Michael Jackson’s song “Beat It” was released on February 3rd in 1983 and was the third single from the biggest selling album of all time ‘Thriller’. The song became a major success and earned two Grammy Awards, two American Music Awards and was also inducted into the music video producers Hall of Fame. The single was certified platinum in 1989. Rolling Stone magazine placed “Beat It” in the 337th spot on its list of The 500 Greatest Songs of All Time. “Beat It” was also ranked No. 81 in Rolling Stone’s “100 Greatest Guitar Songs of All Time”.
“Beat It” was written with school kids in mind. I’ve always loved creating pieces that will appeal to kids. It’s fun to write for them and know what they like because they’re a very demanding audience. You can’t fool them. They are still the audience that’s most important to me, because I really care about them. If they like it, it’s a hit, no matter what the charts say. The lyrics of “Beat It” express something I would do if I were in trouble. Its message - that we should abhor violence - is something I believe deeply. It tells kids to be smart and avoid trouble. I don’t mean to say you should turn the other cheek while someone kicks in your teeth, but, unless your back is against the wall and you have absolutely no choice, just get away before violence breaks out. If you fight and get killed, you’ve gained nothing and lost everything. You’re the loser, and so are the people who love you. That’s what “Beat It” is supposed to get across. To me true bravery is settling differences without a fight and having the wisdom to make that solution possible.” - Michael Jackson ‘Moonwalk’