Chords
Beat It

Beat It was written by Michael Jackson for his 1982 album Thriller. The song was inspired by Jacksons desire to create a rock song that had crossover appeal. Quincy Jones, the albums producer, suggested including a guitar solo, which was performed by Eddie Van Halen. The songs lyrics speak to avoiding violence and walking away from fights, reflecting concerns about youth and violence at the time.

Key: E min

Introduction:

 Em                              D 
They told him, Don' t you ever come around here.
        Em 
Don' t wanna see your face,
             D 
You better disappear
         C                            D 
The fires in their eyes and their words are really clear
      Em 
So beat it
        D 
Just beat it
 Em 
You better run
             D 
You better do what you can
        Em 
Don' t wanna see no blood
             D 
Don' t be a macho man
         C 
You wanna be tough
            D 
Better do what you can
      Em 
So beat it
          D 
But you wanna be bad

 Em 
Just beat (beat it)
 D 
Beat it (Beat it)
 Em                          D 
No one wants to be defeated
 Em                          D 
Showin'  how funky and strong is your fight
    Em                    D 
It doesn' t matter who' s wrong or right
         Em 
Just beat it
         D 
Just beat it
         Em 
Just beat it
         D 
Just beat it

 Em 
They' re out to get you
            D 
Better leave while you can
            Em 
Don' t wanna be a boy
           D 
You wanna be a man
         C 
You wanna stay alive
         D 
Better do what you can
       Em 
So beat it
         D 
Just beat it
 Em                                   D 
You have to show them that you' re really not scared
         Em 
You' re playin'  with your life
               D 
This ain' t no truth or dare
              C                                       D 
They' ll kick you, then they beat you, then they' ll tell you its fair
       Em 
So beat it
           D 
But you wanna be bad

 Em 
Just beat (beat it)
 D 
Beat it (Beat it)
 Em                         D 
No one wants to be defeated
 Em                         D 
Showin'  how funky and strong is your fight
    Em                     D 
It doesn' t matter who' s wrong or right
         Em 
Just beat it
         D 
Just beat it
         Em 
Just beat it
         D 
Just beat it