In The Sky With Diamonds” by The Beatles or “Purple Haze” by Jimi Hendrix if you will.
Most songs about drugs are very metaphorical – they won't mention the actual name of the drug, or even “drugs” at all. Most of the time, they'll tell a story about what you feel when you take them, or when the singer takes them, describing the PLEASANT effects of numbness or illusion they give.
“… There is no pain, you are receding…
A distant ship's smoke on the horizon … “
“… My hands felt just like two balloons …
Now I got that feeling once again…”
(Comfortably Numb)
“… I don't know where I am going…
But I'm gonna try for the kingdom again…”
“… When I'm rushing on my run…
And I feel just like Jesus' song…”
“Heroin, it's my wife and it's my life…”
(Heroin)
If you listen to most of these songs too – there's a peacefulness to it, a sort of feeling of acceptance ; like a drug, the songs convey either a feeling of illusion and wonderment, or emptiness and numbness ; those are effects pertaining to drugs, whatever kind they may be. There's also, most of the time, a positivity to it ; even if the negative is mentioned, the goodness the drugs provide, however temporary, is acknowledged.
Now, “Morphine” – there's a strange literalness to the song. First of all, there's an actual medical term used, which is the name of the drug itself. The song doesn't just mention “morphine”, it mentions “Demerol”. Medical side-effects are mentioned as well, which is the “heart attack.” Also, you can hear what seems to be a machine used as an instrument which oddly sounds like a cardiac pump.
There's no positivity to the song – not only it's sung with such anger for the most part (besides the slow interlude) but there's also a feeling of despise and negative connotations to the lingo used.
At the end, he sings “You just sit around just talkin' nothin and takin' morphine” which brings me back to my “despise” comment – there's clearly a moment of looking down at the person who takes the morphine, pointing out his/her uselessness when under such conditions.
Also ; “I hate your kind, baby”. ”You're just a liar.” “Your dog's a bitch.” “You make me sick.” “So undesirable.” “Don't cry.” : There's a feeling of resentment and helplessness too – a resistance to taking those drugs, a fear of them. “He's tried hard to convince her to be over what he had.” Notice the lack of use of the first person narrator which demonstrates a will of distance – now, MJ could very well be talking about himself in the song, of course, but it feels like he has the intention to distance himself nonetheless.
There's no mention of personal administration either – clearly, a third party is present and is initiating the addiction as well as administering the drug. Now, could it be a doctor he talks about ? That would seem the most appropriate interpretation since, like I pointed out, the actual medecine's name is mentioned, “Demerol”. The person who injects it in the song is not just a sleazy pusher from the streets – it's clearly a professional who “puts it in” methodically, with knowledge. Just like the song is very “aware” of morphine – the way it's used, the fatal consequences (“He got flat, baby”.) and so on. And, usually, who's perceived as more trust-worthy than a doctor ? (”Put all your trust in me.”)
I'm not saying this has anything to do with the hoax – but I was thinking about all those drug stories about Michael Jackson coming out.
First of all, I think that the media's got it wrong : this song is more than just about MJ being hooked on morphine and it's more than just a cry for help. There's a precision to the song and a methodical aspect that makes it more than that, that makes it different. MJ clearly knew about morphine and was very aware of the dangers and badness to it. Now, maybe he did take Demerol at some point : after all, GOOD people sometimes do BAD things. That doesn't make them less good, that just means they're human and they sometimes falter.

In the lights of the current events – remember, the whole MJ drug case started out with Demerol. It was all about the Demerol before Nurse Lee came into the picture, talked about Diprivan, then Murray spilled the beans about the closeted Propofol stash on his 2nd police interview.
Mentioning Murray brings me to my last point – whether MJ got his kicks on morphine or not, there's a feeling of exposure and denunciation in this song. Like I said, there's a trust-worthy, doctor-like figure that plays a big part in the song – yet a doctor wouldn't get you addicted, now, would they ? They wouldn't try to “convert you”, would they ? Except this is Hollywood we're talking about – we all know about the Adderall pills starlets are being fed to lose weight and other numerous drug scandals with more than compliant doctors – or maybe, after all, they're just vulgar enablers who'll kiss it to anyone for fruitful financial prospects. That's the feeling I got with this song too ; the resentment : resenting the initiator of the addiction who, supposedly, you can “put all your trust” into, yet endangers you for his own selfish motives.
Last but not least… “Oh God, he's taking Demerol” – sounds very much like media's reaction (as well as a lot of people's – like someone on the boards said too ; could be friends, entourage… ?. Another piece of exposure and resentment ? I guess this phrase means “They all act surprised when it's the most common thing around – they'd rather bury their heads in the sand, all of them. They all cry when it's too late instead of reaching out when they could have.”
I'm really interested in hearing about your own personal thoughts on this song – which is quite underrated and should have been given light before the tragic “passing” of Michael Jackson. Another piece of his beautiful work !

you've said a lot of my feelings toward this song. when i was able to actually listen to his songs after he "died", this has been one i listen to quite a bit. i too have thought that maybe there's a 911 call there, but it's so hard to hear it clearly. but regardless of that, i don't think he made this song as someone who personally struggled with a morphine addiction. rather, i think he made it as someone who either experienced it naturally in the hospital but never became addicted, or someone who witnessed an addiction to it and was able to sing about the kind of things they went through. it is a very powerful song and it's a shame it wasn't given more attention prior to his "death." but that in itself could say a lot regarding the hoax.

This is interesting!
Since there are theorys about Michael working with DEA to unmask doctors, This song fits just good!

I've listen Morphine over and over again and what I understood from this song is Michael's angry about Morphine and everything is got to do with it! This is a very angry song, and like you pointed, an addict would speak just beautiful about it's effects!

I am too curious about the song. But my guess was that maybe MJ wrote this song after having been treated for his addiction to painkillers in the 90´s. He did go to rehab for it right? Just a thought.

Anna K....I share your views about this song...it is/was underrated. There are two things that I've thought about this song: either MJ is talking about a past addiction and trying to warn everyone about what is going on Hollywood, or Michael is trying to make others believe (media) he does have an addiction.

You can see how everything he says it's what the media said about him.

"you hate your race", I hate your kind, you make me sick, youre so unreliable, you're throwing shame, I'm such a swine, etc... why not make the media he still has an addiction?

Then the first verse is interesting.

He got flat baby
Kick in the back baby
A heart attack baby
I need your body

First sentence is in third person, then the last sentence is in first person..."I need your body"...I dont think that phrase was there just to complete the first verse. Who's body does he need? this is definitely not a love song...so it keeps me wondering...

mjthelegendlives wrote:Anna K....I share your views about this song...it is/was underrated. There are two things that I've thought about this song: either MJ is talking about a past addiction and trying to warn everyone about what is going on Hollywood, or Michael is trying to make others believe (media) he does have an addiction.

You can see how everything he says it's what the media said about him.

"you hate your race", I hate your kind, you make me sick, youre so unreliable, you're throwing shame, I'm such a swine, etc...

Then the first verse is interesting.

He got flat baby
Kick in the back baby
A heart attack baby
I need your body

First sentence is in third person, then the last sentence is in first person..."I need your body"...I dont think that phrase was there just to complete the first verse. Who's body does he need? this is definitely not a love song...so it keeps me wondering...

Maybe he needed Jack Londons body (from annies theory)

"Wherever. Whatever. Have a nice day."

Human_nature wrote:I listened this song several times. I asked my boyfriend if he was able to play with the song because I wanna hear the part "What the doctor said ?" because right after we can hear something, a reply or something like that.
So, what's my boyfriend found was amazing.
He tell me , we can't understand because they added this part in "backward".
But it's not the kind of "backward" message we can hear usually...it's a message they just reversed there, in the song.
So, the whole message was "What the doctor said ?" (and backward after) "let's the party begin" and it's very clear.
I will ask him if he saved what he found and I'll try to post here , so you'll understand what I mean.

Wow, HN, how dare you not bring this before? LOL yes, please try to find it!

By the way, HN, Im glad to see you came back....hugs

"Wherever. Whatever. Have a nice day."

It's ok, girl...thanks. I hope he does have it

"Wherever. Whatever. Have a nice day."

Human_nature wrote:I listened this song several times. I asked my boyfriend if he was able to play with the song because I wanna hear the part "What the doctor said ?" because right after we can hear something, a reply or something like that.
So, what's my boyfriend found was amazing.
He tell me , we can't understand because they added this part in "backward".
But it's not the kind of "backward" message we can hear usually...it's a message they just reversed there, in the song.
So, the whole message was "What the doctor said ?" (and backward after) "let's the party begin" and it's very clear.
I will ask him if he saved what he found and I'll try to post here , so you'll understand what I mean.

wow, that is awesome! i couldn't figure out what was being said for the life of me. hopefully you can post it here so we can hear it.

"Wherever. Whatever. Have a nice day."

Sorry Human_nature, I couldn´t hear it, but maybe it´s just me. Is it Michael who says that or the other voice?

"Wherever. Whatever. Have a nice day."

Hahah ok, thanks

its odd you would mention this and bring this to light,cause i either read here or SOMEWHERE,(cant remember)but,it was kicked around or insinuated that michael wasnt a drug addict at all,he merely wanted media etc. TO THINK he was,so,therefore he had these things at his house,and deliebertly "begged" for drugs from doc.friends(?) to give the illusion he was addicted again. brings up good point considering ALL these people when asked, no one EVER saw him take a pill,or shoot up,or under the influence,NO-ONE who spent time with him.Also,along those lines,he passed a 4 or 5 hour health test BUT,no-one EVER saw any needle injections,or sites,however,we were told the body was riddled with needle marks during autopsy(?) more inconsistenceies.and on top of that,being as careful as he was with what he ATE and put into his body,HOW could u explain being addicted again (to the extent they are claiming)with knowing as much about the effects as he did.add to that how could he have been functioning at all,every drug they mention is a DOWNER,how would he be UP for performing and going at the speed he did with no-one noticing and being able to carry it out?yes,even tho,he wasnt performing recently,they have said,it has gone on FOR YEARS,and during those years he WAS performing and showing up for say his 30th anniversary date etc. i dont know,seems to be alot more here then meets the eye. GREAT CATCH and i like the song too.

"Wherever. Whatever. Have a nice day."

Interesting takes on this song-I had never heard it until people were posting it on youtube after June 25th trying to link it to a "cry for help". I am a writer myself and I know that in writing you can put yourself into any situation-as MJ did very effectivly in ALL his writings...I did not think this song was a tell all about himself as a "drug addict". As Anna K. stated -there is third party here that seems to have a disgust for the addiction. MJ had his addiction with painkillers yes,but he always always stood for being clean and sober and keeping kids off drugs. Of course good people who would never do something illegal alot of times will fall to "prescribed" addictions.Looking at what they are saying was in his system still does not convince me that he was "addicted" all of those drugs were sedative/anti anxiety drugs and all of them were presecribed to my grandfather who was depressive and nervous after my grandmother died. I wish people who know about the pharmacutical /helath industry would clarify these stupid dirt slinging comments...sorry I got on a few rabbit trails there But anyway all 5 unmixed tracks on BODF are awesome just like Invincible was awesome and neither got any recognition.

I had always interpreted some of the words in this (amazing) song as coming from the drug 'itself'! 'Trust in me, put all your trust in me', without actually deliberately trying to interpret the song, I've always kind of unconsciously heard the drugs 'talking', if you know what I mean. Drugs are persuasive, seductive, or rather, the knowledge of the 'mental and physical states' or 'worlds' they open is a persuasion. Anyway, I don't think this adds much to the discussion, but that's the interpretation I make of at least that little bit. I haven't made up my mind on the rest, as it can be looked from so many different angles.

The other voice, in my mind is a nurse talking. Doesn't the whole sentence go 'you heard what the doctor said'? That's what I make of it, but then again English is not my first language so is more than possible that I'm wrong.

And, since it has been mentioned how underrated this song is, I'd like to add to that that in my opinion all the songs in this album are greatly so (although there's only 5 to consider it an album properly) These songs are real genius in my view, the attention to detail is just amazing, the originality of the tunes, the mixing of the numerous layers...it's like 2 or 3 songs could be made out of each single song, as they are so very rich in every sense!

@ dontmakitfactual
My thoughts exactly-Supafly sista is the same way-its just a set of songs that are like *DANG*! Amazing. The same is so about 2000watts on Invincible...why was that not a single. Poor Mike -he has been under an evil conspiracy for so long-even now.

When I posted my DEA theory I wondered why, when the cops raided his house the first time in the 90's and they found all those drugs, didnt they look into all the prescription meds then? I know they were looking for other things having to do with the molestation, but we've all seen the pics of the drugs, but the cops never did anything at that time.
I wondered about that..

'Cry' from Invincible in 2001 is also very interseting,


Bold: Interesing points, which scream HOAX.
Underline: Very odd words and phrases to use.
Green: Fits in nicely with annies theory
[[OWN COMMENTS]]


[Verse 1]
Somebody shakes when the wind blows
Somebody's missing a friend, hold on
Somebody's lacking a hero
And they have not a clue
When it's all gonna end

[Verse 2]
Stories buried and untold
Someone is hiding the truth, hold on
When will this mystery unfold
And will the sun ever shine
In the blind man's eyes when he cries?

[Chorus:]
You can change the world (I can't do it by myself)
You can touch the sky (Gonna take somebody's help)
You're the chosen one (I'm gonna need some kind of sign)
If we all cry at the same time tonight

[Verse 3]
People laugh when they're feelin sad [[FAMILY MAYBE?!]]
Someone is taking a life, hold on
Respect to believe in your dreams
Tell me where were you
When your children cried last night?

[Verse 4]
Faces fill with madness
Miracles unheard of, hold on
Faith is found in the winds
All we have to do
Is reach for the truth [[YESSSSS, YOU ARE RIGHT MIKE!]]

[Chorus]

And when that flag blows
There'll be no more wars
And when all calls
I will answer all your prayers