This was the first of eight tracks on the Jacksons' 1984 album Victory. This was Michael’s last official album with the group. The song also appears on Michael Jackson’s 2017 compilation album, Scream.
[Verse 1: Jermaine Jackson]
It was on a street so evil
So bad that even Hell disowned it
Every single step was trouble
For the fool who stumbled on it
Eyes within the dark were watching
I felt the sudden chill of danger
Something told me, "Keep on walkin'"
Told me I should not have come there
[Chorus: The Jacksons]
Baby, 'cause you cut me like a knife
Without your love in my life
Alone, I walk in the night
'Cause I just can't stop this feelin'
It's torture
It's torture
It's torture
[Verse 2: Michael Jackson]
She was up a stair to nowhere
A room forever I'll remember
She stared as though I should have known her
Tell me, what's your pain or pleasure?
Every little thing you find here is simply for the thrill you're after
Loneliness or hearts of fire
I am here to serve all masters
[Chorus: The Jacksons]
She said reality is a knife
When there's no love in your life
And merciful is the night when you just can't stop this feelin'
It's torture
It's torture
It's torture
[Bridge: Jermaine Jackson, Michael Jackson & Both]
And I still can't find the meaning, no (No, no)
Of the face I keep on seeing
Was she real, or am I dreaming?
Did the sound of your name turn a wheel, start the flame in me?
(Hoo, hoo!)
[Guitar Solo]
(Hee, hee!)
[Chorus: The Jacksons]
Baby, 'cause you cut me like a knife
Without your love in my life
Alone, I walk in the night
'Cause I just can't stop this feelin'
It's torture, it's torture, it's torture
[Outro: Jackie Jackson and The Jacksons]
When you call my name
(It's torture)
It's heading 'round the flame
(It's torture)
When you call my name
(It's torture)
Hey
(It's torture, it's torture, it's torture)
When you call my name
(It's torture)
Yeah, we would have planned
(It's torture)
We gonna need
(It's torture)
Hey
Torture was written by Jackie Jackson & Kathy Wakefield.
Torture was produced by Jackie Jackson.
The Jacksons released Torture on Mon Jul 02 1984.