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
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?
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
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?
You've been hit by
You've been hit by
A smooth criminal
So they came in to the out way
It was Sunday, what a black day
Mouth-to-mouth resuscitation
Sounding heartbeats, intimidations
Annie, are you okay?
So, Annie, are you okay? Are you okay, Annie?
Annie, are you okay? (Annie, are you okay?)
So, Annie, are you okay? (Annie, are you okay?)
Are you okay, Annie?
Annie, are you okay? (Annie, are you okay?)
So, Annie, are you okay? (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?
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
Annie, are you okay?
So, Annie, are you okay? Are you okay, Annie?
You've been hit by
You've been struck by
A smooth criminal
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 (dag gone it)
Annie, are you okay? (Dag gone it, baby)
Will you tell us that you're okay? (I don't know)
There's a sound at the window (dag gone it)
Then he struck you, a crescendo, Annie (whoo, whoo!)
He came into your apartment (dag gone it)
Left the bloodstains on the carpet (whoo!)
And then you ran into the bedroom
You were struck down (dag gone it)
It was your doom, Annie (ow!)
About This Song
"Smooth Criminal" is a dark, cinematic thriller that transforms a violent crime narrative into one of pop music's most electrifying dance tracks. The song tells the harrowing story of Annie, a woman who becomes the victim of a brutal home invasion and assault, with Jackson serving as both narrator and concerned observer asking the now-iconic question "Annie, are you okay?" Beneath its infectious groove lies a disturbing exploration of urban violence and helplessness, as the lyrics paint vivid imagery of bloodstains, terror, and tragedy with an almost detached, film noir sensibility. The production masterfully juxtaposes this grim subject matter with an irresistibly smooth, synth-driven beat that features Jackson's signature percussive vocal techniques and a bass line that seems to stalk through the mix like the criminal himself. The song's genius lies in its ability to make listeners dance to a story of victimization, creating an unsettling tension between the groove and the narrative that mirrors how violence can intrude into everyday life. Jackson's vocal delivery alternates between the cool confidence of the criminal and the urgent concern of someone discovering the aftermath, showcasing his ability to embody multiple perspectives within a single performance. The track became a defining moment in Jackson's career, demonstrating his skill at crafting pop music that was simultaneously accessible and deeply unsettling, while the accompanying music video's anti-gravity lean became one of his most memorable visual signatures.
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