"Hot Street" (originally titled "Slapstick") is an unreleased song written by American singer-songwriter Michael Jackson intended for the Thriller album. The song leaked online on July 7, 2002. Another, older version under the title of "Slapstick" also leaked later on, although in much lower quality.
Background[]
"Hot Street" was co-written with Rod Temperton, produced by Quincy Jones, and recorded between August-September 1982 during the Thriller sessions at Westlake Recording Studios.[1] The song was first titled "Slapstick", featuring completely different lyrics. Michael loved "Hot Street", and wanted it on the record, however, Quincy and Rod didn't think the track was good enough, with the former preferring "Baby Be Mine" over it.[2]
| “ | “Yeah, I like Hot Street. I love that one. Quincy and Rod didn’t think it was good enough, but I thought it was wonderful." | ” |
–Michael Jackson on the song, X, 2022[3] | ||
Audio[]
Lyrics[]
[Verse 1]
(A hot) Stone shaker is looking fine
She is a heart-breaker every time
She never seems to realize
That someday she will be crying too (Ooh!)
(She is) A sharpshooter that is moving fast
A slight cruiser loaded with gas
Slowing down to make a pass
You think it is going to hit
So why not take a chance?
[Chorus]
Because this is Hot Street (Burning It Up)
Just feel the night beat, yeah (Fun on the run)
'Cause this is Hot Street, yeah (Ready or not)
Because the fantasy will never stop
On Hot Street (Ooh!)
[Verse 2]
(She is) A streetwalker when there is time to spare
She got that big spenders holding their share
A heart of gold, but no one cares (No one seems to care)
Within their eyes
Some young lovers are laughing loud
And there are some old suckers trying to get down
The evening spins around and round (Spins around and round)
Yes, people of the night smoking through the dark
[Chorus]
'Cause this is Hot Street, ooh! (Burning It Up)
Just feel the night beat, yeah (Fun on the run)
Yeah, this is Hot Street, no (Ready or not)
Because the fantasy will never stop
On Hot Street (Ooh!)
[Bridge]
(All night mover) Just trying to put a little fun in their lives
(Winners, losers) You see them standing on the corner in the neon light (Aoww!)
Tonight
(Ooh!)
Yeah, yeah, ooh
(Ooh!)
[Verse 3]
Some feeling you cannot explain
It is such a hard feeling lying in bed's flame
The evening starts to fall again (Starts to fall again)
It is time to come alive
So why not take a chance?
[Chorus]
'Cause this is Hot Street (Burning It Up)
Just feel the night beat, yeah (Fun on the run)
'Cause this is Hot Street, oh (Ready or not)
And the fantasy will never stop
'Cause this is Hot Street (Burning It Up)
Just feel the night beat, yeah (Fun on the run)
'Cause this is Hot Street (Ready or not)
And the fantasy will never stop
[Outro]
Burning it up
Fun on the run
Ready or not
Fantasy will never stop
Burning it up
Fun on the run
Ready or not
Fantasy will never stop
Burning it up
Fun on the run
Ready or not
Fantasy will never stop
[Verse 1]
Stone shaker, your here tonight
You've got to, you love maker
Girl it's alright
You can't remember when you smiled
You know it's going to take some time
Heart-walker, I'm here to touch
You've got to, Night-stalker
Love you so much
You feel you need a hand to hold
Then maybe you and I
Can make it on our own
[Chorus]
Bring out some Slapstick (Turning me on)
Bring out some magic (You're number one)
Bring out some Slapstick (Making me high)
Because the Slapstick love, will make you smile
(Darling, yeah)
[Verse 2]
That heart-breaker, has gone away
So baby, you don't fake it
Let your heart play
There's more than love, that we can make
Your holding it behind your eye, (yeah, yeah)
Some feeling, you can't explain
It's such a, a hard feeling
Lying in bed's flame
It's spinning round and round again
And baby you and I
Can make it on our own
[Chorus]
Give me some Slapstick (Turning me on)
Bring out the magic (You're number one)
I want some Slapstick (Making me high)
Because the Slapstick love, will make you smile
(Every time, He He, He He)
Oh
[Verse 3]
(No more crying)
Reach out and bring a little love
In your life, girl
(Keep on trying)
You got to keep on trying baby
Holding on to love, tonight
[Guitar Solo]
(Oh no)
Stone-shaker, your far to much
You've got to, you love maker
Girl it's alright
Your spinning' round and round again
So baby let it shine
And everything's alright
[Chorus]
Because of Slapstick (Turning me on)
I want some magic (You're number one)
I want some Slapstick, girl (Making me high)
Because the Slapstick love, will make you smile
Because of Slapstick (Turning me on)
I want some magic (You're number one)
I want some Slapstick, girl (Making me high)
Because the Slapstick love, will make you smile
[Chorus]
Bring out the Slapstick, (Turning me on)
I want some magic, girl (You're number one)
I want some Slapstick, girl (Making me high)
Because the Slapstick love, will make you smile
(Oh)
[Ad-libs to fade]
Trivia[]
- The song was considered for the Thriller 25 anniversary album, but it was ultimately left off the album.