Wanna Be Startin' Somethin'
Michael Jackson
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I said you wanna be startin' somethin' You got to be startin' somethin' I said you wanna be startin' somethin' You got to be startin' somethin' It's too high to get over (yeah, yeah) Too low to get under (yeah, yeah) You're stuck in the middle (yeah, yeah) And the pain is thunder (yeah, yeah) It's too high to get over (yeah, yeah) Too low to get under (yeah, yeah) You're stuck in the middle (yeah, yeah) And the pain is thunder (yeah, yeah) I took my baby to the doctor With a fever, but nothing he found By the time this hit the street They said she had a breakdown Someone's always tryin' to start my baby cryin' Talkin', squealin', lyin' Sayin' you just wanna be startin' somethin' I said you wanna be startin' somethin' You got to be startin' somethin' I said you wanna be startin' somethin' You got to be startin' somethin' It's too high to get over (yeah, yeah) Too low to get under (yeah, yeah) You're stuck in the middle (yeah, yeah) And the pain is thunder (yeah, yeah) It's too high to get over (yeah, yeah) Too low to get under (yeah, yeah) You're stuck in the middle (yeah, yeah) And the pain is thunder (yeah, yeah) You love to pretend that you're good When you're always up to no good You really can't make him hate her So your tongue became a razor Someone's always tryin' to keep my baby cryin' Treacherous, cunnin', declinin' You got my baby cryin' I said you wanna be startin' somethin' You got to be startin' somethin' I said you wanna be startin' somethin' You got to be startin' somethin' It's too high to get over (yeah, yeah) Too low to get under (yeah, yeah) You're stuck in the middle (yeah, yeah) And the pain is thunder (yeah, yeah) It's too high to get over (yeah, yeah) Too low to get under (yeah, yeah) You're stuck in the middle (yeah, yeah) And the pain is thunder (yeah, yeah) You're a vegetable, you're a vegetable Still they hate you, you're a vegetable You're just a buffet, you're a vegetable They eat off of you, you're a vegetable Billie jean is always talkin' When nobody else is talkin' Tellin' lies and rubbin' shoulders So they called her mouth a motor Someone's always tryin' to start my baby cryin' Talkin', squealin', spyin' Sayin' you just wanna be startin' somethin' I said you wanna be startin' somethin' You got to be startin' somethin' I said you wanna be startin' somethin' You got to be startin' somethin' It's too high to get over (yeah, yeah) Too low to get under (yeah, yeah) You're stuck in the middle (yeah, yeah) And the pain is thunder (yeah, yeah) It's too high to get over (yeah, yeah) Too low to get under (yeah, yeah) You're stuck in the middle (yeah, yeah) And the pain is thunder (yeah, yeah) You're a vegetable, you're a vegetable Still they hate you, you're a vegetable You're just a buffet, you're a vegetable They eat off of you, you're a vegetable If you cant feed your baby (yeah, yeah) Then don't have a baby (yeah, yeah) And don't think maybe (yeah, yeah) If you can't feed your baby (yeah, yeah) You'll be always tryin' To stop that child from cryin' Hustlin', stealin', lyin' Now baby's slowly dyin' I said you wanna be startin' somethin' You got to be startin' somethin' I said you wanna be startin' somethin' You got to be startin' somethin' It's too high to get over (yeah, yeah) Too low to get under (yeah, yeah) You're stuck in the middle (yeah, yeah) And the pain is thunder (yeah, yeah) It's too high to get over (yeah, yeah) Too low to get under (yeah, yeah) You're stuck in the middle (yeah, yeah) And the pain is thunder (yeah, yeah) Lift your head up high And scream out to the world I know I am someone And let the truth unfurl No one can hurt you now Because you know what's true Yes, I believe in me So you believe in you Help me sing it, ma ma se Ma ma sa, ma ma coo sa Ma ma se, ma ma sa Ma ma coo sa
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Written by: MICHAEL JACKSON
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
10 facts about this song
Album Fact"Wanna Be Startin' Somethin'" is the first track on Michael Jackson's groundbreaking album, "Thriller," which was released in 1982.
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Chart PerformanceThe single, released in 1983, reached number 5 on the Billboard Hot 100 and number 5 on the UK Singles Chart. It was the fourth top 10 single from the album.
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Songwriting FactMichael Jackson, the King of Pop himself, wrote this song. It is said that he wrote the song after being inspired by the disagreements he had with his brothers.
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Demo HistoryJackson originally wrote, composed, and recorded "Wanna Be Startin' Somethin'" during the sessions for his album, "Off The Wall" (1979), but it didn't make it to that album.
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Notable PerformanceOne of the memorable performances of "Wanna Be Startin' Somethin'" was during Jackson's famous 1983 Motown 25 concert where he theatrically unveiled his signature dance move, the moonwalk, for the first time.
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Iconic ChorusThe song is well known for its catchy "Mama-se, mama-sa, ma-ma-koo-sa" hook, This was inspired by Cameroonian artist Manu Dibango's song "Soul Makossa", which uses a similar phonetic sound.
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Copyright LawsuitJackson was sued by Manu Dibango for using the "mama-say mama-sa" line without permission. The case was settled out of court.
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Album ImpactThe song’s success contributed to Thriller's monumental achievements, which went on to become the best-selling album in music history.
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Cover VersionsRihanna sampled "Wanna Be Startin' Somethin'" in her song "Don't Stop The Music" in 2007.
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Legacy"Wanna Be Startin' Somethin'" is often considered a standout track from "Thriller" and is noted for its high energy, infectious rhythm, and universal appeal. It remains a favorite amongst both Jackson fans and pop music enthusiasts.
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