“Smooth Criminal” by Alien Ant Farm

• Genre: Nu Metal
• Single Release Date: May 2001
• Album: “Anthology“

A cover version of Michael Jackson’s original hit released in 1988 and on his album “Bad“. One of those rare occasions when a cover version has more appeal for me than the original.

Unlike many other covers from other Nu Metal bands at the time, this was recorded as a compliment rather than a criticism of the original as the band were big fans of Michael Jackson. They initially played a few riffs at a live show and when the crowd went wild for it they played the whole thing and went on to record it on their second album.

Lyrics

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 was sitting at 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 OK?
Are you OK?
Are you OK, Annie?
Annie, are you OK?
You OK?
Are you OK, Annie?
Annie, are you OK?
You OK?
You OK, Annie?
Annie, are you OK?
You OK?

Are you OK, Annie?

Annie, are you OK?
Will you tell us that you’re OK?
There’s a sign at the window
That he struck you
A crescendo, Annie
He came into your apartment
He left the bloodstains on the carpet
And then you ran into the bedroom

You were struck down
It was your doom

Annie, are you OK?
You OK?
Are you OK, Annie?
Annie, are you OK?
You OK?
Are you OK, Annie?
Annie, are you OK?
You OK?
Are you OK, Annie?

You’ve been hit by
You’ve been struck by
A smooth criminal

So they came into the outway
It was Sunday
What a black day
I could made a salutation
Sounding heartbeats
Intimidations

Annie, are you OK?
You OK?
Are you OK, Annie?
Annie, are you OK?
You OK?
Are you OK, Annie?
Annie, are you OK?

You OK?
Are you OK, Annie?
Annie, are you OK?
You OK?
Are you OK, Annie?

Annie, are you OK?
Will you tell us that you’re OK?
There’s a sign at the window
That he struck you
A crescendo, Annie
He came into your apartment
He left the bloodstains on the carpet
Then you ran into the bedroom
You were struck down
It was your doom

Annie, are you OK?
You OK?
Are you OK, Annie?

You’ve been hit by
You’ve been struck by
A smooth criminal

Annie, are you OK?
Will you tell us that you’re OK?
There’s a sign at the window
That he struck you
A crescendo, Annie
He came into your apartment
He left the bloodstains on the carpet
And then you ran into the bedroom
You were struck down
It was your doom

Annie, are you OK?
You OK?
Are you OK, Annie?
Annie, are you OK?
You OK?
Are you OK, Annie?
Annie, are you OK?
You OK?
Are you OK, Annie?
Annie, are you OK?
You OK?
Are you OK, Annie?

Header image from 8Tracks.com