Meaning of That’s What You Get (for Being Polite) by Michael Jackson

The Michael Jackson song titled "That's What You Get (for Being Polite)" explores the theme of self-sacrifice for love and the consequences it can have on an individual's happiness and identity. Throughout the song, Jackson tells the story of a character named Jack, who strives to be kind and polite, but ultimately finds himself feeling unfulfilled and lonely.One standout lyric in the song is "He tries so hard to give a lot, he wants to be what he is not." This lyric portrays Jack's constant struggle to please others and be someone he thinks others want him to be. The theme here is the pressure to conform to societal expectations and how it can lead to a loss of personal identity.Another significant line in the song is "He wants to be so bad, he wants to be so bad." This lyric can be interpreted as Jack yearning to break free from his polite and reserved nature, desiring to let loose and embrace his true self. The theme here is the conflict between societal expectations and individual desires.The chorus, "All the time gettin' in, things he can't get out, something deep inside of him eatin' up the pride of him, that makes him buy things for the girls," suggests Jack's struggle with internal dissatisfaction and the lengths he goes to in order to seek external validation. The theme here is the detrimental effects of seeking validation through material possessions or superficial gestures.Throughout the song, there is a repeated phrase that goes, "That's what you get for being polite." This line acts as a refrain, emphasizing the consequences of Jack's choice to prioritize politeness and the sacrifices he makes for love. The theme implied here is the realization that being too polite or selfless can lead to a loss of self and personal fulfillment.In the outro of the song, Jackson adds layers of emotional depth by repeating phrases like "Don't you know he cries, he cries about you, he cries about me," further highlighting the internal struggle and emotional turmoil Jack experiences. This lyric suggests the theme of unrequited love and the pain associated with giving more than you receive.In summary, "That's What You Get (for Being Polite)" explores the themes of self-sacrifice, conformity to societal expectations, identity, seeking validation, and unrequited love. Through the character of Jack, the song reminds us of the importance of maintaining our true selves and finding a balance between being kind to others and retaining our personal happiness. The catchy melodies and the poignant lyrics make this song a thought-provoking exploration of the complexities of love and personal identity.