Bad – English Lyrics

• By: Michael Jackson
• Album: Bad

Lyrics & Translation

Dive into Michael Jackson's iconic hit "Bad" and explore the language of assertiveness and defiance! This song is a masterclass in conveying a strong message through direct, impactful lyrics and a powerful vocal performance. You'll encounter dynamic expressions of confidence and challenge, perfect for understanding how English can be used to project a bold persona. The vivid imagery in the lyrics and the song's energetic delivery make it an engaging way to grasp contemporary English slang and cultural nuances of the late 80s pop era. Get ready to feel 'bad' in the best possible way!

Key Vocabulary

Vocabulary	Meanings
proud /praʊd/ A2	adjective - feeling pleased and satisfied about something you have done or someone you know
working /ˈwɜːrkɪŋ/ A2	verb - doing work; putting in effort
man /mæn/ A1	noun - an adult male human
terminal /ˈtɜːrmɪnəl/ B2	noun - a building where trains, buses, or planes stop and passengers get on or off
belongings /bɪˈlɒŋɪŋz/ B1	noun - things that belong to someone
shoot /ʃuːt/ B1	verb - to fire a gun
sharp /ʃɑːrp/ B1	adjective - having a thin edge or point; neat and stylish
home /həʊm/ A1	noun - a place where someone lives
major /ˈmeɪdʒər/ B2	noun - the main subject studied at a college or university
sick /sɪk/ A2	adjective - unwell; crazy or foolish
lying /ˈlaɪɪŋ/ B1	verb - not telling the truth
reflection /rɪˈflekʃən/ B2	noun - an image or likeness of something in a mirror or other reflective surface
tortoise /ˈtɔːrtəs/ B2	noun - a slow-moving land animal with a large shell
victim /ˈvɪktɪm/ B2	noun - a person harmed or killed as a result of a crime or accident
break /breɪk/ A2	verb - to separate into pieces

Key Grammar Structures

• Are you bad? Or is that what they teach you up at that little sissy school of yours?

  ➔ Tag question & Indirect Question

  ➔ The sentence uses a **tag question** ('Are you bad?') to seek confirmation and an **indirect question** ('is that what they teach you...') to report a question. The use of 'little sissy' is colloquial and adds emotional weight.

• You either down or you ain't down.

  ➔ Correlative conjunctions (either/or)

  ➔ This sentence uses the **correlative conjunctions** 'either/or' to present two mutually exclusive options. The use of 'ain't' is non-standard English, adding to the colloquial tone. 'Down' here means loyal or committed.

• You wanna see who's bad?

  ➔ Embedded Question & Colloquial Contraction

  ➔ This is an **embedded question** functioning as a statement. 'Wanna' is a **colloquial contraction** of 'want to'. The question is rhetorical, challenging the listener.

• I'm telling you, on count of three, to show your stuff or let it be.

  ➔ Imperative Mood & Prepositional Phrase

  ➔ The phrase 'to show your stuff or let it be' is in the **imperative mood**, giving a direct command. 'On count of three' is a **prepositional phrase** indicating a time limit.