Michael Jackson - Gone Too Soon - Lyrics Meaning

Released in the UK only, "Gone Too Soon" was the ninth single from Jackson's album "Dangerous." It was written by Larry Grossman and Buz Kohan, and got as far as #33 on the UK Singles Chart in 1993.

Jackson dedicated the song to AIDS victim Ryan White, whom he befriended prior to White's death in 1990 at the age of 18. White, a haemophiliac, was infected with the HIV virus through a contaminated blood treatment when he was younger. At the age of 13, he was diagnosed with AIDS and given six months to live.

At the time, AIDS was not well understood and White's school expelled him, fearing that he would pose a health risk to other students. With an outcry from parents and teachers who fought his return to school, White ultimately had to take legal action against the school system. The resulting media coverage turned White into a national poster child for HIV/AIDS awareness and research in the United States. Sadly, White died just weeks before he would have completed high school.

Jackson performed "Gone Too Soon" on January 20, 1993, at former President Bill Clinton's first Inauguration Ball. During his performance, he spoke to the importance of funding research to develop a cure for AIDS.

With Jackson's untimely death at the age of 50 on June 25, 2009, this song - sadly - became a tribute to Jackson himself. Usher performed the song at Jackson's memorial service on July 7th, 2009.

Like A Comet

Blazing 'Cross The Evening Sky

Gone Too Soon