"Billie Jean" is a song written and produced by American singer-songwriter Michael Jackson, released as the sixth track from the Thriller album. It was released as a single on January 3, 1983, serving as the second single from the album.
"Billie Jean" is considered to be one of the greatest and most legendary songs ever released by Jackson, thanks to its timelessness and the introduction of the Moonwalk dance during his performance at Motown 25. The single was so successful that it received numerous honors, solidifying Jackson as an international icon of the pop community as a whole.
The long version was released as the 12" extended version of the single. In this version, the intro and outro are longer, with the track ending with ad-libs: "You know you ain't (Not my lover) / You know you can't (Not my lover)", which would eventually go on to be re-used for live performances of the song. This was also originally planned to be the "Billie Jean" on the album, though it had to be cut down due to the 12 LP record's limitations at the time.
The 1981 demo, recorded at Hayvenhurst, was first released on Thriller: Special Edition. It features Jackson mumbling and ad-libbing the lyrics. The iconic drums aren’t there yet, as the Linn LM-1 drum machine is featured instead as a guide.
Background[]
According to Jackson, "Billie Jean" was based on groupies he and his brothers encountered while they performed as The Jackson 5.[1][2]
| “ | They would hang around backstage doors, and any band that would come to town they would have a relationship with, and I think I wrote this out of experience [sic] with my brothers when I was little. There were a lot of Billie Jeans out there. Every girl claimed that their son was related to one of my brothers. | ” |
–Jackson in an interview, 1996[3] | ||
Production[]
When writing "Billie Jean, Jackson felt that it'd be a success. He heard the melody in his head while in his car, becoming so absorbed that he didn't even realize his car caught fire until a passing motorcyclist informed him.[1][4]
When it came time to work on "Billie Jean", however, Quincy Jones, who was the main producer, initially didn't like the track. According to some reports, Jones felt it was too weak to be included in Thriller, though Jones denied this.[5][6] He disliked the demo, didn't care for the bassline, and wanted to cut out Jackson's 29-second introduction.[7][4] Jackson, however, insisted that it be kept. Jones conceded when Jackson said it made him want to dance: "And when Michael Jackson tells you, 'That's what makes me want to dance', well, the rest of us just have to shut up."[4][8]
Jones also wanted to change the title to "Not My Lover", as he believed that people would think the song referred to the tennis player Billie Jean King.[9][10] Jackson refused to change the title and asked Jones to give him co-producing credits for the track, as he felt that the finished product sounded close to his demo. Additionally, Jackson sought extra royalties. Jones granted him neither, causing the two to fall out for several days.[5][7]
Michael Boddicker said in an interview that Jackson played the synthesizer part in one take on the Yamaha CS-80 in seven minutes.[11] However, Bill Wolfer contradicted Boddicker's claim, saying that he played the CS-80 chords on both the demo and the album version and that the latter had misremembered the sessions. According to Wofler, the part was his sound design: he programmed it to form a hybrid of brass and string sounds, which had a vocal-like quality. Jackson heard Wolfer experimenting with the sound on the CS-80 during the Triumph Tour, which he liked and called Wolfer in for.[12]
Bruce Swedien had Jackson sing his vocal overdubs through a six-foot cardboard tube.[4] The latter's lead vocal was performed in one take, receiving vocal training every morning throughout production.[2]
"Billie Jean" was mixed by Swedien 91 times—unusual for his standards, in which he usually mixed a song just once. The mixes grew progressively worse, so Jones asked Swedien to listen again to the second mix, which was much better than the other mixes. The second mix was ultimately considered the final version.[7] Swedien, who Jones instructed to create a never-before-heard drum sound with "sonic personality", constructed a platform for the drum kit with special elements, including a flat piece of wood between the snare and hi-hat.
| “ | There aren't many pieces of music where you can hear the first three or four notes of the drums, and immediately tell what the piece of music is. But I think that is the case with 'Billie Jean'—and that I attribute to sonic personality. | ” |
Music video[]
The music video, directed by Steve Barron and produced by Gowers Fields Flattery, was initially refused to be aired by MTV, as the executives felt black music didn't fit into its "rock"-centered programming at the time. Walter Yetnikoff, the president of CBS Records, Jackson's record company, was enraged by their refusal despite Jackson's success as a musical artist. He threatened MTV that he'd expose their stance on racial discrimination and pull everything CBS Records had off the air. MTV finally gave in, premiering the music video on March 10, 1983, becoming one of the first videos by a black artist to be aired regularly by the channel.[14]
The short film is considered to be one of the greatest music videos ever, being inducted into the Music Video Producers Hall of Fame in 1992.[7] The video was also ranked as the 35th greatest music video in a list compiled by MTV and TV Guide at the millennium.[7]
Live performances[]
Jackson performing "Billie Jean" at Motown 25: Yesterday, Today, Forever (1983)
Jackson performed "Billie Jean" on all of his tours, starting with The Jacksons' Victory Tour. He performed the song for the last time during the This Is It rehearsals on June 6, 2009, a few weeks before his passing.
For each live performance, Jackson wore a sparkly black jacket, a single white glove, white socks, and a fedora.
| “ | The glove was just – I thought one was cooler than two. I love to accent movement. The eye goes to where the white is – you know, the glove. And the feet, if you're dancing, you can put an exclamation point on your movement if it has a bit of light on it. So I wore the white socks. And for the design of the jacket, I would sit with the people who made the clothes and tell them where I wanted a button or a buckle or a design. [...] | ” |
–Jackson on the outfit[15] | ||
Motown 25: Yesterday, Today, Forever[]
One of the first and most iconic performances of "Billie Jean" happened on May 16, 1983, when The Jacksons made an appearance at the Motown 25: Yesterday, Today, Forever television special. Jackson initially declined to perform with his brothers, as at the time he wanted to distance himself from the band and Motown and rather focus on his solo work. He reconsidered the offer after he discussed it with Berry Gordy (founder of Motown and Rockwell's father). Jackson agreed only if he's allowed to perform "Billie Jean".
Some of Jackson's most iconic dance moves debuted during the performance as well, such as the Moonwalk (although not created by him) or the toe stand. These became Jackson's signature dance moves.
The special was watched by 50 million people and got Jackson an Emmy nomination.[16] Despite the show being a huge success, however, Jackson was very embarrassed with the performance. After getting off stage, he cried due to being unhappy with his spin and toe stand, as he wanted it to last longer than it did. Jackson gradually improved at doing the moves as the years went by.
2008 Remix[]
"Billie Jean 2008" is a remix of "Billie Jean" that was released as the fifteenth track on Thriller 25. The rework was made with Kanye West in 2007, who also provides vocals for the bridge. The production, however, is more reminiscent of that on West's 2007 album, Graduation.
Audio[]
Lyrics[]
[Verse 1]
She was more like a beauty queen from a movie scene
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 bein' the one
Who will dance on the floor in the round
[Pre-Chorus 1]
People always told me, "Be careful of what you do
Don't go around breakin' young girls' hearts" (Hee-hee)
And mother always told me, "Be careful of who you love
And be careful of what you do (Oh-oh)
'Cause the lie becomes the truth" (Oh-oh), hey-ey
[Chorus]
Billie Jean is not my lover, uh
She's just a girl who claims that I am the one (Oh, baby)
But the kid is not my son (Hoo)
She says I am the one (Oh, baby)
But the kid is not my son (Hee-hee-hee, no-no, hee-hee-hee, hoo)
[Verse 2]
For forty days and for 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 (Hee)
So take my strong advice
Just remember to always think twice
(Don't think twice) Do think twice! (A-hoo!)
She told my baby we'd danced 'til three, then she looked at me
Then showed a photo of a baby cryin', his eyes were like mine (Oh, no)
'Cause we danced on the floor in the round, baby (Ooh, hee-hee-hee)
[Pre-Chorus 2]
People always told me, "Be careful of what you do
And don't go around breakin' young girls' hearts" (Don't break no hearts; hee-hee)
But she came and stood right by me
Just the smell of sweet perfume (Ha-oh)
This happened much too soon (Ha-oh, ha-ooh)
She called me to her room (Ha-oh, hoo), hey-ey
[Chorus]
Billie Jean is not my lover (Hoo)
She's just a girl who claims that I am the one
But the kid is not my son
No-no-no, no-no-no-no-no-no (Hoo)
Billie Jean is not my lover, uh
She's just a girl who claims that I am the one (Oh, baby)
But the kid is not my son (Oh, no, no)
She says I am the one (Oh, baby)
But the kid is not my son (No, hee-hee-hee, ah, hee-hee-hee)
[Break]
Hee, hoo
[Chorus]
She says I am the one, uh
But the kid is not my son (No-no-no, hoo, ohh)
Billie Jean is not my lover, uh
She's just a girl who claims that I am the one (You know what you did to me, baby)
But the kid is not my son
No-no-no (No-no-no, ah), no-no-no-no (No-no-no)
She says I am the one (No)
But the kid is not my son (No-no-no-no)
[Outro]
She says I am the one (You know what you did)
She says he is my son (Breakin' my heart, babe)
She says I am the one
Yeah, yeah, Billie Jean is not my lover, uh
Yeah, Billie Jean is not my lover, uh
Yeah, Billie Jean is not my lover, uh (She is just a girl)
Yeah, Billie Jean is not my lover, uh (She is just a girl; don't call me Billie Jean, hoo)
Billie Jean is not my lover, uh (She is just a girl; she's not at the scene)
Billie Jean is not (Hee), aaow, ooh
Yeah, Billie Jean is
[Intro]
More kick and stuff in the phones, I need it
More bottom and kick in the phones
[Verse 1]
Tell me what did your daughter say, d-d-dong dong say?
All of the time
Alright, I see, alright
All of the time
Where we go, on the winds, in the wild
[Verse 2]
She told me I was a lonely man and I felt sad
She called my name then she said, "Hello"
All them who died
And I sit, in a cup, in a ride
[Pre-Chorus]
It seems that you, dun ber ber ber lee
Har-har thin walla man
Papa say, "It doesn't care for what you do"
Careful what you do
Buttercup a day, hey hey hey!
[Chorus]
Billie Jean is not my lover
She's just a girl that says that I am the one (do you know?)
The kid is not my son
Hey, hey, hey
Billie Jean is not my lover
She's just a girl that says that I am the one (Do you know?)
But the kid is not my son
She says I am the one (Oh no!)
But the kid is not my son (Hey, hey, hey)
(Hee, hee, hee)
[Intro]
People always told me be careful of what you do
And don't go around breaking young girls' hearts (Hee)
And mother always told me be careful of who you love
And be careful of what you do 'cause the lie becomes the truth
Hey (Yeah, uh)
Woo (Uh-uh), woo
Woo
[Verse 1]
She was more like a beauty queen from a movie scene
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
[Pre-Chorus]
People always told me be careful of what you do
And don't go around breaking young girls' hearts (Hee)
And mother always told me be careful of who you love
And be careful of what you do 'cause the lie becomes the truth
Hey
[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 (Ooh)
She says I am the one, but the kid is not my son
[Verse 2]
For forty days and for 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), woo
She told my baby we'd danced 'til three
Then she looked at me
Then showed a photo, my baby cried
His eyes looked like mine (Oh, no)
Go on dance on the floor in the round, baby
[Pre-Chorus]
People always told me be careful of what you do
And don't go around breaking young girls' hearts (Hee)
And mother always told me be careful of who you love
And be careful of what you do 'cause the lie becomes the truth
Hey
[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 (Woo)
She says I am the one, but the kid is not my son, oh, oh
[Outro]
Woo
Woo
Uh-uh, yeah, yeah, yeah
Number one (Woo)
Billie Jean is not my lover
Billie Jean is not my lover
Billie Jean is not my lover
Billie Jean is not my lover
Billie Jean is— Billie Jean is—
Billie Jean is not my lover
Billie Jean is not my lover
Billie Jean is
Gallery[]
![Vinyl back cover[17]](/wiki/File:Billiejeanbackcover.jpg "Billiejeanbackcover.jpg (91 KB)")
![Vinyl[17]](/wiki/File:Billiejeanvinyl.jpg "Billiejeanvinyl.jpg (102 KB)")
|
"Look deep within yourself, and you'll find something amazing." To view the Billie Jean gallery, click here. |
Trivia[]
Pepsi Generation
- "Billie Jean" was infamously used for two Pepsi commercials from 1984, in which Jackson starred. In both of the adverts, a remix of the song was featured, titled "Pepsi Generation". The collaboration between Jackson and Pepsi would continue for many years to come.
- Every time Jackson would perform "Billie Jean" live, he'd throw his fedora to the audience. The hats were signed by him and featured a special message, e.g., "all my love".[18]
- According to Daryl Hall of Hall & Oates, during recording sessions for "We Are the World", Jackson came up to him and said, "Hey, man, I hope you're okay with that. You know, I stole 'No Can Do' for 'Billie Jean'." Hall told Jackson back, "Oh Michael, what do I care? You did it very differently."
References[]
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 Moonwalk (book)
- ↑ 2.0 2.1 Inside the Hits
- ↑ Michael Jackson Answers Fan Questions In 1996 Thailand Interview
- ↑ 4.0 4.1 4.2 4.3 4.4 The 500 Greatest Songs Since You Were Born: Number 1
- ↑ 5.0 5.1 Michael Jackson: The Magic, the Madness, the Whole Story
- ↑ Quincy Jones On Michael Jackson’s ‘Xscape’: ‘It’s About Money’
- ↑ 7.0 7.1 7.2 7.3 7.4 Michael Jackson: For the Record
- ↑ The steps that made Michael Jackson great
- ↑ Moonwalker everything everyone already knows about Michael Jackson is in his fluffy autobiography
- ↑ Thriller of a Lifetime
- ↑ Michael Jackson Keyboard Sounds of His Signature Songs Then and Now
- ↑ Michael Jackson collaborator Bill Wolfer sets the record straight on "Billie Jean" synth sound: "Anyone could have played that part, but I'm proud of the fact that it was my sound design"
- ↑ Michael Jackson: For the Record
- ↑ Michael Jackson: The King of Pop
- ↑ 1999 TV Guide Interview with Michael Jackson/
- ↑ Motown 25: Yesterday, Today, Forever
- ↑ 17.0 17.1 Michael Jackson – Billie Jean - Discogs
- ↑ Michael Jackson owned and signed fedora #4