Peak
6
Weeks
20
Score
2,830
Chart Year
1992
Michael Jackson never seemed very interested in girls, with caused some publicity problems and led audiences to question his sexuality. He made a solid attempt to answer these questions in this song, which is about two lovers who must keep their affair a secret. "In The Closet" is a phrase that means secretly gay, which made it an interesting choice for a title, but in the video, Jackson dances seductively with the model Naomi Campbell - strongly asserting his heterosexuality. Jackson wrote and produced this song with Teddy Riley, who was one of the top beatmakers of the '90s. Some of Riley's tracks include "Rump Shaker" and "No Diggity." The female vocalist was credited as "Mystery Girl." It was later revealed to be Princess Stéphanie of Monaco. In 1991, she released a solo album called Stéphanie, which sold dismally. The original choice for the "Mystery Girl" was Madonna. However, after she dropped out at the last minute, Princess Stephanie stepped into the breach. Herb Ritts directed the video. Ritts, who died of AIDS in 2002, was a fashion photographer who also directed steamy commercials for Victoria's Secret and Calvin Klein. He directed the famous video for "Wicked Game." The video was considered so raunchy that it was banned in South Africa. Producer Teddy Riley told Musicradar.com that this song "was something Michael came up with, and it came out exactly as he wanted the track to be. He kind of put his vocals on a Dictaphone when he was in another room. He'd often record the vocals on a Dictaphone and take them into the studio and then see how it would all work out." Riley commented on the song's raunchy lyrical content: "This is some of Michael's more explicit material on there, in terms of lyrical content [laughs]! But it didn't surprise you at the time. No, not at all."
There's something I have to say to you If you promise you'll understand I cannot contain myself when in your presence I'm so humble, just touch me Don't hide our love Woman to man She's just a lover, who makes me high It's worth the giving, it's worth the try You cannot cleave it, or put it in the furnace You cannot wet it, you cannot burn it [Chorus] She wants to give it (She wants to give it, she wants to give it) Dare me (She wants to give it, she wants to give it) She wants to give it (She wants to give it, she wants to give it) Yea (She wants to give it, she wants to give it) It's just a feeling, you have to soothe it You can't neglect it, you can't abuse it It's just desire, you cannot waste it Then, if you want it, then, won't you taste it [Chorus] One thing in life you must understand The truth of lust woman to man So open the door, and you will see There are no secrets Make your move, set me free Because there's something about you baby That makes me want to give it to you I swear there's something about you baby Just promise me, whatever we say Whatever we do to each other For now we take a vow to just Keep it in the closet Just promise me, whatever we say Or do to each other For now we'll make a vow to just Keep it in the closet If you can get it, it's worth a try I really want it, I can't deny It's just desire, I really love it 'Cause if it's aching, you have to rub it She wants to give it [Chorus] Just open the door, and you will see This passion burns inside of me Don't say to me, you'll never tell Touch me there, make the move Cast the spell Because there's something about you baby That makes me want to give it to you I swear there's something about you baby Just promise me, whatever we say Or do to each other For now we take a vow to just Keep it in the closet [Repeats: x6] Because there's something about you baby That makes me want to give it to you I swear there's something about you baby Makes me want Just promise me, whatever we say Or whatever we do to each other For now we'll make a vow to just Keep it in the closet (She wants to give it) Dare me Keep it in the closet (She wants to give it) Dare me Keep it in the closet (She wants to give it, she wants to give it) (She wants to give it, she wants to give it) Dare me (She wants to give it, she wants to give it) Dare me (She wants to give it, she wants to give it) Keep it in the closet (She wants to give it, she wants to give it) (She wants to give it, she wants to give it) Dare me (She wants to give it, she wants to give it) Dare me (She wants to give it, she wants to give it) Dare me (She wants to give it) Keep it in the closet (She wants to give it) (She wants to give it) Keep it in the closet (She wants to give it, she wants to give it) Dare me
| Week | Chart Date | Position | Points |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Apr 25, 1992 | 46 | 80 |
| 2 | May 2, 1992 | 26 | 100 |
| 3 | May 9, 1992 | 14 | 112 |
| 4 | May 16, 1992 | 12 | 114 |
| 5 | May 23, 1992 | 10 | 116 |
| 6 | May 30, 1992 | 6 | 120 |
| 7 | Jun 6, 1992 | 8 | 118 |
| 8 | Jun 13, 1992 | 9 | 117 |
| 9 | Jun 20, 1992 | 12 | 114 |
| 10 | Jun 27, 1992 | 15 | 111 |
| 11 | Jul 4, 1992 | 22 | 104 |
| 12 | Jul 11, 1992 | 35 | 91 |
| 13 | Jul 18, 1992 | 44 | 82 |
| 14 | Jul 25, 1992 | 56 | 70 |
| 15 | Aug 1, 1992 | 65 | 61 |
| 16 | Aug 8, 1992 | 68 | 58 |
| 17 | Aug 15, 1992 | 79 | 47 |
| 18 | Aug 22, 1992 | 88 | 38 |
| 19 | Aug 29, 1992 | 90 | 36 |
| 20 | Sep 5, 1992 | 100 | 26 |