Beat It

Song information

Author: Michael Jackson
Album title: Thriller
Year of release: 1982
Duration: 4:17
Lyrics:
[1st Verse]
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

[2nd Verse]
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

[3rd Verse]
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

[4th Verse]
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 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

[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

[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, beat it

[Chorus]
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 who's right

[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

[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, beat it
No one wants to be defeated

[Chorus]
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 who's right

[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

[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
Just beat it, beat it
Beat it, beat it, beat it
Song recording information:
  • Featuring: Guitar Solo by Eddie Van Halen
  • Greg Phillinganes: Rhodes, Synthesizer
  • Bill Wolfer: Keyboards
  • Tom Bahler: Synclavier
  • Steve Porcaro: Synthesizer, Synthesizer Programming
  • Greg Smith: Synergy
  • Steve Lukather: Guitars, Electric Bass
  • Paul Jackson: Guitar
  • Jeff Porcaro: Drums
  • Michael Jackson: Drum case beater
  • Vocal arrangement by Michael Jackson
  • Rhythm arrangement by Michael Jackson & Quincy Jones
Song released in albums:
Song type Album title, song's alt. title Duration Year of release
[I] The Rockridge Synthesizer Orchestra Plays Michael Jackson Unknown
Michael Jackson — Thriller 4:17 1982
Michael Jackson — Beat It [EPC A3258] S 4:11 1983
Michael Jackson — HIStory - Past, Present and Future - Book I 4:19 1995
[I] Michael Jackson - The Story - Played by London Twilight Orchestra - Vol. 1 Unknown
Michael Jackson — The 12" Mixes 4:17 1988
Michael Jackson — Thriller Special Edition 4:18 2001
Michael Jackson — Greatest Hits - HIStory - Volume I 4:19 2001
Michael Jackson — Number Ones 4:18 2003
Michael Jackson — The Ultimate Collection 4:18 2004
Michael Jackson — The Essential Michael Jackson 4:18 2005
Michael Jackson — Thriller 25 4:18 2008
Michael Jackson — King Of Pop (Deluxe UK Edition) 4:17 2008
[G] Michael Jackson — One Night In Japan (bootleg) 6:40 2009
Michael Jackson — This Is It 4:18 2009
[D] Michael Jackson — This Is It 2:05 2009
[G] Michael Jackson — Bad 25 5:44 2012
[G] Michael Jackson — Live at Wembley July 16, 1988 5:44 2012
Michael Jackson — Beat It [34-03759] S 4:11 1983
[I] The Music Of Michael Jackson - 16 Instrumental Hits 4:17 1994
Michael Jackson — Beat It [MJ 1/7] S 4:11 1983
[R] Michael Jackson — Jam [658360 7] S

Beat It (Moby's Sub Mix)

6:11 1992
[I] London Synphonic Orchestra Plays Michael Jackson 3:22 1995
[R] Michael Jackson — They Don't Care About Us [662950 8] S

Beat It (Moby's Sub Mix)

6:11 1996
Michael Jackson — Beat It [082996] S 2006
[R] Michael Jackson — Beat It [082996] S

Beat It (Moby's Sub Mix)

2006
[I] The Sunset Lounge Orchestra — The Michael Jackson Cool Down Experience - Part 2 5:37 2007
[A] Michael Jackson — Thriller 25

Beat It 2008 (With Fergie)

4:13 2008
[I] Vitamin String Quartet (VSQ) Performs the Hits of Michael Jackson 3:02 2009
[I] #1 Tribute Band — Acoustic Guitar Tribute To Michael Jackson 3:55 2009
[I] Joey DeFrancesco — Never Can Say Goodbye 7:10 2010
[R] Michael Jackson — Immortal

Beat It, State Of Shock (with Mick Jagger)

3:10 2011