"Thriller" by Michael Jackson is a groundbreaking and iconic musical masterpiece that transcends genres and time. Released in 1982 as the title track of the album, "Thriller" is more than just a song; it is a cultural phenomenon that has left an indelible mark on the music industry.
Michael Jackson's song "Thriller" is not just a famous track; it's a genuine piece of art, rich in meaning and depth. The lyrics of this song not only captivate listeners with their catchy melody but also contain profound messages and imagery about horror and fear.
One of the most significant aspects of the lyrics is how Michael Jackson creates a space of terror and mystery. From the use of language to the performance style, he paints a musical picture of dark emotions and enigma. With phrases like "darkness falls across the land" and "creatures crawl in search of blood," he depicts a horrifying and chilling night scene.
The song opens with eerie, atmospheric synthesizers and haunting sound effects, immediately setting a mysterious tone. The rhythmic and pulsating beat, coupled with Michael Jackson's distinctive vocals, creates a sense of anticipation and excitement. The chorus features an infectious melody with catchy hooks, making it instantly recognizable and memorable.
"Thriller" incorporates a horror-themed narrative, with lyrics that tell the story of supernatural occurrences and the thrill of the unknown. Vincent Price's distinctive narration adds a cinematic quality, enhancing the overall theatricality of the song. The lyrics play on the excitement of fear, creating a perfect blend of pop and horror elements.
The music video for "Thriller" is a landmark in the history of music videos. Directed by John Landis, it features Michael Jackson leading a group of dancers through the iconic "Thriller dance." The video's narrative, elaborate choreography, and special effects revolutionized the way music videos were produced and consumed, elevating them to an art form.
"Thriller" had a transformative impact on popular culture, breaking down racial barriers in the music industry and becoming a global phenomenon. The dance moves from the music video, especially the zombie dance, became synonymous with the song and continue to be emulated worldwide.
The "Thriller" album became the best-selling album of all time, and the title track itself achieved unprecedented success. It garnered numerous awards, including multiple Grammy Awards, and remains a staple in popular culture, celebrated during Halloween and beyond.
If you want to hear Michael Jackson's performance version, you can watch the video below:
At the 1984 MTV Video Music Awards, the music video "Thriller" secured 6 nominations and clinched 3 prestigious awards.
In summary, "Thriller" is a multifaceted masterpiece that combines innovative musical elements, a compelling narrative, and groundbreaking visuals. Michael Jackson's artistic vision and unparalleled talent shine through in this timeless classic, making it an enduring symbol of the power of music and its ability to transcend cultural boundaries.
Let’s sing along with the lyrics!
It's close to midnight
And something evil's lurking in the dark
Under the moonlight
You see a sight that almost stops your heart
You try to scream
But terror takes the sound before you make it
You start to freeze
As horror looks you right between the eyes
You're paralyzed
'Cause this is thriller, thriller night
And no one's gonna save you from the beast about to strike
You know it's thriller, thriller night
You're fighting for your life inside a killer, thriller tonight, yeah
Ooh, ooh
You hear the door slam
And realize there's nowhere left to run
You feel the cold hand
And wonder if you'll ever see the sun
You close your eyes
And hope that this is just imagination
Girl, but all the while
You hear a creature creepin' up behind
You're out of time
'Cause this is thriller, thriller night
There ain't no second chance against the thing with forty eyes, girl
Thriller, thriller night
You're fighting for your life inside a killer, thriller tonight
Night creatures call
And the dead start to walk in their masquerade
There's no escaping the jaws of the alien this time (they're open wide)
This is the end of your life, ooh
They're out to get you
There's demons closin' in on every side
They will possess you
Unless you change that number on your dial
Now is the time
For you and I to cuddle close together, yeah
All through the night
I'll save you from the terror on the screen
I'll make you see
That this is thriller, thriller night
'Cause I can thrill you more than any ghoul would ever dare try
Thriller, thriller night
So let me hold you tight and share a killer, thriller
Chiller, thriller here tonight
'Cause this is thriller, thriller night
Several other versions of 'Thriller' were performed by Michael Jackson:
Girl, I can thrill you more than any ghoul would ever dare try
Thriller, thriller night
So let me hold you tight and share a killer, thriller, ow
I'm gonna thrill you tonight
Darkness falls across the land
The midnight hour is close at hand
Creatures crawl in search of blood
To terrorize y'all's neighborhood (I'm gonna thrill you tonight)
And whosoever shall be found
Without the soul for getting down
Must stand and face the hounds of hell
And rot inside a corpse's shell
I'm gonna thrill you tonight
Thriller, ooh baby (thriller)
I'm gonna thrill you tonight (thriller night)
Thriller, all night, oh baby
I'm gonna thrill you tonight
Thriller, thriller night (oh baby)
I'm gonna thrill you tonight
Thriller, all night (oh baby)
Thriller night, babe (thriller night, babe), ooh
The foulest stench is in the air
The funk of forty thousand years
And grizzly ghouls from every tomb
Are closing in to seal your doom
And though you fight to stay alive
Your body starts to shiver
For no mere mortal can resist
The evil of the thriller
