"Billie Jean" is a powerful and compelling song that delves into themes of fame, obsession, and the blurring lines between reality and perception. Here's a breakdown of the lyrics and the thoughts behind them:

The "Beauty Queen" and "Dance on the Floor" Motif:

• Background: The song's narrative is centered around a woman named Billie Jean who claims Michael Jackson is the father of her child. The lyrics portray her as an alluring and captivating figure, described as a "beauty queen" and someone who is "more like a movie scene."
• The "Dance on the Floor in the Round": This phrase acts as a recurring motif throughout the song. It signifies the whirlwind of fame and attention that surrounds Michael, where everyone wants to be close to him and share his spotlight.
• Billie Jean's Claim: Billie Jean's insistence that Michael is the "one who will dance on the floor in the round" connects her claim to this glamorous world. She wants to be part of that world, hence the scene she creates and the attention she seeks.

The "Pre-Chorus" and the Theme of Warning:

• The Pre-Chorus: This section sets the tone for the song's overall message. It highlights the warnings Michael has received from those around him about the dangers of fame and relationships. He's been told to "be careful" of both his actions and the people he encounters.
• The Warning: The warning about the lie becoming the truth underscores the song's theme of deception. It foreshadows the tension between Billie Jean's claims and Michael's denial, suggesting that her story, despite being untrue, could become a compelling narrative in the public eye.

The Chorus and the Denial:

• The Denial: Michael's repeated denial that Billie Jean is his lover and that the child is his son forms the core of the chorus. This denial is delivered with an insistent tone, emphasizing his strong conviction and desperation to maintain his image.
• The "Kid is Not My Son": This phrase highlights the song's central conflict: the battle for truth and control over narrative in the face of relentless public scrutiny.

Verse 2 and the "Forty Days and Forty Nights" Motif:

• The Law: The legal battle that ensues is alluded to with the phrase "forty days and forty nights." This biblical reference suggests a long and arduous legal process, one that further highlights the intense pressure Michael is under.
• "She's in Demand": Billie Jean's "schemes and plans" are depicted as driven by a desire to exploit the situation for her own gain. The phrase "she's in demand" suggests that she knows how to manipulate the media and public perception to her advantage.
• "Think Twice": This advice underscores the song's message of caution and skepticism. It warns the listener against blindly accepting the narrative presented by Billie Jean.

The Climax and the Photograph:

• The Photo: The photo of the baby with "eyes like mine" is a powerful symbol of the potential truth that Billie Jean's claims hold. It creates doubt in Michael's mind and heightens the emotional impact of the situation.
• The "Smell of Sweet Perfume" and "Happened Much Too Soon": These phrases suggest that the encounter with Billie Jean was sudden and unexpected, adding to the sense of bewilderment and disbelief that Michael experiences.

The Outro:

• The Repetition: The repeated insistence that "Billie Jean is not my lover" becomes a desperate plea for the audience to believe him.
• The Power of Perception: The song ends with the repeated phrase "She says I am the one," suggesting that despite his denial, the perception of his guilt will likely persist.

The Overall Message:

"Billie Jean" is a poignant commentary on the price of fame and the dangers of public scrutiny. The song explores themes of obsession, manipulation, and the struggle to maintain control over one's narrative in the face of relentless media attention. Ultimately, the song leaves us with a sense of unease and uncertainty, questioning the line between truth and fiction in the age of mass media.