BEAT IT
John Mayer / Fall Out Boy Lyrics


Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴  Line by Line Meaning ↴

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 leave while you can
Don't wanna see no blood, don't be a macho man
You wanna stay tough, better do what you can
So beat it, but you wanna be bad

Just beat it, beat it
No one wants to be defeated
Show em how funky strong is your fight
It doesn't matter who's wrong or right

Just beat it
Just beat it
Just beat it
Just 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 got 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'll 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 strong is your fight
It doesn't matter who's wrong or right

Just beat it
Just beat it
Just beat it
Just beat it

Beat it [x5]
Beat it [x5]
Beat it [x5]
Beat it [x5]

Just beat it, beat it, beat it, beat it
No one wants to be defeated
Showin' how funky 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 strong is your fight
It doesn't matter who's wrong or right

Just beat it
Just beat it




Just beat it
Just beat it [x4]

Overall Meaning

“Beat It” was released by Michael Jackson in 1983 and written by the late great guitarist, Eddie Van Halen. The song is a collaboration between two of the most iconic figures in popular music history. John Mayer and Fall Out Boy did a cover of the song later on.


The lyrics depict the need to stand up for oneself in the face of opposition. If someone ever tells you not to come around, you're better off disappearing. The song is about the need to be strong in the face of intimidation and bullying. The track encourages listeners to stand their ground when faced with hostile forces. When confronted with hostility, the song advises that it is best to just walk away - but if you have to fight, then make sure that you "Just beat it."


The song was a chart-topping success in many countries across the world, with its memorable music video featuring choreographed dance routines and incredible guitar licks from Eddie Van Halen. In 1985, “Beat It,” won the legendary Michael Jackson two Grammy Awards.


Line by Line Meaning

They told him don't you ever come around here
He was warned to stay away from a certain place


Don't wanna see your face, you better disappear
The people there didn't want to even look at him and wished he would leave


The fire's in their eyes and their words are really clear
The people were angry and their words expressed their hostility


So beat it, just beat it
He should leave immediately


You better run, you better leave while you can
He should flee while he has the chance


Don't wanna see no blood, don't be a macho man
They don't want any violence and don't want him to try to act tough


You wanna stay tough, better do what you can
If he wants to appear tough, he should leave without causing any trouble


So beat it, but you wanna be bad
He should leave, but he may have an urge to stay and cause trouble


No one wants to be defeated
Nobody wants to lose a fight


Show em how funky strong is your fight
He should demonstrate how skillfully he can defend himself


It doesn't matter who's wrong or right
The conflict has escalated beyond what's right or wrong


They're out to get you, better leave while you can
The people were actively seeking to hurt him, so he should escape immediately


Don't wanna be a boy, you wanna be a man
He should act like a grown-up and do what's best for his safety


You wanna stay alive, better do what you can
If he values his life, he should do everything he can to get away from danger


You got to show them that you're really not scared
He needs to demonstrate fearlessness and bravery


You're playin' with your life, this ain't no truth or dare
The situation is dangerous and not a game


They'll kick you, then they'll beat you, Then they'll tell you it's fair
The attackers will use excessive force and then justify it as fair


Beat it [x5]
Repeated urging for him to leave


Just beat it, beat it, beat it, beat it
Urging him to leave over and over again


Just beat it
A phrase repeated throughout the song to emphasize the need to leave immediately




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

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
To comment on or correct specific content, highlight it

Genre not found
Artist not found
Album not found
Song not found
Comments from YouTube:

@jjbrenner1842

It’s a good thing MJ wrote the song cuz if fall out boy first wrote it it would be called “They Told You Don’t You Ever Come Around Here (Beat It) (Album Version)”

@goosegames4002

I mean, you're not wrong

@musicalnerd1086

Bruh lmao. You're not wrong

@natashapham2122

I feel like"I've Got a Dark Alley and a Bad iIdea That Says You Should Shut Your Mouth" would also fit here lmao

@jjbrenner1842

@@natashapham2122 that’s actually better

@nigeleharis5886

So accurate lmfao

37 More Replies...

@donttouchmyfries4055

Director: How many Michael Jackson references do u want?
Fall out Boy: yes

@chrysaliscrisis8530

Cuban Pete the whole thing is one giant michael jackson reference

@thedankestsoul2956

@@chrysaliscrisis8530 I mean, you're not wrong

@mo0dyblues

me: stan

More Comments

More Versions