Wanna be startin' somethin'
Jackson (Michael) Lyrics


Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴  Line by Line Meaning ↴

I said you wanna be startin' somethin'
You got to be startin' somethin'
I said you wanna be startin' somethin'
You got to be startin' somethin'
It's too high to get over (yeah, yeah)
Too low to get under (yeah, yeah)
You're stuck in the middle (yeah, yeah)
And the pain is thunder (yeah, yeah)
It's too high to get over (yeah, yeah)
Too low to get under (yeah, yeah)
You're stuck in the middle (yeah, yeah)
And the pain is thunder (yeah, yeah)

I took my baby to the doctor
With a fever, but nothing he found
By the time this hit the street
They said she had a breakdown
Someone's always tryin' to start my baby cryin'
Talkin', squealin', lyin'
Sayin' you just wanna be startin' somethin'

I said you wanna be startin' somethin'
You got to be startin' somethin'
I said you wanna be startin' somethin'
You got to be startin' somethin'
It's too high to get over (yeah, yeah)
Too low to get under (yeah, yeah)
You're stuck in the middle (yeah, yeah)
And the pain is thunder (yeah, yeah)
It's too high to get over (yeah, yeah)
Too low to get under (yeah, yeah)
You're stuck in the middle (yeah, yeah)
And the pain is thunder (yeah, yeah)

You love to pretend that you're good
When you're always up to no good
You really can't make him hate her
So your tongue became a razor
Someone's always tryin' to keep my baby cryin'
Treacherous, cunnin', declinin'
You got my baby cryin'

I said you wanna be startin' somethin'
You got to be startin' somethin'
I said you wanna be startin' somethin'
You got to be startin' somethin'
It's too high to get over (yeah, yeah)
Too low to get under (yeah, yeah)
You're stuck in the middle (yeah, yeah)
And the pain is thunder (yeah, yeah)
It's too high to get over (yeah, yeah)
Too low to get under (yeah, yeah)
You're stuck in the middle (yeah, yeah)
And the pain is thunder (yeah, yeah)
You're a vegetable, you're a vegetable
Still they hate you, you're a vegetable
You're just a buffet, you're a vegetable
They eat off of you, you're a vegetable

Billie jean is always talkin'
When nobody else is talkin'
Tellin' lies and rubbin' shoulders
So they called her mouth a motor
Someone's always tryin' to start my baby cryin'
Talkin', squealin', spyin'
Sayin' you just wanna be startin' somethin'

I said you wanna be startin' somethin'
You got to be startin' somethin'
I said you wanna be startin' somethin'
You got to be startin' somethin'
It's too high to get over (yeah, yeah)
Too low to get under (yeah, yeah)
You're stuck in the middle (yeah, yeah)
And the pain is thunder (yeah, yeah)
It's too high to get over (yeah, yeah)
Too low to get under (yeah, yeah)
You're stuck in the middle (yeah, yeah)
And the pain is thunder (yeah, yeah)
You're a vegetable, you're a vegetable
Still they hate you, you're a vegetable
You're just a buffet, you're a vegetable
They eat off of you, you're a vegetable

If you cant feed your baby (yeah, yeah)
Then don't have a baby (yeah, yeah)
And don't think maybe (yeah, yeah)
If you can't feed your baby (yeah, yeah)
You'll be always tryin'
To stop that child from cryin'
Hustlin', stealin', lyin'
Now baby's slowly dyin'

I said you wanna be startin' somethin'
You got to be startin' somethin'
I said you wanna be startin' somethin'
You got to be startin' somethin'
It's too high to get over (yeah, yeah)
Too low to get under (yeah, yeah)
You're stuck in the middle (yeah, yeah)
And the pain is thunder (yeah, yeah)
It's too high to get over (yeah, yeah)
Too low to get under (yeah, yeah)
You're stuck in the middle (yeah, yeah)
And the pain is thunder (yeah, yeah)

Lift your head up high
And scream out to the world
I know I am someone
And let the truth unfurl
No one can hurt you now
Because you know what's true
Yes, I believe in me
So do believe in you

Help me sing it
Ma-ma-se, ma-ma-sa, ma-ma-ko-ssa (hoo-hoo)
Ma-ma-se, ma-ma-sa, ma-ma-ko-ssa (hee-hee-hee)
Ma-ma-se, ma-ma-sa, ma-ma-ko-ssa (hee-hee-hee)
Ma-ma-se, ma-ma-sa, ma-ma-ko-ssa
Ma-ma-se, ma-ma-sa, ma-ma-ko-ssa (help me sing it, babe)
Ma-ma-se, ma-ma-sa, ma-ma-ko-ssa (hee-hee-hee)
Ma-ma-se, ma-ma-sa, ma-ma-ko-ssa
Ma-ma-se, ma-ma-sa, ma-ma-ko-ssa (yeah, sing it to the world)
Ma-ma-se, ma-ma-sa, ma-ma-ko-ssa (sing it out loud)
Ma-ma-se, ma-ma-sa, ma-ma-ko-ssa (hoo-hoo)
Ma-ma-se, ma-ma-sa, ma-ma-ko-ssa
Ma-ma-se, ma-ma-sa, ma-ma-ko-ssa (help me sing it)
Ma-ma-se, ma-ma-sa, ma-ma-ko-ssa
Ma-ma-se, ma-ma-sa, ma-ma-ko-ssa (hoo-hoo)
Ma-ma-se, ma-ma-sa, ma-ma-ko-ssa (hee-hee-hee)
Ma-ma-se, ma-ma-sa, ma-ma-ko-ssa (help me sing it)
Ma-ma-se, ma-ma-sa, ma-ma-ko-ssa (hoo-hoo)
Ma-ma-se, ma-ma-sa, ma-ma-ko-ssa (hee-hee-hee)
Ma-ma-se, ma-ma-sa, ma-ma-ko-ssa
Ma-ma-se, ma-ma-sa, ma-ma-ko-ssa (sing it to the world)
Ma-ma-se, ma-ma-sa, ma-ma-ko-ssa
Ma-ma-se, ma-ma-sa, ma-ma-ko-ssa
Ma-ma-se, ma-ma-sa, ma-ma-ko-ssa
Ma-ma-se, ma-ma-sa, ma-ma-ko-ssa
Ma-ma-se, ma-ma-sa, ma-ma-ko-ssa
Ma-ma-se, ma-ma-sa, ma-ma-ko-ssa
Ma-ma-se, ma-ma-sa, ma-ma-ko-ssa
Ma-ma-se, ma-ma-sa, ma-ma-ko-ssa
Ma-ma-se, ma-ma-sa, ma-ma-ko-ssa (hoo-hoo)
Ma-ma-se, ma-ma-sa, ma-ma-ko-ssa (hee-hee-hee)
Ma-ma-se, ma-ma-sa, ma-ma-ko-ssa (hee-hee-hee)
Ma-ma-se, ma-ma-sa, ma-ma-ko-ssa
Ma-ma-se, ma-ma-sa, ma-ma-ko-ssa (help me sing it, babe)
Ma-ma-se, ma-ma-sa, ma-ma-ko-ssa (hee-hee-hee)
Ma-ma-se, ma-ma-sa, ma-ma-ko-ssa (yeah)
Ma-ma-se, ma-ma-sa, ma-ma-ko-ssa (sing it to the world)




Ma-ma-se, ma-ma-sa, ma-ma-ko-ssa (sing it out loud)
Ma-ma-se, ma-ma-sa, ma-ma-ko-ssa (hoo-hoo)

Overall Meaning

"Wanna Be Startin' Somethin'" is a song by Michael Jackson that was released in 1983 as the opening track from his sixth studio album, "Thriller". The song is known for its infectious beat, catchy chorus, and Jackson's soaring vocals. The lyrics are about people who create drama and try to start trouble in their lives and in the lives of others.


The song begins with Jackson singing, "I said you wanna be startin' somethin'/You got to be startin' somethin'", which serves as a warning to those who would try to cause problems. The chorus emphasizes the feeling of being stuck in a difficult situation, unable to escape the pain and frustration. In the second verse, Jackson recalls taking his sick baby to the doctor only to have rumors spread that she was having a breakdown. The bridge of the song urges listeners to believe in themselves and lift their heads up high, with the famous chant "Ma-ma-se, ma-ma-sa, ma-ma-ko-ssa" serving as a call to action.


Overall, "Wanna Be Startin' Somethin'" is a high-energy, upbeat song with a positive message of resilience in the face of adversity. Jackson's passionate vocals and the song's driving rhythm make it a classic of the pop genre.


Line by Line Meaning

I said you wanna be startin' somethin'
I am recognizing that you want to cause trouble


You got to be startin' somethin'
You are actively starting trouble


It's too high to get over (yeah, yeah)
The problem is too big to ignore


Too low to get under (yeah, yeah)
The problem is too small to escape


You're stuck in the middle (yeah, yeah)
You're at a crossroads and can't decide what to do


And the pain is thunder (yeah, yeah)
The pain is loud and overwhelming


I took my baby to the doctor
I took someone I care about to get help


With a fever, but nothing he found
There was no obvious physical cause of the illness


By the time this hit the street
By the time this news became known


They said she had a breakdown
People assumed that she had a mental breakdown


Someone's always tryin' to start my baby cryin'
Someone is always trying to upset the person I care about


Talkin', squealin', lyin'
They spread false, hurtful rumors


Sayin' you just wanna be startin' somethin'
Claiming that they are simply trying to help when really they are starting drama


You love to pretend that you're good
You enjoy appearing virtuous to hide your bad deeds


When you're always up to no good
In reality, you're always doing something bad


You really can't make him hate her
You cannot sit well with the fact that he does not hate her


So your tongue became a razor
You use sharp words to cut him down


Someone's always tryin' to keep my baby cryin'
Someone always tries to make the person I care about upset


Treacherous, cunnin', declinin'
They are untrustworthy, sneaky, and making things worse


You got my baby cryin'
You succeeded in upsetting the person I care about


You're a vegetable, you're a vegetable
You're completely passive and unresponsive


Still they hate you, you're a vegetable
People dislike you even though you're not causing problems


You're just a buffet, you're a vegetable
You're being used and taken advantage of


They eat off of you, you're a vegetable
Others benefit from your weakness and lack of action


Billie Jean is always talkin'
Billie Jean is always gossiping


When nobody else is talkin'
She talks when there's no real news to be talking about


Tellin' lies and rubbin' shoulders
Spreading false rumors and socializing with others


So they called her mouth a motor
She talks so much that people compare her mouth to an engine


If you cant feed your baby (yeah, yeah)
If you can't provide for someone you care about


Then don't have a baby (yeah, yeah)
You shouldn't have a child if you can't support them


And don't think maybe (yeah, yeah)
Don't delude yourself into thinking it's a good idea to have a child if you can't care for them


You'll be always tryin'
You'll always be struggling


To stop that child from cryin'
To console the child you can't feed


Hustlin', stealin', lyin'
Resorting to unlawful or immoral behavior to survive


Now baby's slowly dyin'
The child is suffering and deteriorating


Lift your head up high
Be proud of who you are


And scream out to the world
Announce yourself proudly to others


I know I am someone
I have worth and significance


And let the truth unfurl
Allow the reality of your value to be revealed


No one can hurt you now
You're confident in yourself and cannot be hurt


Because you know what's true
Your understanding of yourself is authentic and accurate


Yes, I believe in me
I have faith in my own abilities and worth


So do believe in you
You should also have faith in yourself


Help me sing it
Join me in expressing this message


Ma-ma-se, ma-ma-sa, ma-ma-ko-ssa (hoo-hoo)
Nonsense syllables meant to add excitement to the song


Ma-ma-se, ma-ma-sa, ma-ma-ko-ssa (hee-hee-hee)
More nonsense syllables


Help me sing it, babe
Join me in expressing these meaningless but catchy sounds


Sing it to the world
Make some noise and let everyone hear you


Sing it out loud
Be proud and shout your message clearly




Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: Michael Jackson

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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Most interesting comment from YouTube:

@jcrossan1351

Lyrics: I said you wanna be startin' somethin'
You got to be startin' somethin'
I said you wanna be startin' somethin'
You got to be startin' somethin'
It's too high to get over (yeah, yeah)
Too low to get under (yeah, yeah)
You're stuck in the middle (yeah, yeah)
And the pain is thunder (yeah, yeah)
It's too high to get over (yeah, yeah)
Too low to get under (yeah, yeah)
You're stuck in the middle (yeah, yeah)
And the pain is thunder (yeah, yeah)
I took my baby to the doctor
With a fever, but nothing he found
By the time this hit the street
They said she had a breakdown
Someone's always tryin' to start my baby cryin'
Talkin', squealin', lyin'
Sayin' you just wanna be startin' somethin'
I said you wanna be startin' somethin'
You got to be startin' somethin'
I said you wanna be startin' somethin'
You got to be startin' somethin'
It's too high to get over (yeah, yeah)
Too low to get under (yeah, yeah)
You're stuck in the middle (yeah, yeah)
And the pain is thunder (yeah, yeah)
It's too high to get over (yeah, yeah)
Too low to get under (yeah, yeah)
You're stuck in the middle (yeah, yeah)
And the pain is thunder (yeah, yeah)
You love to pretend that you're good
When you're always up to no good
You really can't make him hate her
So your tongue became a razor
Someone's always tryin' to keep my baby cryin'
Treacherous, cunnin', declinin'
You got my baby cryin'
I said you wanna be startin' somethin'
You got to be startin' somethin'
I said you wanna be startin' somethin'
You got to be startin' somethin'
It's too high to get over (yeah, yeah)
Too low to get under (yeah, yeah)
You're stuck in the middle (yeah, yeah)
And the pain is thunder (yeah, yeah)
It's too high to get over (yeah, yeah)
Too low to get under (yeah, yeah)
You're stuck in the middle (yeah, yeah)
And the pain is thunder (yeah, yeah)
You're a vegetable, you're a vegetable
Still they hate you, you're a vegetable
You're just a buffet, you're a vegetable
They eat off of you, you're a vegetable
Billie jean is always talkin'
When nobody else is talkin'
Tellin' lies and rubbin' shoulders
So they called her mouth a motor
Someone's always tryin' to start my baby cryin'
Talkin', squealin', spyin'
Sayin' you just wanna be startin' somethin'
I said you wanna be startin' somethin'
You got to be startin' somethin'
I said you wanna be startin' somethin'
You got to be startin' somethin'
It's too high to get over (yeah, yeah)
Too low to get under (yeah, yeah)
You're stuck in the middle (yeah, yeah)
And the pain is thunder (yeah, yeah)
It's too high to get over (yeah, yeah)
Too low to get under (yeah, yeah)
You're stuck in the middle (yeah, yeah)
And the pain is thunder (yeah, yeah)
You're a vegetable, you're a vegetable
Still they hate you, you're a vegetable
You're just a buffet, you're a vegetable
They eat off of you, you're a vegetable
If you cant feed your baby (yeah, yeah)
Then don't have a baby (yeah, yeah)
And don't think maybe (yeah, yeah)
If you can't feed your baby (yeah, yeah)
You'll be always tryin'
To stop that child from cryin'
Hustlin', stealin', lyin'
Now baby's slowly dyin'
I said you wanna be startin' somethin'
You got to be startin' somethin'
I said you wanna be startin' somethin'
You got to be startin' somethin'
It's too high to get over (yeah, yeah)
Too low to get under (yeah, yeah)
You're stuck in the middle (yeah, yeah)
And the pain is thunder (yeah, yeah)
It's too high to get over (yeah, yeah)
Too low to get under (yeah, yeah)
You're stuck in the middle (yeah, yeah)
And the pain is thunder (yeah, yeah)
Lift your head up high
And scream out to the world
I know I am someone
And let the truth unfurl
No one can hurt you now
Because you know what's true
Yes, I believe in me
So you believe in you
Help me sing it, ma ma se
Ma ma sa, ma ma coo sa
Ma ma se, ma ma sa
Ma ma coo sa



All comments from YouTube:

@WorcesterTerrariums

This is possibly the greatest album opening track ever.

@GabrielSantos-ve4wq

Sim concordo . A melhor do álbum.💯💘💘💘👏👏👏

@charanjit7427

100% this is my favourite song ever!

@mitchellkerekes751

@proud paris fan56

@jclark2k3

I Saw Her Standing There

@wimctrfk2

It is.

56 More Replies...

@therealsoulproduct

I don't care what anyone says about MJ, this song he created was one of the BADDEST, FUNKIEST, and COLDEST tracks ever made!!!!

@mr.coffee5220

I respect him as an artist.

@lilwho1599

Unfortunately I agree🌊

@amberchantale_x

He was found not guilty. Accusations and lies over a decade after his death simply do not hold any standing when the accused is dead and can no longer defend themselves. Absolutely no one can change my mind - he was innocent. And he was and is one of the greatest musicians of ALL TIME

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