Introduction
Michael Jackson’s “Heal the World,” released as the sixth single from his Dangerous album on November 23, 1992, stands as a deeply compassionate anthem advocating global harmony and empathy . With Jackson as its sole writer and co-producer alongside Bruce Swedien, the song carries a melodic plea for peace, urging humanity to nurture and protect future generations .
Crafted between 1989 and 1991 and featured as the seventh track on Dangerous, “Heal the World” combines anti-war sentiments with themes of love, unity, and innocence. Its stirring lyrics envision a world where fear is replaced with hope, and suffering gives way to compassion .
The accompanying short film, directed by Joe Pytka, foregoes appearances by Jackson; instead, it showcases a powerful montage of children from regions ravaged by conflict—particularly Burundi—highlighting their universal resilience and aspirations for a brighter future .
Inspired by this track, Jackson founded the Heal the World Foundation in 1992. The charity aimed to improve the lives of children worldwide, addressing issues such as poverty, child exploitation, and illness. Through the foundation, he contributed millions—from funding a Hungarian child’s liver transplant to airlifting humanitarian aid to Sarajevo .
In a 2001 web chat, Jackson revealed that “Heal the World” was the song he was proudest to have created, reflecting both his musical and humanitarian legacy . It remains an enduring emblem of his vision: a call to heal the world—not just through song, but through genuine, compassionate action.
Video
Lyrics
spoken:
Think about the generations and to say we want to make it a better
world for our children and our children’s children. So that they know
it’s a better world for them; and think if they can make it a better
place.
There’s a place in your heart
And I know that it is love
And this place could be much
Brighter than tomorrow.
And if you really try
You’ll find there’s no need to cry
In this place you’ll feel
There’s no hurt or sorrow.
There are ways to get there
If you care enough for the living
Make a little space, make a better place.
Chorus:
Heal the world
Make it a better place
For you and for me and the entire human race
There are people dying
If you care enough for the living
Make a better place for
You and for me.
If you want to know why
There’s a love that cannot lie
Love is strong
It only cares for joyful giving.
If we try we shall see
In this bliss we cannot feel
Fear or dread
We stop existing and start living
Then it feels that always
Love’s enough for us growing
Make a better world, make a better world.
Chorus:
Heal the world
Make it a better place
For you and for me and the entire human race.
There are people dying
If you care enough for the living
Make a better place for
You and for me.
Bridge:
And the dream we would conceived in
Will reveal a joyful face
And the world we once believed in
Will shine again in grace
Then why do we keep strangling life
Wound this earth, crucify it’s soul
Though it’s plain to see, this world is heavenly
Be God’s glow.
We could fly so high
Let our spirits never die
In my heart I feel
You are all my brothers
Create a world with no fear
Together we’ll cry happy tears
See the nations turn
Their swords into plowshares
We could really get there
If you cared enough for the living
Make a little space to make a better place.
Chorus:
Heal the world
Make it a better place
For you and for me and the entire human race
There are people dying
If you care enough for the living
Make a better place for
You and for me.
Refrain (2x)
There are people dying if you care enough for the living
Make a better place for you and for me.
There are people dying if you care enough for the living
Make a better place for you and for me.
You and for me / Make a better place
You and for me / Make a better place
You and for me / Make a better place
You and for me / Heal the world we live in
You and for me / Save it for our children
You and for me / Heal the world we live in
You and for me / Save it for our children
You and for me / Heal the world we live in
You and for me / Save it for our children
You and for me / Heal the world we live in
You and for me / Save it for our children