Eighties Archive Song Number
Highest Chart Position
Date Released
Date Of UK Top 40 Entry
Genre
Label
Catalogue Number
Story Behind The Song
Michael Jackson’s “Billie Jean” is one of the most influential recordings in pop music history, combining an instantly recognisable bassline with a tense rhythm and a compelling story of fame, suspicion and denial. Released in 1983, the song became a defining moment in Jackson’s career, showcasing his ability to transform a dark, personal narrative into an irresistible dance track.
Written by Jackson and produced alongside Quincy Jones, “Billie Jean” was built around a remarkably distinctive arrangement. Its pulsing bassline, crisp drum pattern and subtle synthesizer textures create an atmosphere of constant tension, while Jackson’s layered vocals add urgency and drama. Every instrumental element is carefully placed, allowing the groove to develop without losing its hypnotic simplicity.
The lyrics tell the story of a woman who claims that the narrator is the father of her child, a claim he firmly denies. Jackson drew on experiences and observations surrounding the pressures of celebrity life, where rumours, unwanted attention and questions about personal relationships could become overwhelming. The song’s mysterious atmosphere leaves listeners uncertain about the full story, adding to its lasting fascination.
Jackson’s performance is equally distinctive, blending controlled vocals with breathy interjections, rhythmic phrasing and an unmistakable sense of movement. His performance of the song, particularly the famous moonwalk during the 1983 television special Motown 25, further cemented its place in popular culture.
With its innovative production, unforgettable groove and enduring mystery, “Billie Jean” remains a landmark recording that helped redefine the possibilities of modern pop music.
The song peaked at No. 01 in the UK singles chart on 5th March 1983.
UK 7'' SLEEVE COVERS
Shown below are the picture sleeve covers (front and back) for the UK release of this single. If no cover sleeve was issued in the UK, we will display another country’s picture sleeve.
UK 7'' TRACK LISTING
| A-Side | Billie Jean (Single Version) (4:53) (Jackson) Produced By Quincy Jones |
| B-Side | It’s The Falling In Love (3:46) (Sager, Foster) Produced By Quincy Jones |
CHART PERFORMANCE (80s Chart only)
| UK Top 40 Chart Run [12 Weeks] – 5th February 1983 – 23rd April 1983 |
OFFICIALLY RELEASED VERSIONS
All officially released versions that appeared in the 80s:-
- Billie Jean (Single Version) (4:53)
- Billie Jean (Long Version) (6:20)
- Billie Jean (Instrumental) (6:17)
To hear the FULL version of the songs below, you will need an active Spotify account (Free one). Just log in on your desktop/tablet or phone to hear the FULL versions.
OFFICIAL VIDEO
SONG LYRICS
She was more like a beauty queen from a movie scene, uh
I said, “Don’t mind, but what do you mean, I am the one
Who will dance on the floor in the round?”
She said I am the one
Who will dance on the floor in the round
She told me her name was Billie Jean as she caused a scene
Then every head turned with eyes that dreamed of bein’ the one, uh
Who will dance on the floor in the round
People always told me, “Be careful of what you do,” uh
“And don’t go around breakin’ young girls’ hearts” (Hee-hee)
And mother always told me, “Be careful of who you love
And be careful of what you do (Oh, oh)
‘Cause the lie becomes the truth” (Oh, oh), hey
Billie Jean is not my lover, uh
She’s just a girl who claims that I am the one (Oh, baby)
But the kid is not my son (Woo)
Uh, she says I am the one (Oh, baby)
But the kid is not my son (Hee-hee-hee; no, no)
(Hee-hee-hee, woo)
For forty days and for forty nights, the law was on her side
But who can stand when she’s in demand? Her schemes and plans
‘Cause we danced on the floor in the round (Hee, uh, uh)
So take my strong advice
Just remember to always think twice (Don’t think twice)
Do think twice (Ah-hoo)
She told my baby we danced ’til three, then she looked at me
Then showed a photo of a baby cryin’, his eyes were like mine (Oh no)
‘Cause we danced on the floor in the round, baby (Ooh, hee-hee-hee)
People always told me, “Be careful of what you do,” uh
“And don’t go around breakin’ young girls’ hearts” (Don’t break no hearts; hee-hee)
But she came and stood right by me
Just the smell of sweet perfume (Ha-oh)
This happened much too soon (Ha-oh, ha-ooh)
She called me to her room (Ha-oh, hoo), hey
Billie Jean is not my lover (Woo)
She’s just a girl who claims that I am the one, uh
But the kid is not my son, uh
No-no-no, uh, no-no-no, no-no-no (Woo)
Billie Jean is not my lover, uh
She’s just a girl who claims that I am the one
But the kid is not my son (No, no)
She says I am the one (Oh, baby)
But the kid is not my son (No, hee-hee-hee)
(Ah-hee-hee-hee)
Hee, hoo
(Chicka-boom, chicka-boom, chicka-boom, chicka-boom)
Uh, she says I am the one, uh
But the kid is not my son (No-no-no, woo, uh)
Billie Jean is not my lover, uh
She’s just a girl who claims that I am the one (You know what you did to me, baby)
But the kid is not my son
No-no-no (No-no-no, ah), no-no-no-no (No-no-no)
She says I am the one (No, baby)
But the kid is not my son (No-no-no-no; woo, uh)
She says I am the one (You know what you did)
She says he is my son (Breakin’ my heart, babe)
She says I am the one
Yeah, yeah, Billie Jean is not my lover, uh
Yeah, Billie Jean is not my lover, uh
Yeah, Billie Jean is not my lover, uh (She is just a girl)
Yeah, Billie Jean is not my lover, uh (She is just a girl; don’t call me Billie Jean, hoo)
Billie Jean is not my lover, uh (She is just a girl; she’s not at the scene)
Billie Jean is not (Hee), aaow, ooh
Yeah, Billie Jean
Written By Michael Jackson
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