The song's spare, bass-driven arrangement helped pioneer what one critic called "sleek, post-soul pop music". It also introduced a more paranoid lyrical style for Jackson, a trademark of his later music. The lyrics describe a woman, Billie Jean, who claims that the narrator is the father of her newborn son, which he denies. Jackson said the lyrics were based on groupies' claims about his older brothers when he toured with them as the Jackson 5.
Jackson's performance of "Billie Jean" on the TV special Motown 25: Yesterday, Today, Forever, which aired in May 1983, won acclaim and was nominated for an Emmy Award. The performance introduced a number of Jackson's signatures, including the moonwalk and white sequinned glove, and was widely imitated. The "Billie Jean" music video, directed by Steve Barron, was the first video by a black artist to be aired in heavy rotation on MTV. Along with the other videos produced for Thriller, it helped establish MTV's cultural importance and make music videos an integral part of pop music marketing.
"Billie Jean" was one of the bestselling singles of 1983, helping Thriller become the best-selling album of all time, and became Jackson's best-selling solo single. In the United States, it remained at number one on the Billboard Hot 100 for seven weeks. It also reached number one in the United Kingdom and several other European countries, and reached the top ten in many other countries. It was awarded honors including two Grammy Awards and an American Music Award. "Billie Jean" was critically acclaimed; in 2004, Rolling Stone placed it at number 58 on its list of the 500 greatest songs of all time.
Billie Jean
Micheal Jackson Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
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
CHORUS:
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 till 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
CHORUS:
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
The lyrics of "Billie Jean" by Michael Jackson tell the story of a young lady who claimed that Michael was responsible for her son. She immediately catches his attention due to her charisma, which made her seem like a beauty queen from a movie scene. Michael responds to her comments by saying, "I said don't mind, but what do you mean I am the one, who will dance on the floor in the round" before she clarifies that she is the one he will dance with. Consequently, they both go ahead and dance on the floor in the round.
However, as the song progresses, Michael seems to be embroiled in a legal battle because of Billie Jean. The law is against him, and everyone turns their attention to the alleged paternity case. The singer tries to disassociate himself by insisting that Billie Jean is not his lover and that the kid is not his son. Moreover, there is a tragic twist to the story as Michael's lover is affected by the allegations against him, which causes her to cry uncontrollably after seeing a picture of the child.
Line by Line Meaning
She was more like a beauty queen from a movie scene
She appeared as someone from a glamorous, movie-like image
I said don't mind, but what do you mean I am the one
I didn't take it seriously but I asked why she chose me
Who will dance on the floor in the round
Who will be the main dancer in the circular dance floor
She said I am the one, who will dance on the floor in the round
She asserted that I am the chosen one who will dance in the round
She told me her name was Billie Jean, as she caused a scene
She introduced herself as Billie Jean and caught everyone's attention
Then every head turned with eyes that dreamed of being the one
All eyes were on her and people were wishing to dance with her
People always told me be careful of what you do
People advised me to be cautious of my actions
And don't go around breaking young girls' hearts
And not to hurt young girls' emotions
And mother always told me be careful of who you love
And my mother always warned me to be mindful of who I chose to love
And be careful of what you do 'cause the lie becomes the truth
And be careful of your actions because lies can turn into the truth
Billie Jean is not my lover
I am not romantically involved with Billie Jean
She's just a girl who claims that I am the one
She's just a girl who believes I'm the chosen one
But the kid is not my son
However, the child is not mine
For forty days and forty nights
For a long duration of time
The law was on her side
The law was supporting her case
But who can stand when she's in demand
But it's hard to resist her when she's desirable
Her schemes and plans
Her tricks and strategies
So take my strong advice, just remember to always think twice
So heed my advice and think carefully before acting
She told my baby we'd danced till three, then she looked at me
She told my partner that we danced until late, then gave me a significant look
Then showed a photo my baby cried his eyes were like mine (oh, no!)
Then showed a photo and claimed that the baby had similar-looking eyes to mine
'Cause we danced on the floor in the round, baby
Because we danced together on the circular dance floor
She came and stood right by me
She came and stood next to me
Just the smell of sweet perfume
I was greeted by a pleasant scent
This happened much too soon
Everything was happening too fast
She called me to her room
She invited me to her room
She says he is my son
She claimed that the baby was mine
Dont Billie Jean
Don't be like Billie Jean
Contributed by Alexis Y. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
@bethelnest2704
Here's My poem inspired by Michael Jackson:
"King of Pop, a legend reigns
Moonwalk magic, beats that sustain
Thriller nights, Billie Jean dreams
Beat It rhythms, moonlit themes
His music lives, a timeless flow
Inspiring generations, as it grows
Dance and song, a legacy bright
Shining star, in the spotlight's light
Iconic videos, a visual treat
A master of movement, a vocal feat
His impact vast, his spirit free
The King of Pop, forever we'll see."
@maiapaulovich5988
Go str3am Michael Jackson's "Billie Jean", your fans are also supporting "Dynamite."
Dynamite-100M (24hs)
Billie Jean-1B
GO GO ARMY.
Ayúdame a difundir esto en todos los idiomas posibles.
Todo mi respeto hacia el Rey y sus fans que son un amor.
Recuerde NO EMOJIS
@lamineamari
A BILLION SOON ! A Legend Never Dies
@ayn1147
Yes
@belindalyu3067
Always in my heart.
@belindalyu3067
Michael is the music, Michael is the beat.
@Rothmans-p7e
Omg 35 minutes ago :o
@reannajyllrodriguez9100
Mhm.
@ManeYousuf447
One of the greatest songs humanity has ever made!
@scorpion3340
True
@pify25k
Safe
@elpatoloco4939
For sure