Credits
PERFORMING ARTISTS
Michael Jackson
Background Vocals
Steve Porcaro
Synthesizer
Jeff Porcaro
Drums
Steve Lukather
Electric Guitar
Paulinho Da Costa
Percussion
David Paich
Synthesizer
Michael Boddicker
Sampler
COMPOSITION & LYRICS
Steve Porcaro
Songwriter
John Bettis
Songwriter
Steve Lukather
Arranger
David Paich
Arranger
PRODUCTION & ENGINEERING
Quincy Jones
Producer
Matt Forger
Additional Engineer
Bruce Swedien
Mixing Engineer
Humberto Gatica
Recording Engineer
Steve Bates
Assistant Engineer
Mark Ettel
Assistant Engineer
Lyrics
[Verse 1]
Looking out across the nighttime
The city winks a sleepless eye
Hear her voice shake my window
Sweet seducing sighs
[Verse 2]
Get me out into the nighttime
Four walls won't hold me tonight
If this town is just an apple
Then let me take a bite
[Chorus]
If they say, why, why?
Tell 'em that it's human nature
Why, why
Does he do me that way?
If they say, why, why?
Tell 'em that it's human nature
Why, why
Does he do me that way?
[Verse 3]
Reaching out to touch a stranger
Electric eyes are everywhere
See that girl, she knows I'm watching
She likes the way I stare
[Chorus]
If they say, why, why?
Tell 'em that it's human nature
Why, why
Does he do me that way?
If they say, why, why?
Tell 'em that it's human nature
Why, why
Does he do me that way?
[Bridge]
I like living this way
I like loving this way
(That way) Oh why, oh why?
(That way) Why, why?
[Verse 4]
Looking out across the morning
The city's heart begins to beat
Reaching out, I touch her shoulder
I'm dreaming of the street
[Chorus]
If they say, "Why, why?"
Tell 'em that is human nature
Why, why
Does he do me that way?
If they say, "Why, why?"
Ooh, tell 'em
Why, why
Does he do me that way?
[Chorus]
If they say, "Why, why?"
Da, da, da, da, da, da, da, da
Why, why
Does he do me that way?
If they say, "Why, why?"
Ooh, tell 'em
Why, why
Does he do me that way?
[Chorus]
If they say, "Why, why?"
Ooh, tell 'em
Why, why
Does he do me that way?
If they say, "Why, why?"
Da, da, da, da, da, da, da, da
Why, why
Does he do me that way?
[Outro]
I like living this way
Why, oh why?
Why, why?
Why, oh why?
Written by: John Bettis, Steve Porcaro