“Smooth Criminal” by Michael Jackson is more than just a song; it’s a narrative set to music that has captivated audiences for decades. Understanding the Song Lyrics To Smooth Criminal is key to unlocking the story and the genius behind this iconic track. Released as part of his groundbreaking “Bad” album in 1987, the song quickly rose to fame, becoming one of Jackson’s signature tunes and a staple in popular culture.
The lyrics paint a vivid picture of a violent attack in an apartment, focusing on a woman named Annie. The opening lines immediately set a suspenseful scene:
"(Spoken): My footsteps broke the silence of the pre-dawn hours,
As I drifted down Bleaker St.
Past shop windows,
Barred against the perils of the night.
Up ahead,
A neon sign emerged from the fog.
The letters glowed red hot
In that way I knew so well,
Branding a message into my mind,
A single word, Hotel."
This spoken intro, often omitted in radio edits, establishes a film noir atmosphere, drawing the listener into a shadowy world before the song truly begins. The narrative then intensifies as the music and vocals kick in, describing a brutal assault:
"As he came into the window,
Was the sound of a crescendo.
He came into her apartment,
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"
The repeated and haunting question, “Annie, are you ok?” becomes the song’s central hook, emphasizing the concern and urgency surrounding Annie’s condition. This line, possibly inspired by CPR training techniques, is both catchy and deeply unsettling within the song’s context.
"Annie, are you ok?
So, Annie are you ok?
Are you ok, Annie?
Annie, are you ok?
So, Annie are you Ok?
Are you ok, Annie?
Annie, are you ok?
So, Annie are you Ok?
Are you ok, Annie?
Annie, are you ok?
So, Annie are you Ok?
Are you ok, Annie?"
The lyrics continue to unfold the aftermath of the attack, with onlookers attempting resuscitation and grappling with the horror of the event. The phrase “You’ve been hit by—You’ve been struck by—A smooth criminal” delivers the chilling realization that Annie was targeted by a calculated and ruthless assailant.
"Annie are you ok?
Will you tell us that you’re ok?
There’s a sign in the window,
That he struck you,
A crescendo Annie.
He came into your partment,
Left the bloodstains on the carpet.
Then you ran into the bedroom,
You were struck down,
It was your doom.
Annie are you ok?
So, Annie are you ok?
Are you ok Annie?
Annie are you ok?
So, Annie are you ok?
Are you ok Annie?
Annie are you ok?
So, Annie are you ok?
Are you ok Annie?
You’ve been hit by,
You’ve been hit by,
A Smooth Criminal."
The interlude with exclamations like “Aaow!” and “I don’t know!” adds to the song’s frantic and chaotic energy, mirroring the confusion and panic at the scene.
"Aaow!
So they came into the outway,
It was Sunday, What a black day
Mouth to mouth resuscitation
Sounding heartbeats, intimidations
Annie are you ok?
So, Annie are you ok?
Are you ok Annie?
Annie are you ok?
Annie are you ok?
Annie are you ok?
Annie are you ok?
Annie are you ok?
So, Annie are you ok?
Are you ok Annie?
Annie are you ok?
Will you tell us that you’re ok?
There’s a sign in the window,
That he struck you,
A crescendo Annie.
He came into your partment,
Left the bloodstains on the carpet.
Then you ran into the bedroom,
You were struck down, It was your doom.
Annie are you ok?
So, Annie are you ok?
Are you ok Annie?
You’ve been hit by,
You’ve been struck by,
A Smooth Criminal
Aaow!
Aaow! I don’t know! I don’t know! I don’t know! I don’t know! I don’t know! I don’t know why babe!
I don’t know! Dad gone it! Dad gone it-baby! Dad gone it-baby! Dad gone it-baby! Hoo! Hoo! Dad gone it! Hoo! Hoo! Hoo! Dad gone it! D-aow!
Youve been hit by,
Youve been struck by,
A Smooth Criminal."
In conclusion, the lyrics of “Smooth Criminal” are a masterclass in storytelling within a song. They create a sense of drama, suspense, and urgency, perfectly complementing the song’s iconic music and Michael Jackson’s unparalleled performance. The haunting question “Annie, are you ok?” and the chilling declaration “Smooth Criminal” have cemented this song’s place in music history, making it much more than just a catchy tune, but a memorable and impactful narrative experience.
