Beat It – English Lyrics

• By: Michael Jackson
• Album: Thriller

Lyrics & Translation

Dive into Michael Jackson's electrifying "Beat It" and unlock a world of English expression! This iconic track isn't just a fusion of rock and pop; it carries a universal message of peace and strength in avoiding conflict. By exploring its powerful lyrics and understanding the story behind its creation, you'll gain insight into impactful storytelling and conversational English. Let this legendary song inspire your language learning journey with its clear, motivating message.

Key Vocabulary

Vocabulary	Meanings
beat /biːt/ A2	verb - to strike repeatedly verb - to defeat
run /rʌn/ A1	verb - to move quickly on foot
face /feɪs/ A2	noun - the front part of the head
fire /faɪər/ A2	noun - the rapid oxidation of a material in the exothermic chemical process of combustion
blood /blʌd/ B1	noun - the fluid that circulates in the arteries and veins of humans and other vertebrates
man /mæn/ A1	noun - an adult male human
fight /faɪt/ B1	noun - a physical altercation verb - to engage in a physical altercation
strong /strɒŋ/ B1	adjective - having the power to move heavy weights or perform other physically demanding tasks
bad /bæd/ A2	adjective - not good
defeated /dɪˈfiːtɪd/ B2	adjective - having been beaten or overcome
alive /əˈlaɪv/ B1	adjective - living, not dead
scared /skeərd/ B1	adjective - feeling fear
life /laɪf/ A2	noun - the condition that distinguishes organisms from inorganic matter
kick /kɪk/ A2	verb - to strike with the foot
truth /truːθ/ B2	noun - the quality or state of being true
dare /deər/ B1	verb - to challenge someone to do something risky

Key Grammar Structures

• They told him, "Don't you ever come around here"

  ➔ Indirect Speech/Reported Speech

  ➔ This line demonstrates the transformation of direct speech into indirect speech. The original statement ('Don't come around here') is reported by someone else. Notice the changes in tense and pronoun usage.

• You wanna be tough, better do what you can

  ➔ Use of 'wanna' (want to) and Modal Verb 'better'

  ➔ 'Wanna' is a colloquial contraction of 'want to'. 'Better' here functions as a modal verb, expressing advice or a recommendation – implying a necessary action to achieve the desired state of being 'tough'.

• You're playin' with your life, this ain't no truth or dare

  ➔ Present Continuous Tense & Figurative Language

  ➔ The present continuous ('You're playin’') emphasizes the ongoing nature of the risky behavior. The phrase 'this ain't no truth or dare' uses figurative language to highlight the seriousness of the situation, contrasting it with a trivial game.

• They'll kick you, then they'll beat you, then they'll tell you it's fair

  ➔ Future Simple with 'will' and Sequence of Events

  ➔ The use of 'will' indicates future actions. The sentence describes a sequence of escalating violence, highlighting the unfairness and injustice of the situation.

• No one wants to be defeated

  ➔ Passive Voice (implied) and Universal Statement

  ➔ The sentence implies a passive construction ('to be defeated'). It makes a universal statement about human nature – the desire to avoid failure is inherent in everyone.