“Liberian Girl” is a song by Michael Jackson from his 1987 album “Bad.” The song is known for its smooth, melodic style and its affectionate tribute to the beauty and culture of Liberia. The single was released in July 1989 with “Girlfriend” on the B-side. While “Liberian Girl” was not released as a single in the United States, it was the ninth single from the “Bad” album in other markets, including Europe and Australia. The song did achieve moderate success in these regions, reaching the top ten only in Ireland (number 1), and Finland (number 9). In the UK, it peaked at number 13.
“Liberian Girl” was written and composed by Michael Jackson. The song was produced by Jackson and Quincy Jones, who had collaborated extensively on his previous albums “Off the Wall” and “Thriller.” The track is one of the more mellow and romantic songs on the “Bad” album, showcasing Jackson’s versatility as an artist. The lyrics of “Liberian Girl” express admiration and love for a woman from Liberia, a country on the west coast of Africa. Jackson sings about the joy and affection he feels for this girl, highlighting her beauty and the impact she has on his life. The chorus, “Liberian girl, you came and you changed my world,” reflects the deep emotional connection and transformative effect she has on him.
The song includes a spoken Swahili intro and outro, adding an authentic African touch. The spoken part, “Naku penda pia – Naku taka pia – Mpenziwe!” translates to “I love you too – I want you too – My love!” This inclusion highlights Jackson’s effort to celebrate African culture authentically.
The music video for “Liberian Girl,” directed by Jim Yukich, is notable for its unique concept and star-studded cast. Instead of featuring Jackson prominently, the video showcases a wide array of celebrities waiting on a film set, wondering where Jackson is. The star-studded lineup includes Whoopi Goldberg, Steven Spielberg, Dan Aykroyd, Paula Abdul, Debbie Gibson, Danny Glover, John Travolta, Olivia Newton-John, and many others. Jackson appears only briefly at the end, revealing that he has been filming the celebrities all along. The video is playful and self-referential, showcasing Jackson’s sense of humor and his connections in the entertainment industry.
“Liberian Girl” received positive reviews from music critics, who praised its smooth production, romantic lyrics, and Jackson’s heartfelt performance. Though not as commercially impactful as some of the other singles from “Bad,” the song has been appreciated for its artistic merit and its celebration of African culture.