Michael Jackson – Beat It

Track written and co-produced, with Quincy Jones, by Michael.

Featured a soaring guitar solo – inspired by the song Eruption – by Eddie Van Halen, who was invited to guest on the track by Quincy. Van Halen contributed completely free of any charge, so keen was he to be involved.

"I did it as a favour", said Van Halen.

Beat It topped the Hot 100 for three weeks and R&B singles chart for one week, and peaked at no.3 in the UK. Also won the Grammy Record of the Year award among many.

The song was also featured in an anti-drunk campaign in the US for which Michael collected a special award from President Reagan at the White House, for his support.

Credits
* Written and composed by Michael Jackson
* Produced by Quincy Jones
* Co-produced by Michael Jackson
* Featuring: Guitar solo by Eddie Van Halen
* Rhodes and synthesizer: Greg Phillinganes
* Keyboards: Bill Wolfer
* Synclavier: Tom Bahler
* Synthesizer and synthesizer programming: Steve Porcaro
* Synergy: Greg Smith
* Guitars, electric Bass: Steve Lukather
* Guitar: Paul Jackson
* Drums: Jeff Porcaro
* Drum case beater: Michael Jackson
* Vocal arrangement by Michael Jackson
* Rhythm arrangement by Michael Jackson and Quincy Jones

Beat It – Lyrics

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

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

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

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

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

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
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

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

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

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

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
No one wants to be defeated
Just beat it, beat it
Beat it, beat it, beat it