Michael Jackson 'Beat It' Complete Lyrics Guide: Meaning, Songwriting, and Trivia
Here are the complete verified lyrics to "Beat It," followed by an analysis of Jackson's thematic choices and vocal delivery.
Verse 1
They told him, "Don't you ever come around here"
"Don't wanna see your face, you better disappear"
The fire's in their eyes and their words are really clear
So beat it, just beat it
Verse 2
You better run, you better do what you can
Don't wanna see no blood, don't be a macho man
You wanna be tough, better do what you can
So beat it, but you wanna be bad
Chorus
Just beat it, beat it, beat it, beat it
No one wants to be defeated
Showin' how funky and strong is your fight
It doesn't matter who's wrong or right
Just beat it, beat it
Just beat it, beat it
Just beat it, beat it
Just beat it, beat it
Verse 3
They're out to get you, better leave while you can
Don't wanna be a boy, you wanna be a man
You wanna stay alive, better do what you can
So beat it, just beat it
Verse 4
You have to show them that you're really not scared
You're playin' with your life, this ain't no truth or dare
They'll kick you, then they'll beat you, then they'll tell you it's fair
So beat it, but you wanna be bad
Chorus
Just beat it, beat it, beat it, beat it
No one wants to be defeated
Showin' how funky and strong is your fight
It doesn't matter who's wrong or right
Just beat it, beat it, beat it, beat it
No one wants to be defeated
Showin' how funky and strong is your fight
It doesn't matter who's wrong or right
Just beat it, beat it, beat it, beat it, beat it
[Eddie Van Halen Guitar Solo]
Chorus (Reprise and Outro)
Beat it, beat it, beat it, beat it
No one wants to be defeated
Showin' how funky and strong is your fight
It doesn't matter who's wrong or right
Just beat it, beat it, beat it, beat it
No one wants to be defeated
Showin' how funky and strong is your fight
It doesn't matter who's wrong or right
Just beat it, beat it
Beat it, beat it, beat it
Hoo-hoo! Hee-hee!
Beat it, beat it, beat it, beat it
Jackson uses colloquial 1980s street slang ("beat it" meaning to flee or run away) to dismantle toxic ideas of street honor. While traditional rock lyricism celebrated reckless bravado, Jackson actively warns the listener: "Don't wanna see no blood, don't be a macho man." His vocal delivery slides from low, hushed warnings in the opening verses to desperate, strained growls on the chorus. He punctuates the track with trademark percussive vocal hiccups and sharp falsetto cries that double as rhythmic instruments.
