Imitation 4 (1980s): Michael Jackson, Beat it

Assignment #6
Rap and Spoken Word

The song “Beat it,” by Michael Jackson is about a person or a group of people who chooses to redeem themselves by putting up a fight. Others are saying that it is not necessary to do that; however now-a-days, people always feel they still have to prove themselves. Throughout the song Michael continues to warn the person about not trying to put up a fight, and walk away, but the person chooses to not back down.

You Better Run, You Better Do What You Can
Don't Wanna See No Blood, Don't Be A Macho Man
You Wanna Be Tough, Better Do What You Can
So Beat It, But You Wanna Be Bad

Just Beat It, Beat It, Beat It, Beat It
No One Wants To Be Defeated
Showin' How Funky Strong Is Your Fight
It Doesn't Matter Who's Wrong Or Right

As the beat plays in the beginning without lyrics, already I get excited. I like songs in which the beat grabs my attention, and this song does it completely! When I like the beat of a song, the lyrics really don’t matter towards me because the beat is what makes the song. In this song specifically, I like the beat and the lyrics. His uses end rhyme in his rhyme scheme, making the same sound at the end of each line in different verses. For example, in the first verse he uses end rhyme, specifically a slant rhyme. Then as he does this he adds an attitude to it. His attitude here is aggressive. Basically whatever he says he means. Also, he does not sugar coat anything when he says it. He gets to his exact point as quickly as he can. This shows that he wants the people who are listening to this song to quickly grasp the point he is trying to get across.

In this song I think Michael is trying to teach a lesson. For example, if you know you are wrong in a situation you should try to get out as s you can before things get worse. You are better off walking away. Also, many times it is better to walk away instead of trying to be something you are not or doing something you usually do not do. Bringing the context of this song to violence and in this context it can be any type of violence; specifically gang violence. He brags by saying that at the end of the day it is never worth it, no matter how bad you think it is. You should just go away, and learn how to back down.