Bad Lyrics

[Verse 1]
Ah, your butt is mine, gon' tell you right, ah
Just show your face in broad daylight, ah
I'm tellin' you on who I feel, ah
Gonna hurt your mind, don't shoot to kill
Shamone, ah, shamone
Lay it on me, ah, alright
Ah, I'm givin' you on count to three, ah
To show your stuff or let it be, ah
I'm tellin' you, just watch your mouth, ah
I know your game, hah, what you're about, ah

[Pre-Chorus]
Well, they say the sky's the limit
And to me, that's really true, ah
But my friend, you have seen nothin'
Just wait 'til I get through

[Chorus]
Because I'm bad, I'm bad, shamone, ah (Bad, bad, really, really bad)
You know I'm bad, I'm bad (Bad, bad)
You know it, ah (Really, really bad)
You know I'm bad, I'm bad, shamone (Bad, bad)
You know (Really, really bad)
And the whole world has to answer right now
Just to tell you once again
Who's bad?

[Verse 2]
Ah, ah, the word is out, ah
You're doin' it wrong, ah
Gon' lock you up before too long, ah
Your lyin' eyes gon' tell you right, ah
So listen up, ah, don't make a fight, ah
Your talk is cheap, you're not a man, ah
You're throwin' stones to hide your hands


[Pre-Chorus]
Well, they say the sky's the limit
And to me, that's really true, ah
But my friend, you have seen nothin'
Just wait 'til I get through

[Chorus]
Because I'm bad, I'm bad, shamone, ah (Bad, bad, really, really bad)
You know I'm bad, I'm bad (Bad, bad)
You know it, ah (Really, really bad)
You know I'm bad, I'm bad, you know it (Bad, bad)
You know (Really, really bad)
And the whole world has to answer right now
Just to tell you once again
Who's bad?


[Instrumental Interlude]

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About

Genius Annotation

The second single and the title track from his 7th solo album Bad. It is the first to have a video that shows his more aggressive, edgier style of dance and song – not to mention Michael’s new visage

Originally intended to feature Prince in both song and video, his part in the short film eventually went to a then-unknown Wesley Snipes.

The video was inspired by the story of Edmund Perry, a then-recent graduate of Phillips Exeter Academy who was killed in 1985 by a plainclothes policeman in Manhattan. It was written by Richard Price and directed by legendary filmmaker Martin Scorsese (who were at the time working together on The Color of Money). It also pulls in influences from West Side Story, which has appeared in some of Michael’s previous works

Even Eddie Murphy’s manager peeped game.

Q&A

Find answers to frequently asked questions about the song and explore its deeper meaning

What did Michael Jackson say about "Bad"?
Genius Answer

Michael said in his 1987 autobiography Moonwalk:

“Bad” is a song about the street. It’s about this kid from a bad neighborhood who gets to go away to a private school. He comes back to the old neighborhood when he’s on a break from school and the kids from the neighborhood start giving him trouble. He sings, ‘I’m bad, you’re bad, who’s bad, who’s the best?’ He’s saying when you’re strong and good, then you’re bad.

What certifications has this track received?
Genius Answer

On August 23, 2018, “Bad” was certified platinum by the RIAA.

Credits
Written By
Music Video Directed by
Recorded And Mixed At
Horn Arranger
Starred in Music Video
Video Director
Rhythm Arranger
Vocal Arranger
Recording Engineer
Mixing Engineer
Mastering Engineer
Copyright ©
Phonographic Copyright ℗
Drum Programmer
Digital Guitar
Recorded At
Westlake Recording Studios, West Hollywood, California
Release Date
September 7, 1987
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