The 15-year journey of a song that never saw the light

Countries & Cities · Published 15 October 2026 Swipe more like this →

In short: For over a decade and a half, Michael Jackson's "Chicago" existed only as a studio secret. It survived multiple reworks, a posthumous release, and a viral animation before finally breaking into the charts in 2026. It is a masterclass in how a piece of art can outlive its creator's era.

The song's origins date back to late March and mid-April 1999, when Michael Jackson recorded the track at the Hit Factory in New York City. Cory Rooney first penned the track as "She Was Lovin' Me" for the Invincible project of Jackson. However, the track was ultimately rejected and remained unreleased and unheard by the general public for 15 years. The path to public release was long and complex. Rooney teamed up with Taryll Jackson, his nephew, during 2010 to produce a fresh version after Jackson passed away.

The track was reworked again in 2014 by producer Timbaland. This version was eventually titled "Chicago" and included on the second posthumous album, Xscape. Despite being slated as the project's lead single nine months before the album's release, it was passed over in favor of "Love Never Felt So Good."

Musically, the Timbaland-produced version is characterized by a deep-bass groove and contemporary funk elements.

Jackson narrates a story of a meeting in Chicago, utilizing a vocal style that shifts between smooth and anguished. The lyrics center on a woman's conflicting narrative of being alone while having a family, punctuated by the urgent refrain "lie to you, lie to me."

The song finally entered the Billboard Hot 100 on June 6, 2026, peaking at number 26 the following week. A biopic and the "Birds for Some Reason" viral animation propelled this final-era hit. This debut made Jackson the initial performer to secure a Hot 100 spot in every decade from the 1970s onwards.

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