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Songfacts:  You can leave comments about the song at the bottom of the page.

Jackson wrote this song, which crafted a new image for the singer, who now wore leather and chains and acted tough. The title was hip with the times as well, as teenagers were using the word "bad" to mean "good." It was rebellious without being controversial, and it worked well for Jackson.

Jackson wanted this song to be a duet with fellow pop superstar Prince, but that idea fell through after the two had creative differences over lyrical content and Prince refused the project. Prince stated later that he thought the song would be a hit whether he was in it or not. (thanks, Brentonio - Melbourne, Australia)

Martin Scorsese directed the video, and Wesley Snipes played the rival gang leader. The long version runs 17 minutes.

This was the second of a record 5 consecutive US #1 singles from the Bad album. The album sold over 25 million copies, which is great, but still only about half as much as Thriller.

Sheryl Crow was a backup singer on the Bad tour. She had just moved to Los Angeles and got the job when she crashed an audition. In an interview with National Public Radio, she explained that her innocent look helped get her the gig.

This was Jackson's last album produced by Quincy Jones.

Weird Al Yankovic did a parody of this called "Fat" for his album Even Worse. The same garage was used in filming the video for "Fat" as was in the video for "Bad." (thanks, Danny - Franklin, GA)

The Bad album took the record in the UK for the most hit singles mined from one long player (excluding Greatest Hit compilations). Between 1987 and 1989 nine of this record's eleven tracks were released as singles with all but one reaching the Top 20. Jackson later equaled his record with his Dangerous album spawning 9 UK Top 40 singles between 1991 and 1993.

In the US Bad is the only studio album to have spawned five #1 singles. The chart-toppers in question are "Bad," "I Just Can't Stop Loving You," "The Way You Make Me Feel,""Man In The Mirror" and "Dirty Diana."

Comments:

As concerned as Michael was about his weight, "Fat" and "Eat It" were perfect send-ups. Weird Al is always careful to get permission from artists he was going to make fun of, and I bet Michael watched those videos when they came out and laughed his head off.
- Ekristheh, Halath, United States

I don't care for the song but the video is cool.
- Theresa, Murfreesboro, TN

Even though alot of controversy surrounded him, i still tend to think positively about Michael. He was an incredible vocalist with superior control.
- Micky, Los Angeles, CA

I want Prince and Lady T to do a duet together...that would be hot... and Mariah Carey and Prince,Lady T and Mariah carey..aw man that would be hot!i was surprised to find a duet from Prince and Maddona...the song was rare and nice.
- michaela, brooklyn, NY

I loved how Weird Al Yankvic parodied the video to "Bad" It was so hilarious.
- Farrah, Elon, NC

Jackson did not perform those lyrics to create those pedophilic,perverted acts,Jesus. He was only crafting a new image of himself. Michael Jackson does not liqour helpless children. HE IS INNOCENT !!
- Matthew, Dalton, PA

i like the way he dances in this video! i also like what he wears in this song video. michael jackson is the bomb. good thing he is the king of pop!
- sarah floyd, bloomingdale, IL

This song is an autobiographical account of Michael Jackson's insatiable appetite for pedophilia. The overt references to his preference for sodomy ("your butt is mine"), his preference for light bd/sm ("just slap my face"), etc. Truly a sick, twisted man, Jackson saw no reason to disguise his perversions in the recording studio.
- Jesus, Halifax, ME

Yeah, you're REAL bad, Michael. Liquoring up helpless children (one of whom was a cancer survivor!) so you can do as you please with them. Dude, that's like the very definition of cool.
- Ash, Charleston, WV

Yes that was Wesley Snipes. I know he is a huge freak now, but I still think Jacko is one of the most important figures in music history.
- Nathan, Defiance, OH

Have you seen the video? Michael looks anything but "bad"...the word "camp" springs to mind...
- Rhedyn Williams, bristol, England

I think that Michael became the king of pop because of this song and because of thriller. MJ is still the undisputed king of pop and you have to admit that. I know that someone is going to write otherwise about this but think about it, who else had another album that sold 59 million records worldwide and al together he sold 180 million records. He's a legend and you can't refuse that.
- Joshua, Niagara Falls, Canada

All three of you are right.
- Taylor, Austin, TX

I always laugh at this song. It sounds like he saying, 'I'm fat' instead of 'I'm bad'. I love the Wierd Al version of this song. So funny.
- Jade, Chippewa Falls, WI

was sheryl the blonde mohican babe ?
- paul, malibu, CA

I hear Wesley Snipes made his acting debut in the video.
- Ari, Elizabeth, NJ