The song was co-written, composed and produced by Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis; Jackson played many of the instruments. It incorporates elements of pop, R&B, hip hop, funk and rock. The song was leaked to radio stations early, despite Epic Records’ attempt to keep it off air until the official release date.
Generally well received amongst critics, it has been compared favorably to other accomplished pieces by Jackson. It went on to be nominated for a Grammy Award and an American Music Award. The corresponding music video remains one of Jackson’s most critically acclaimed pieces; it won numerous MTV Video Music Awards and a Grammy. At a cost of $ 7 million, it is listed in the Guinness World Records as the most expensive music video ever made.
This track is Jackson’s only duet with his sister Janet.
Scream
Michael Jackson Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
The lies are disgusting, so what does it mean, damn it?
You're kicking me down, I got to get up
As jacked as it sounds, the whole system sucks, damn it
Peek in the shadow, come into the light
You tell me I'm wrong, then you better prove you're right
You're selling out souls but I care about mine
With such confusion, don't it make you wanna scream? (Make you wanna scream?)
Your bash abusing victimize within the scheme
You try to cope with every lie they scrutinize
Somebody please have mercy, 'cause I just can't take it
Stop pressuring me, just stop pressuring me
Stop pressuring me, make me wanna scream
Stop pressuring me, just stop pressuring me
Stop pressuring me, make you just wanna scream
I'm tired of you telling the story your way
You're causing confusion, you think it's okay, damn it
You keep changing up rules, while I keep playing the game
I can't take it much longer, I think I might go insane
With such confusion, don't it make you wanna scream? (Make you wanna scream?)
Your bash abusing victimize within the scheme
You find your pleasure scandalizing every lie
So Father, please have mercy, 'cause I just can't take it
Stop pressuring me, just stop pressuring me
Stop pressuring me, make me wanna scream
Stop pressuring me, just stop pressuring me
Stop fuckin' with me, make me wanna scream
Oh my God, can't believe what I saw as I turned the TV
This evening, I was disgusted by all the injustice
All the injustice (all the injustice)
With such delusions, don't it make you wanna scream? (Make you wanna scream?)
Your bash abusing victimize within the scheme
You try to cope with every lie they scrutinize
Oh brother, please have mercy, 'cause I just can't take it
Stop pressuring me, just stop pressuring me
Stop pressuring me, make me wanna scream
Stop pressuring me, just stop pressuring me
Stop pressuring me, make me wanna scream
Stop pressuring me, just stop pressuring me
Stop pressuring me, make me wanna scream
Stop pressuring me, just stop pressuring me
Stop pressuring me, make me wanna scream (stop your pressure)
In "Scream," Michael Jackson expresses his frustration with injustice, lies, and pressure from the entertainment industry. He is tired of the schemes and the lies that are being sold to the public. He wants to stand up against it, but he feels overwhelmed by the whole system that is designed to suppress his voice. Jackson is calling for help and mercy from the people around him to stop the abuse, victimization, and scandalizing that are taking place.
The lyrics of "Scream" demonstrate Jackson's creative and artistic approach to social issues. He uses metaphors and poetic expressions to convey his message. The chorus "Stop pressuring me" is a powerful and catchy phrase that reflects the intense emotions of being overwhelmed and stressed out. Jackson's vocals are intense, and the beat of the song is fast and aggressive. The lyrics, coupled with the instrumentals, create a sense of urgency and desperation.
Line by Line Meaning
I'm tired of injustice, I'm tired of the schemes
I am fed up with the corruption and dishonesty of those in power
The lies are disgusting, so what does it mean, damn it?
I am disgusted with the lies and deceit and want to know the truth
You're kicking me down, I got to get up
Despite being constantly attacked and put down, I must find the strength to keep going
As jacked as it sounds, the whole system sucks, damn it
As strange as it may seem, the entire system is flawed and corrupt
Peek in the shadow, come into the light
Expose the truth and bring it to light
You tell me I'm wrong, then you better prove you're right
If you accuse me of being wrong, you better have evidence to back it up
You're selling out souls but I care about mine
You may be willing to sacrifice your morals and integrity, but mine are important to me
I've got to get stronger, and I won't give up the fight
I need to become stronger and more resilient in the face of adversity, and I won't stop fighting for what's right
With such confusion, don't it make you wanna scream? (Make you wanna scream?)
When things are so unclear and chaotic, it can be overwhelming and frustrating
Your bash abusing victimize within the scheme
You are verbally attacking and mistreating innocent people as part of your corrupt scheme
You try to cope with every lie they scrutinize
You are trying to come to terms with the vast number of lies that have been exposed
Somebody please have mercy, 'cause I just can't take it
I am reaching my breaking point and need someone to show me compassion and kindness
Stop pressuring me, just stop pressuring me
Stop harassing and putting pressure on me
Stop pressuring me, make me wanna scream
Your constant pressure is driving me to the point of madness
I'm tired of you telling the story your way
I am tired of your one-sided and self-serving version of events
You're causing confusion, you think it's okay, damn it
Your actions are causing chaos and uncertainty, and you seem to be okay with that
You keep changing up rules, while I keep playing the game
You are constantly changing the rules to benefit yourself, while I am trying to play fair and honest
I can't take it much longer, I think I might go insane
I am at my breaking point and feel like I may lose my sanity if things don't change
Oh my God, can't believe what I saw as I turned the TV This evening
I am shocked and appalled by something I witnessed on television
With such delusions, don't it make you wanna scream? (Make you wanna scream?)
When people are so deluded and misguided, it can be maddening
You find your pleasure scandalizing every lie
You take pleasure in creating scandal and spreading lies
So Father, please have mercy, 'cause I just can't take it
I am pleading for help and mercy from a higher power because I can no longer handle the situation alone
Stop fuckin' with me, make me wanna scream
Your actions are so infuriating that they are driving me to the brink of madness
Stop pressuring me, just stop pressuring me
Stop harassing and putting pressure on me
Stop pressuring me, make me wanna scream
Your constant pressure is driving me to the point of madness
Stop pressuring me, just stop pressuring me
Stop harassing and putting pressure on me
Stop pressuring me, make me wanna scream
Your constant pressure is driving me to the point of madness
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group, Royalty Network, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, JANET JACKSON DBA BLACK ICE, Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd.
Written by: James Harris III, Janet Jackson, Michael Jackson, Terry Lewis
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@toes124
Who is just randomly having a michael jackson marathon
@Ayexyx16
Me
@christopherjohnson3654
This aint random. This was premeditated!!!
@nikibazargan7183
moi lol
@priscillamorales3130
Ohmg me too! 🤘😍
@sharonashley88
Wow I’m loving that you posted this because this is exactly what I’m doing.
@tbonezful
That dance breakdown is literally the coolest thing I've ever seen and its wild that's it's a brother and sister doing it!!
@dollynina8992
Nothing can beat this breakdown honestly💯
@msd4743
Yes!!!
@Slattier141
Glenn O'Connor you’re dumb