Beat It Lyrics

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  • Type out all lyrics, even repeating song parts like the chorus
  • Lyrics should be broken down into individual lines
  • Use section headers above different song parts like [Verse], [Chorus], etc.
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About

Genius Annotation

Released as the third single from Thriller, “Beat It"—along with the second single "Billie Jean"—helped propel the album to the top of the charts and into the record books as the biggest-selling album of all time. Jackson stepped outside of his R&B box and created a rock track highlighted by a guitar solo courtesy of Eddie Van Halen, which he provided free of charge after initially thinking the request was a prank.

Producer Quincy Jones suggested Jackson should write a song like The Knack’s 1979 hit “My Sharona” and Michael explained his mentality in creating “Beat It”:

I wanted to write a song, the type of song that I would buy if I were to buy a rock song. That is how I approached it and I wanted the kids to really enjoy it—the school kids as well as the college kids.

“Beat It” is a song about the dichotomy of wanting to prove your toughness through fighting but also knowing when to have the strength to back down from a fight. This was highlighted by the popular music video, which Jackson paid $150,000 out of his own pocket to produce after Epic Records refused to finance it. Written and directed by Bob Giraldi, the video was shot in the Skid Row area of downtown Los Angeles and featured real gang members from the Crips and Bloods preparing to rumble before breaking out into one of the most popular choreographed dance routines in music video history. It premiered on MTV on March 31, 1983 and went on to win several awards, including two American Music Awards and seven Billboard Video Awards.

“Beat It” was an international hit, topping the pop charts and achieving multi-platinum status in multiple countries, as well as winning Grammy Awards for Best Male Rock Vocal Performance and Record of the Year. Rolling Stone magazine ranked “Beat It” #185 on their list of The 500 Greatest Songs of All Time and the song was included on the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame’s list of the 500 Songs That Shaped Rock and Roll.

Q&A

Find answers to frequently asked questions about the song and explore its deeper meaning

What did Michael Jackson say about "Beat It"?
Genius Answer

I wanted to write the type of rock song that I would go out and buy, but also something totally different from the rock music I was hearing on Top 40 radio

— Michael Jackson in Rolling Stone

Also, according to Songfacts, Eddie Van Halen, invited to play electric guitar, declared to Q magazine:

Everybody (from Van Halen) was out of town and I figured, ‘who’s gonna know if I play on this kid’s record?’ I didn’t want nothing. Maybe Michael will give me dance lessons someday.

How was the song used to bring about social change?
Genius Answer

In 1984, Michael Jackson donated the song, “Beat It” to be used for anti-drunk driving PSA’s on TV and radio.

In recognition of MJ’s philanthropy, then-President Ronald Reagan bestowed the Presidential Public Safety Commendation upon him on 14 May 1985.

What inspired Michael to write this song?
Genius Answer

Michael said in 1995:

Quincy Jones, for the album Thriller, asked me to write a song with a rock edge to it. I said yes, I can do that. So the very same day, I went to the recording studio, and I literally just started to sing that song. It literally came that fast. Every song is different. The gestation process for “Beat It” was so fast, it was amazing. I thought about what I’d do in that situation … A confrontation with a gang … I wouldn’t do what these people would do. The way I was raised I would turn the other cheek without creating a war or being a coward either.

What certifications has this track received?
Credits
Written By
Phonographic Copyright ℗
Rhythm Arranger
Vocal Arranger
Synthesizer Programmer
Lead Guitar
Keyboards
Performance Rights
Fender Rhodes
Mixing Engineer
Recording Engineer
Guitar Solo
Assistant Recording Engineer
Assistant Engineer
Mastering Engineer
Rhythm Guitar
Bass Guitar
Synclavier
Recorded At
Westlake Recording Studios, West Hollywood, California
Release Date
February 18, 1983
Songs That Sample Beat It
Daft Meme (Technologic) by Duuzu, King Of …. by Sleepy Hallow, CHROME THANGGG by Sematary, 1982 by The Hood Internet, Beat It - That's How We Give It Up by Sleepy Hallow, Feel It by Cosmic Latte, Piece Of Cake, Peace Of Mind by Charles Michael, Remember the Time (80's Mix) by Quality Mixes, Intro by Eddie Cane, Petit pas by Sonzy (Ft. Bolémvn), Thriller (Megamix) by Michael Jackson, Thriller Megamix (Radio Edit) by Michael Jackson, Thriller Megamix 2008 (Jason Nevins Radio Mix) by Michael Jackson, TECH it NO it LO it GIC it by Duuzu, Nino Brown by Angel, Delete It by Matt Watson, Child Abuse by Eldorado Red, Magic Fantastic by Dragonette, Deuteronomy Blunts by Super Mash Bros., Aliens by Take That, The Hot Seat by Scarface, Fuck an Emcee Name by Watsky, Meet Me At Fantasy Island by Super Mash Bros., Don't Stop by Girl Talk, Bop It by JoeyVFX, Bendo by Juice 45, HEAT IT! by KayakGLHS (Ft. Deks! (POL), Kacprzyckyy, KayakGLHS & Kejdżej), Stand Off by Edot Babyy, BEAT IT if it was in Super Michael Odyssey by ArtilheiroSilvestre, Unborn Baby by Venetian Snares & Speedranch, DANÇANDO ENTRE FACAS E BALAS by YUNG LIXO, Body Count by Jason Derulo, Beat It (Unreleased) by St George Section (Ft. 06Steve, Michael Jackson & VRD), Chrome Thang (We Creep) by Tommy Wright III (Ft. BigYo, Crucifx & Evil Son (Memphis)), All Night Long (Where Tha Dogs At?) by Vanilla Ice, Beat It by StunnerNumberNine (Ft. D Munna 1 Hunna & Yf Ty) & Just Like That by Alex Jean
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