Thriller
by Fall Out Boy (featuring Jay-Z)

Album: Infinity On High (2007)
Play Video

Songfacts®:

  • This song was written by Pete Wentz to express his gratitude to all of the loyal fans who have stuck by Fall Out Boy's side through all of the rough times. The song also addresses critics of the band and people who put labels on their music. With the line, "I can take your problems away with a nod and a wave of my hand," they make the point of just how powerful a message their music has sent out. >>
    Suggestion credit:
    Sara - Austin, TX and Tabby - TN
  • The line, "Last summer we took threes across the board" refers to their three hits from their previous album: "Sugar We're Going Down," "Dance, Dance" and "A Little Less Sixteen Candles, A Little More 'Touch Me'." >>
    Suggestion credit:
    Ashley - Ft. Lauderdale, FL
  • The song contains a spoken-word intro and outro from Jay-Z. Hova recorded his contribution while on tour in Australia and sent it to the band. Because of its strong message, Fall Out Boy used it as the first track on the album. Wentz told MTV News: "It's so important to begin strong, and I don't think you can start much stronger than this. This is a message recorded directly to our fans - it's one of the few times on the record where we speak directly to them, and I think it's amazing that Jay is having a conversation with our fans. Also, it's a snapshot of where we are right now. And years from now, when I'm laying in some gutter somewhere, Jay-Z will still be on this record."
  • Jay-Z was one of a few guests on the album, including R&B producer Babyface, who helped the pop-punk band expand their sound with elements from other genres. But they didn't stray too far from their roots. Lead singer Patrick Stump told The Aquarian: "It's one of those things where you get older as a band and you do your own thing, you know? The older Fall Out Boy elements, from the early records, are definitely there, and this album is an extension of that."
  • The title was inspired by Michael Jackson's landmark 1982 album, Thriller, which remains the best-selling album of all time with around 66 million copies sold worldwide. According to lead singer Patrick Stump, Jackson was one of several icons the band listened to during the making of Infinity On High. "We were listening to stuff like Guns N' Roses, the Beatles and Thriller," he told Rolling Stone. "It's not that I'm trying to make something that sells that many records - I just wanted to make it really good."
  • Infinity On High debuted at #1 in the US and was their first album to reach the top of the tally. By March 2007, a month after its release, it sold one million copies in the US, earning a Platinum certification.

Comments: 9

  • Christopher from OmahaSo I'm a band nerd. The line "Last summer we took 3's across the board." In band competitions, a 3 is the lowest score that you can get. Following up by saying, "but by fall we were a cover story, now in stores," feels like they're basically saying, "hey, the critics that were judging us gave us bad reviews, but shortly after that we were a household name. Just because someone tells you that you're no good, doesn't make it true." That's the message that I always got from that line, and it seems to fit with the theme of the song in general. Just my two cents though.
  • Stephen from Tucson, AzThe song was titled "Thriller" as a nod to the band Thriller, who was a major influence of theirs during the time of writing this record, influencing them to add hand-claps and awkward timings. The band Thriller also titled the first song of their next ep Fall Out Boy in return.
  • Sara<3 from Austin, Txi think this is one of their best, if not THE best. the only one that comes close is "Sugar." but thats just my humble opinion. i hear a preview of this song on a live interview with them on the radio before Infinity came out and i was almost in tears. after readng the lyrics and seeing the meaning behind it, i was touched. it made me wish i had been there from the ground floor. but i'm grateful now to get to hear them.
  • Kayla from Port Orcard, WaThis is one of the best FOB songs on IOH.
    Not the best ever though.
  • Ashley from Ft. Lauderdale, FlThis song is amazing in concert. On their Honda Civic Tour it looked like they shot out of cannons onto the stage and started playing. The best concert i've ever seen. Can't wait to see them in Miami.
  • Christina from Peabody, Mabest opener of shows in the history of openers!!!! AMAZING live!! also love the intro by jay-z on the CD
  • Natalie from Chiago, IlAfter seeing this song in concert I almost passed out. Pete is amazing! And this is one of my mom's favorite songs.
  • Amy from Bismarck, NdThis is by far the best FOB song. Even better in concert :o)
  • Macy from New Albany, Inthis is such a great song!!!! And its written by one of the hottest guys ever!
see more comments

Editor's Picks

Lip-Synch Rebels

Lip-Synch RebelsSong Writing

What happens when Kurt Cobain, Iron Maiden and Johnny Lydon are told to lip-synch? Some hilarious "performances."

Protest Songs

Protest SongsMusic Quiz

How well do you know your protest songs (including the one that went to #1)?

Alice Cooper

Alice CooperFact or Fiction

How well do you know this shock-rock harbinger who's been publicly executed hundreds of times?

Why Does Everybody Hate Nu-Metal? Your Metal Questions Answered

Why Does Everybody Hate Nu-Metal? Your Metal Questions AnsweredSong Writing

10 Questions for the author of Precious Metal: Decibel Presents the Stories Behind 25 Extreme Metal Masterpieces

Colbie Caillat

Colbie CaillatSongwriter Interviews

Since emerging from MySpace with her hit "Bubbly," Colbie has become a top songwriter, even crafting a hit with Taylor Swift.

Richie Wise (Kiss producer, Dust)

Richie Wise (Kiss producer, Dust)Songwriter Interviews

Richie talks about producing the first two Kiss albums, recording "Brother Louie," and the newfound appreciation of his rock band, Dust.