Beat It
Jackson releases Beat It, the third single from Thriller. The lyrics portray gang life on the streets which Jackson has mentioned he is not directly familiar with. The song talks about two gangs who come together to fight but are challenged to work together and settle their differences in peaceful manner.
Every song is different. The gestation process for BEAT IT was so fast, it was amazing. I thought about what I’d do in that situation… A confrontation with a gang… I wouldn’t do what these people would do. The way I was raised I would turn the other cheek without creating a war or being a coward either.