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If you think about it, those surrounding Michael Jackson when he was alive were mainly sneaky or had motives. Read “83 Minutes”, the account on how Michael Jackson spiralled into a host of problems and died, partly caused by those who were taking advantage of him. The second-most genuine account I’d say would be from Jackson’s bodyguard, whose videos have been circulating on social media.

Jackson’s “Will You Be There” is his genuine, heartfelt attempt at voicing out the price of fame. Ironically, while Jackson had amassed a massive fan base all over the world, he had struggled with loneliness. Through the song, you’d notice themes of being imperfect, only human, despite him being the King of Pop. Jackson, who had written the gospel-infused song, stated that it was one of the songs that he had written while at the Giving Tree at his Neverland Ranch.

Those of you who have recollections of “Free Willy”, the film, would know that “Will You Be There” became the theme song for this family-environment-friendly drama adventure. Since then, there’s no reason for you to forget this song, unless you absolutely hate it.

Since it’s nearing Jackson’s death anniversary, what better way to honour him than to keep his music alive, especially “Will You Be There”, because it speaks of raw emotion, being in the limelight and still feeling like there’s hardly anybody who would give two hoots about him… partly because of sly folks and fake friendships. The only person Jackson could trust was his own mother, hence the line in the song lyrics.

The song features a choir arrangement, with Cleveland Orchestra offering soaring, dramatic orchestration, while supporting Jackson’s vocals and style. Safe to say, it’s an uplifting song that also serves as a plea to protect Earth, nature, and its creatures.

“Will You Be There” is the eighth single off “Dangerous”, Michael Jackson’s eighth album. “Will You Be There” reached the top 10 of the charts in countries including Belgium, New Zealand, Canada and Switzerland. “Dangerous”, the album, had also been certified eight times platinum. Prosperous much?

“Will You Be There” has different song lengths, depending on which version you’re referring to. The film version is almost six minutes long, while the single version is about 3 minutes, and the album version is around seven minutes long. The album version features a spoken outro, which is also featured in Jackson’s book “Dancing the Dream”, which is a compilation of his reflections and writing about life, especially beyond just the music and film industries, - even if he’s most comfortable on stage, offering intimate performances, much to the pleasure of his genuine fans.

Bruce Swedien was a producer, recording and mixing engineer, who had worked with Jackson on this song. Jackson wrote the lyrics. The gospel infusion made the song uplifting and rather positive, unlike Jackson’s “Stranger in Moscow”.

So, “Will You Be There” to acknowledge Jackson’s death anniversary come 26th June 5:26AM MYT? If you can, let’s celebrate by perhaps having both the abovementioned song and “Heal the World”, as Jackson had envisioned way back in the ‘90s (By the way, Heal the World was the other song Jackson had written at the Giving Tree, which also ended up on his ‘Dangerous’ album). Even better, if you’ve clothing or any other wearables like his sparkly gloves or you can mimic his antigravity lean as per Smooth Criminal.

I know I’m gonna put on my recently purchased "Dangerous" T-shirt, and maybe attempt to play “Will You Be There” on the black and white keys. I can only hope I don’t have judgmental neighbours.