What about sunrise
What about rain
What about all the things
That you said we were to gain

What about killing fields
Is there a time
What about all the things
That you said was yours and mine

Did you ever stop to notice
All the blood we've shed before
Did you ever stop to notice
The crying Earth the weeping shores

What have we done to the world
Look what we've done
What about all the peace
That you pledge your only son

What about flowering fields
Is there a time
What about all the dreams
That you said was yours and mine

Did you ever stop to notice
All the children dead from war
Did you ever stop to notice
The crying Earth the weeping shores

I used to dream
I used to glance beyond the stars
Now I don't know where we are
Although I know we've drifted far

Hey, what about yesterday
(What about us)
What about the seas
(What about us)
The heavens are falling down
(What about us)
I can't even breathe
(What about us)
What about the bleeding Earth
(What about us)
Can't we feel its wounds
(What about us)
What about nature's worth
It's our planet's womb
(What about us)

What about animals
(What about it)
We've turned kingdoms to dust
(What about us)
What about elephants
(What about us)
Have we lost their trust
(What about us)
What about crying whales
(What about us)
We're ravaging the seas
(What about us)
What about forest trails
Burnt despite our pleas
(What about us)

What about the holy land
(What about it)
Torn apart by greed
(What about us)
What about the common man
(What about us)
Can't we set him free
(What about us)
What about children dying
(What about us)
Can't you hear them cry
(What about us)
Where did we go wrong
Someone tell me why
(What about us)

What about babies
(What about it)
What about the days
(What about us)
What about all their joy
(What about us)
What about the man
(What about us)
What about the crying man
(What about us)
What about Abraham
(What about us)
What about death again
Do we give a damn

~The Earth Song, Michael Jackson

Sigh . . . so many celebrity deaths . . . Bernie Mac, George Carlin, Dom Deloiuse, Wayne Alwine, Bea Arthur, David Carradine, Ed McMahon, Farrah Fawcett, Michael Jackson . . . (some names added at the suggestions of the comments)

And I'm not sure why Michael's death is bothering me so much. Although I was never a *huge* fan, I still enjoy a lot of his music that I grew up with from the 80's as well as his later music, particularly The Earth Song. And regardless of how anyone felt about the guy or the rumors surrounding him, you've gotta admit he was a big part of our culture and that he left his mark on the world.

Maybe it's a selfish way to look at it but it feels like a part of my childhood is gone, that it's yet another sign that this world is ever-changing and far removed from what I grew up with.

R.I.P. Michael.