Michael Jackson, born on August 29, 1958, started singing with his brothers in the Jackson 5 when he was a child.
He became one of the most famous singers in the world. His album “Thriller” sold millions of copies.
Known for his smooth dance moves and unique voice, he earned the nickname “King of Pop.”
About the Song
“Smooth Criminal” is a famous song by Michael Jackson, known for its catchy beat and the line “Annie, are you OK?”.
The song mixes pop and funk styles and has a music video with Jackson’s cool anti-gravity lean. It is one of the most popular tracks from his album Bad.
| Details | Information |
|---|---|
| Release Date | November 14, 1988 |
| Album | Bad |
| Writers | Michael Jackson |
| Producers | Michael Jackson and Quincy Jones |
Smooth Criminal Lyrics by Michael Jackson
Intro
Ow!
Cha!
Shoo-ca-choo-ca!
Verse 1
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
Pre-Chorus
Annie, are you okay?
So, Annie, are you okay? Are you okay, Annie?
Annie, are you okay?
So, Annie, are you okay? Are you okay, Annie?
Annie, are you okay?
So, Annie, are you okay? Are you okay, Annie?
Annie, are you okay?
So, Annie, are you okay? Are you okay, Annie?
Chorus
Annie, are you okay?
Will you tell us that you’re okay?
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
Post-Chorus
Annie, are you okay?
So, Annie, are you okay? Are you okay, Annie?
Annie, are you okay?
So, Annie, are you okay? Are you okay, Annie?
Annie, are you okay?
So, Annie, are you okay? Are you okay, Annie?
Refrain
You’ve been hit by—
You’ve been hit by—
A smooth criminal
Ow!
Verse 2
So they came in to the out way
It was Sunday, what a black day
Every time I tried to find him
He’s leaving no clues left behind him
And he had no way of knowing
Of the suspect or what to expect
Mouth-to-mouth resuscitation
Sounding heartbeats, intimidations
Pre-Chorus
Annie, are you okay?
So, Annie, are you okay? Are you okay, Annie?
Annie, are you okay?
So, Annie, are you okay? Are you okay, Annie?
Annie, are you okay?
Annie, are you okay? Are you okay?
Annie, are you okay?
So, Annie, are you okay? Are you okay, Annie?
Annie, are you okay?
So, Annie, are you okay? Are you okay, Annie?
Chorus
Annie, are you okay?
Will you tell us that you’re okay?
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
Post-Chorus
Annie, are you okay? Annie, are you okay?
Are you okay, Annie?
Refrain
You’ve been hit by—
You’ve been struck by—
A smooth criminal
Interlude
Choo-cha, choo-cha
Ow!
Okay, I want everybody to clear the area right now!
Breakdown
Ow!
Hoo!
Hoo!
Hoo!
Hoo!
Ow!
Chorus
Annie, are you okay? (I don’t know)
Will you tell us that you’re okay? (I don’t know)
There’s a sound at the window (I don’t know)
Then 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 (Doggone it)
Annie, are you okay? (Doggone it, baby)
Will you tell us that you’re okay? (Doggone it, baby)
There’s a sound at the window (Doggone it, baby)
Then he struck you, a crescendo Annie (Hoo! Hoo!)
He came into your apartment, (Doggone it)
Left the bloodstains on the carpet (Hoo!)
And then you ran into the bedroom (Hoo! Hoo!)
You were struck down (Doggone it)
It was your doom, Annie (Ow!)
Outro
Ow!
Ow!
Shoo-cha-choo, shoo-cha-choo!
Ow!
Ow!
Smooth Criminal Live – HIStory Tour Munich 1997
This “Smooth Criminal” show in Munich (1997) is one of Michael Jackson’s best live acts.
His perfect moves on stage made the crowd watch without looking away. The high-quality video lets us see every small detail of this great show.
Similar Songs Like Smooth Criminal by Michael Jackson
If you like “Smooth Criminal” by Michael Jackson, you might enjoy other songs with captivating rhythms, bold themes, and iconic choreography.
- Billie Jean – Shares a mysterious and rhythmic vibe with captivating storytelling.
- Bad – Features a bold and energetic tone with powerful beats and choreography.
- Thriller – Combines a dramatic narrative with infectious rhythms and iconic visuals.
- Dirty Diana – Explores intense themes with a rock-inspired edge and emotional depth.
- Leave Me Alone – A sharp, rhythmic track with a defiant message and funky elements.
- They Don’t Care About Us – Delivers a strong beat and impactful storytelling with a rebellious tone.
- Beat It – Blends rock and pop with a compelling theme and electrifying guitar riffs.
- Dangerous – Features a dark, edgy tone with intricate beats and suspenseful energy.
Frequently Asked Questions
What did Michael Jackson say about “Smooth Criminal”?
Michael Jackson said he wanted to create a song with a street gang theme and make Annie a character people would care about and worry about.
What does “Smooth Criminal” mean in slang?
“Smooth Criminal” refers to a skilled or clever thief/criminal who commits crimes without getting caught.
Is Smooth Criminal based on a true story?
“Smooth Criminal” was inspired by a real murder case that Michael Jackson had read about. The repeated question, “Annie, are you okay?” came from his emotional response to the woman’s death.
How old was Michael Jackson in 1987?
Michael Jackson was 29 years old in 1987 when he recorded “Smooth Criminal” for the Bad album.
