Song Lyrics

An Upbeat Lyrics “Wanna Be Startin Somethin” Lyrics

Michael Jackson was a famous singer who started his career as a child in the Jackson 5.

He became known as the “King of Pop” with hit albums like “Thriller,” which is one of the best-selling albums ever.

His singing style, dance moves, and music videos changed pop music forever.

About the Song

“Wanna Be Startin’ Somethin” is an upbeat song with catchy African-inspired rhythms. The song talks about rumors and how people try to bring others down. It reflects themes of conflict, energy, and determination.

Detail	Information
Released	8 May, 1983
Album	Thriller
Writers	Michael Jackson
Producers	Michael Jackson, Quincy Jones

Wanna Be Startin Somethin Lyrics by Michael Jackson

Chorus

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)
You’re 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)
You’re too low to get under (Yeah, yeah)
You’re stuck in the middle (Yeah, yeah)
And the pain is thunder (Yeah, yeah)

Verse 1

I took my baby to the doctor with a fever
But nothin’ 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 want to be startin’ somethin’

Chorus

Verse 2

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’ (Hee)

Chorus

Post-Chorus

You’re a vegetable (You’re a vegetable)
You’re a vegetable (You’re a vegetable)
Still, they hate you (Still, they hate you)
You’re a vegetable (You’re a vegetable)
You’re just a buffet (You’re just a buffet) (You’re a vegetable)
You’re a vegetable (You’re a vegetable)
They eat off of you (They eat off of you) (You’re a vegetable)
You’re a vegetable, aaow!

Verse 3

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 want to be startin’ somethin’

Chorus

Post-Chorus

Instrumental Interlude

Ow!
Yee-haw! (Ooh!)

Verse 4

If you can’t 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’

Chorus

Bridge

Lift your head up high and scream out to the world
“I know I am someone,” and let the truth unfurl (Hee-ha)
No one can hurt you now because you know what’s true
Yes, I believe in me, so you believe in you

Outro

Help me sing it
Mama-say, mama-sa, ma-ma-ko-ssa (Hoo-hoo)
Mama-say, mama-sa, ma-ma-ko-ssa (Hee, hee-hee)
Mama-say, mama-sa, ma-ma-ko-ssa (Hee-hee-hee)
Mama-say, mama-sa, ma-ma-ko-ssa
Mama-say, mama-sa, ma-ma-ko-ssa (Help me sing it, babe)
Mama-say, mama-sa, ma-ma-ko-ssa (Hee-hee-hee)
Mama-say, mama-sa, ma-ma-ko-ssa
Mama-say, mama-sa, ma-ma-ko-ssa (Yeah, sing it to the world)
Mama-say, mama-sa, ma-ma-ko-ssa (Sing it out loud)
Mama-say, mama-sa, ma-ma-ko-ssa (Hoo-hoo)
Mama-say, mama-sa, ma-ma-ko-ssa
Mama-say, mama-sa, ma-ma-ko-ssa (Help me sing it)
Mama-say, mama-sa, ma-ma-ko-ssa
Mama-say, mama-sa, ma-ma-ko-ssa (Hoo-hoo)
Mama-say, mama-sa, ma-ma-ko-ssa (Hee-hee-hee)
Mama-say, mama-sa, ma-ma-ko-ssa (Help me sing it)
Mama-say, mama-sa, ma-ma-ko-ssa (Hoo-hoo)
Mama-say, mama-sa, ma-ma-ko-ssa (Hee-hee-hee)
Mama-say, mama-sa, ma-ma-ko-ssa
Mama-say, mama-sa, ma-ma-ko-ssa (Sing it to the world)
Mama-say, mama-sa, ma-ma-ko-ssa
Mama-say, mama-sa, ma-ma-ko-ssa
Mama-say, mama-sa, ma-ma-ko-ssa
Mama-say, mama-sa, ma-ma-ko-ssa
Mama-say, mama-sa, ma-ma-ko-ssa
Mama-say, mama-sa, ma-ma-ko-ssa
Mama-say, mama-sa, ma-ma-ko-ssa
Mama-say, mama-sa, ma-ma-ko-ssa
Mama-say, mama-sa, ma-ma-ko-ssa (Hoo-hoo)
Mama-say, mama-sa, ma-ma-ko-ssa (Hee, hee-hee)
Mama-say, mama-sa, ma-ma-ko-ssa (Hee-hee-hee)
Mama-say, mama-sa, ma-ma-ko-ssa
Mama-say, mama-sa, ma-ma-ko-ssa (Help me sing it, babe)
Mama-say, mama-sa, ma-ma-ko-ssa (Hee-hee-hee)
Mama-say, mama-sa, ma-ma-ko-ssa (Hee)
Mama-say, mama-sa, ma-ma-ko-ssa
Mama-say, mama-sa, ma-ma-ko-ssa (Yeah)
Mama-say, mama-sa, ma-ma-ko-ssa (Sing it to the world)
Mama-say, mama-sa, ma-ma-ko-ssa (Sing it out loud)
Mama-say, mama-sa, ma-ma-ko-ssa (Hoo, hoo)
Mama-say, mama-sa, ma-ma-ko-ssa

Similar Songs Like Wanna Be Startin Somethin

Here are five similar songs by Michael Jackson:

“Beat It”: A powerful anthem about bravery, standing up to bullies, and avoiding violence with an intense, rock-driven beat.
“Don’t Stop ‘Til You Get Enough”: An upbeat, funky track about dancing, freedom, and enjoying life to the fullest.
“Billie Jean”: This is a song about love, deception, and false accusations, with a mysterious and compelling vibe.
“Thriller”: Fun song with strange sounds, capturing the thrill of a nightmarish trip.
“Smooth Criminal”: A fast-paced, urgent song telling a story of crime, danger, and an intense chase.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Wanna Be Startin’ Somethin’ About?

The song is about facing challenges, standing up against gossip, and persevering through conflicts with energy and determination.

Is Wanna Be Startin’ Somethin’ Considered a Classic?

Yes, this is a classic song. Its infectious groove, memorable lyrics, and placement on the best-selling ‘Thriller’ album have secured its status as one of Michael Jackson’s signature songs.

Was there Legal Controversy Over the “Mama-Se, Mama-Sa” Part?

Yes, Manu Dibango, a Cameroonian saxophonist, sued Michael Jackson for using the “Mama-se, mama-sa, ma-ma-coo-sa” hook from his song “Soul Makossa” without proper credit. They reached an out-of-court settlement in 1986.

Casey Monroe

Casey focuses on writing about singers and vocal performers. They've been in this field for about 8 years. Casey's articles look at both the technical side of singing and the stories behind the artists. They studied music performance in college and worked as a vocal coach for a while. This background helps Casey explain complex singing ideas in ways that are easy to grasp. Casey likes to talk with singers from different genres to get a wide view of the singing world. When not writing, they often go to concerts and music festivals to stay up-to-date with live performances.

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