About the song
“Billie Jean” by Michael Jackson stands as a cornerstone of pop music history, released on January 3, 1983, as the second single from his seminal album, Thriller (1982). Written and composed by Jackson himself, and produced by Quincy Jones with co-production by Jackson, the song deftly blends elements of post-disco, R&B, funk, and dance-pop.
The lyrics of “Billie Jean” narrate a gripping tale where a woman named Billie Jean claims that the narrator is the father of her child, a claim he vehemently denies. Jackson drew inspiration for the song from his experiences on tour with the Jackson 5, where he witnessed groupies making similar claims about his older brothers.
Upon its release, “Billie Jean” swiftly ascended the charts, reaching number one on the Billboard Hot 100 and topping the Billboard Hot Black Singles chart within three weeks. It marked Jackson’s fastest-rising number one single since his Jackson 5 days. The song also achieved number one status in multiple countries including the UK, Australia, Canada, and France, while landing in the top ten in numerous others. Its success propelled Thriller to become the best-selling album of all time and “Billie Jean” became Jackson’s best-selling solo single, certified Diamond by the RIAA.
The impact of “Billie Jean” extended beyond its chart success. Jackson’s electrifying performance of the song on the TV special Motown 25: Yesterday, Today, Forever introduced iconic elements such as the moonwalk, black sequined jacket, and high-water pants, all of which became synonymous with his image. Directed by Steve Barron, the music video for “Billie Jean” was groundbreaking, being the first by a black artist to receive heavy rotation on MTV. Alongside other videos from Thriller, it played a pivotal role in elevating the importance of music videos in popular culture.
Critically acclaimed, “Billie Jean” won two Grammy Awards and an American Music Award. It consistently ranks among the greatest songs of all time, with Rolling Stone placing it on their lists of the greatest pop songs since 1963 and The 500 Greatest Songs of All Time. The song’s spare, bass-driven arrangement has been praised for its sleek, post-soul pop style and its paranoid lyrical theme became a hallmark of Jackson’s later work.
In summary, “Billie Jean” not only cemented Michael Jackson’s status as a global superstar but also revolutionized the music industry with its innovative sound, groundbreaking music video, and enduring cultural impact, making it a timeless classic in the annals of pop music.
Video
Lyrics
She was more like a beauty queen from a movie scene
I said don’t mind, but what do you mean, I am the one
Who will dance on the floor in the round?
She said I am the one, who will dance on the floor in the round
She told me her name was Billie Jean, as she caused a scene
Then every head turned with eyes that dreamed of being the one
Who will dance on the floor in the round
People always told me be careful of what you do
And don’t go around breaking young girls’ hearts
And mother always told me be careful of who you love
And be careful of what you do ’cause the lie becomes the truth
Billie Jean is not my lover
She’s just a girl who claims that I am the one
But the kid is not my son
She says I am the one, but the kid is not my son
For forty days and forty nights
The law was on her side
But who can stand when she’s in demand
Her schemes and plans
‘Cause we danced on the floor in the round
So take my strong advice, just remember to always think twice
(Do think twice, do think twice)
She told my baby we’d danced ’til three, then she looked at me
Then showed a photo my baby cried his eyes were like mine (oh, no)
‘Cause we danced on the floor in the round, baby
People always told me be careful of what you do
And don’t go around breaking young girls’ hearts
She came and stood right by me
Just the smell of sweet perfume
This happened much too soon
She called me to her room
Billie Jean is not my lover
She’s just a girl who claims that I am the one
But the kid is not my son
Billie Jean is not my lover
She’s just a girl who claims that I am the one
But the kid is not my son
She says I am the one, but the kid is not my son
She says I am the one, but the kid is not my son
Billie Jean is not my lover
She’s just a girl who claims that I am the one
But the kid is not my son
She says I am the one, but the kid is not my son
She says I am the one
You know what you did, (she says he is my son) breaking my heart babe
She says I am the one
Billie Jean is not my lover
Billie Jean is not my lover
Billie Jean is not my lover
Billie Jean is not my lover (don’t Billie Jean)
Billie Jean is not my lover
Billie Jean is not my lover