Beat It by Michael Jackson: meaning, release, credits and chart history

Beat It at a glance

Song: Beat It Artist: Michael Jackson Album: Thriller Release date: February 21, 1983 Genre: hard rock, dance-rock, funk rock, pop music

What the song is about

The song explores themes of unity and overcoming conflict, focusing on the idea of bringing together people from different backgrounds to fight a common enemy. It presents a message of solidarity, suggesting that differences should not divide, but rather be bridged through shared purpose.

How it was made

Michael Jackson first worked on a demo version of the song at his home studio. Electric bass guitar and a Bell Labs Digital Synthesizer Synergy keyboard were used to shape the bass line, while the drum pattern was generated via a drum machine. The song begins with seven distinct synthesizer notes played on a Synclavier digital synthesizer, with Tom Bahler credited for the performance. The opening section matches exactly a 1981 demo LP, note by note.

Release and music video

'Beat It' was released in early 1983 following the success of 'The Girl Is Mine' and 'Billie Jean'. It reached number one on the Billboard Hot 100 on April 30, 1983, staying there for three weeks. The track reached number one on the Billboard Hot Black Singles chart and placed at number 14 on the Billboard Top Tracks chart. The music video, filmed on Los Angeles' Skid Row around March 9, 1983, was created at a cost of $150,000 after CBS refused to finance it. It marked Jackson's first treatment of black youth and the streets and featured mass choreography of synchronized dancers.

Reception and charts

The song received widespread acclaim. The track reached the summit of the Billboard Hot 100 and remained in first place for three consecutive weeks. It also reached number one on the US R&B singles chart. Billboard ranked the song No. 5 for 1983. Both 'Billie Jean' and 'Beat It' were among the top five hits simultaneously, a rare achievement shared by only a small number of musicians.