Watch the official performance where Michael Jackson delivers one of his most intimate and emotionally raw vocal takes:
: Jackson requested a change from "begging my wife" to "cuts like a knife" because, as a 21-year-old, he felt uncomfortable singing about marriage.
: Jackson cried at the end of every recording take (between 8 and 11 takes total). Producer Quincy Jones insisted on leaving the crying in the final mix because it felt so genuine. Michael Jackson Shes Out Of My Life Official Video
: Eschewing the complex choreography of his later "short films," the video features Jackson sitting on a barstool in a dark room, lit only by a single spotlight.
The video is most famous for Jackson’s tearful conclusion. While some viewers may assume it was theatrical, the emotional reaction was authentic: : Eschewing the complex choreography of his later
: In early 2025, the Estate and Sony released an upscaled version of the video with improved clarity and color. Emotional Performance
Michael Jackson 's official video for is a minimalist production that emphasizes the raw vulnerability of the song, which reached No. 10 on the Billboard Hot 100 in 1980. Production & Direction Director : The video was directed by Bruce Gowers . Emotional Performance Michael Jackson 's official video for
: The song was written by Tom Bahler about a real-life breakup.