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Real Lyrics -> Bad Grammar in Song Lyrics -> Michael Jackson
Song lyrics aren't supposed to be a fountain of perfect english, but on the other hand some are just so atrocious, they need to get called out. We're not looking for sentance fragments or the word ain't since there are too many instances to count.
Bad Grammar in Song Lyrics, Michael Jackson
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Michael Jackson's, "Ain't No Sunshine"
The Lyrics:
Ain't no sunshine when she's gone
Why:
Double negation again.
Submitted by: J.
Michael Jackson's, "Black or White"
The Lyrics:
If you're thinking about my baby, it don't matter if you're black or white
Why:
Or it doesn't matter if you're black or white... but regardless, amazing song with great message.
Submitted by: J.
Michael Jackson's, "D.S."
The Lyrics:
He don't do half what he say
Why:
Where do I begin.. doesn't* says* and I'm not a native speaker so I am uncertain, but I think there might be a need for an "of" in between "half" and "what" (amiright? :p)
Submitted by: J.
Michael Jackson's, "Don't Be Messin' 'round"
The Lyrics:
Don't be messin' 'round, don't be messin' 'round
Why:
As I know of, "don't be" can either be followed by a passive verb or an adjective, but not an active verb (though it is often used in a slang-y manner)
Submitted by: J.
Michael Jackson's, "Keep the Faith"
The Lyrics:
Keep the faith, baby yeah
Don't let nobody turn you round
Don't let nobody turn you round
Why:
So.. we should let somebody turn us around? Double negation is commonly used (especially in songs), I know, but that doesn't make it correct grammar, does it? ;)
Submitted by: J.
Michael Jackson's, "Leave Me Alone"
The Lyrics:
I don't care what you talking 'bout, baby
Why:
But we certain care about the grammar in what MJ 'IS' (yes, a 'be verb') talking about (well, at least I do).
Submitted by: J.
Michael Jackson's, "Thriller"
The Lyrics:
Creatures crawl in search of blood
To terrorize y'awl's neighbourhood.
To terrorize y'awl's neighbourhood.
Why:
Y'awls would think that Vincent Price (who rapped this line near the end) learned to speak better grammar.
Submitted by: Wolfman Jack Nicholson
Michael Jackson's, "Who is it"
The Lyrics:
Don't be judgin'
Why:
Again, "don't be" being followed by an active verb is would be considered as "bad grammar".
Submitted by: J.
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