Although Michael Jackson is not mentioned in the lyrics, vocalist Debora Iyall wrote the song as a response to Jackson's Billie Jean.
Debora Iyall is one of the most underrated pop vocalists of the late 20th century. She is a member of the Cowlitz tribe. She still performs although she has stepped back from the pop scene to be an art teacher in Desert Hot Springs.
References:
Lyrics:
She's got a face that shows that she knows she's heard every line
Tenderly she talks on the phone
There's a way to walk that says "stay away"
And a time to go around the long way
A girl in trouble is a temporary thing
(temporary, temporary, temporary, temporary)
A girl in trouble is a temporary thing
(temporary, temporary, temporary, temporary)
There's a time when every girl learns
To use her head
Tears will be saved
Till they're better spent
There's no time for her to be afraid
So instead
She takes care of business
Keeps a cool head
A girl in trouble is a temporary thing
(temporary, temporary, temporary, temporary)
A girl in trouble is a temporary thing
(temporary, temporary, temporary, temporary)
She's got a face that shows that she knows she's heard every line
Tenderly she talks on the phone
There's a way to walk that says "stay away"
And a time to go around the long way
A girl in trouble is a temporary thing
(temporary, temporary, temporary, temporary)
A girl in trouble is a temporary thing
(temporary, temporary, temporary, temporary)
A girl in trouble is a temporary thing
Songwriters: DAVID KAHNE, DEBORA IYALL, FRANK R. ZINCAVAGE, PETER W. WOODS
Photo copyright Tony Smith
