"Beat It" is a 1983 hit single from Michael Jackson's album Thriller. It was the third song from the album that was released as a single, following "The Girl Is Mine" (a duet with Paul McCartney) and "Billie Jean".
"Beat It" won Jackson two Grammy Awards for Record of the Year and Best Male Rock Vocal Performance. It was also nominated for Song of the Year along with Jackson's "Billie Jean". Rolling Stone ranked it #337 on their list of the 500 Greatest Songs of All Time. "Beat It" is also notable for its guitar solo, a guest performance by Eddie Van Halen.
The song has recently been re-recorded by Jackson and R&B artist Fergie for the Thriller - 25th Anniversary Edition album called Thriller 25.