About Song

“Smooth Criminal” is a standout track by the legendary pop artist Michael Jackson, released as a single from his seventh studio album, “Bad,” in 1988. The song, written and composed by Jackson himself, is known for its distinctive bassline, energetic tempo, and Jackson’s signature vocal delivery.

One of the most iconic elements of “Smooth Criminal” is the lean. Michael Jackson famously showcased a gravity-defying move in the song’s music video and live performances, seemingly leaning forward at a 45-degree angle. This feat, achieved with the help of special footwear and cables, became a defining image associated with the song and Jackson’s unparalleled stage presence.

The instrumentation of “Smooth Criminal” features a prominent bassline, played by Doug Wimbish, that gives the song a distinct and recognizable sound. The combination of Jackson’s dynamic vocal delivery, the memorable bassline, and the overall production contributed to the song’s chart-topping success.

The music video for “Smooth Criminal” further emphasized Jackson’s commitment to creating visually stunning and innovative works. The video, set in a film noir style, features Jackson and his dancers performing intricate choreography, including the iconic lean. The video’s artistry and storytelling helped elevate the song’s impact and popularity.

“Smooth Criminal” remains one of Michael Jackson’s most celebrated and enduring songs. Its influence can be seen in subsequent generations of pop and dance music, and the song’s legacy is cemented in its continued presence in popular culture. Michael Jackson’s ability to seamlessly blend compelling narratives, memorable melodies, and groundbreaking visuals is exemplified in the enduring appeal of “Smooth Criminal.”

Video

Lyrics

“Smooth Criminal”

Ow!
Cha!
Shoo-cha-choo-cha!As he came into the window
Was a sound of a crescendo
He came into her apartment
He left the bloodstains on the carpet
She ran underneath the table
He could see she was unable
So she ran into the bedroom
She was struck down, it was her doom

Annie, are you OK?
So, Annie, are you OK?
Are you OK, Annie?
Annie, are you OK?
So, Annie, are you OK?
Are you OK, Annie?
Annie, are you OK?
So, Annie, are you OK?
Are you OK, Annie?
Annie, are you OK?
So, Annie, are you OK?
Are you OK, Annie?

Annie, are you OK?
Will you tell us that you’re OK
There’s a sound at the window
Then he struck you a crescendo, Annie
He came into your apartment
Left the bloodstains on the carpet
And then you ran into the bedroom
You were struck down
It was your doom

Annie, are you OK?
So, Annie, are you OK?
Are you OK, Annie?
Annie, are you OK?
So, Annie, are you OK?
Are you OK, Annie?

Annie, are you OK?
So, Annie, are you OK?
Are you OK, Annie?
You’ve been hit by—
You’ve been hit by a smooth criminal
Ow!

So they came into the outway
It was Sunday, what a black day
Mouth-to-mouth resuscitation
Sounding heartbeats intimidations

Annie, are you OK?
So, Annie, are you OK?
Are you OK, Annie?
Annie, are you OK?
So, Annie, are you OK?
Are you OK, Annie?

Annie, are you OK?
So, Annie, are you OK?
Are you OK, Annie?
Annie, are you OK?
So, Annie, are you OK?
Are you OK, Annie?

Annie, are you OK?
Will you tell us that you’re OK
There’s a sound at the window
Then he struck you a crescendo, Annie
He came into your apartment
Left the bloodstains on the carpet
And then you ran into the bedroom
You were struck down
It was your doom

Annie, are you OK?
So, Annie, are you OK?
Are you OK, Annie?
You’ve been hit by—
You’ve been struck by a smooth criminal

Choo-cha, choo-cha
Ow!
OK, I want everybody to clear the area right now!

Ow!
Hoo!
Hoo!
Hoo!
Hoo!
Ow!

Annie, are you OK?
I don’t know!
Will you tell us, that you’re OK
I don’t know!
There’s a sound at the window
I don’t know!
That he struck you a crescendo, Annie
I don’t know!

He came into your apartment
I don’t know!
Left the bloodstains on the carpet
I don’t know why baby!
And then you ran into the bedroom (Help me)
You were struck down
It was your doom, Annie! (Dag gone it)

Annie, are you OK?
Dag gone it, baby!
Will you tell us, that you’re OK
Dag gone it, baby!
There’s a sound at the window
Dag gone it, baby!
Then he struck you a crescendo, Annie (Hoo! Hoo!)

He came into your apartment
Dag gone it!
Left bloodstains on the carpet (Hoo!)
And then you ran into the bedroom (Hoo! Hoo!)
Dag gone it!
You were struck down
It was your doom, Annie!

Ow!
Ow!
Shoo-cha-choo, shoo-cha-choo!
Ow!
Ow!