Beat It came first, released by Michael Jackson, with Eat It by "Weird Al" Yankovic following two years later as a parody.
The Chronological Order of Iconic Songs
The popular perception and factual timeline confirm that Michael Jackson's groundbreaking hit "Beat It" predates "Weird Al" Yankovic's comedic parody "Eat It." This sequence is a foundational aspect of music history, especially for fans of both pop and parody.
Michael Jackson's "Beat It":
Released in 1982, "Beat It" was a seminal track from Michael Jackson's iconic album, Thriller. This song blended rock and R&B, earning critical acclaim and commercial success, and is renowned for its distinctive guitar solo by Eddie Van Halen.
"Weird Al" Yankovic's "Eat It":
Two years later, in 1984, "Weird Al" Yankovic released "Eat It." This song is a direct parody of Jackson's hit, transforming its aggressive lyrics into a humorous anthem about food refusal. Notably, Yankovic secured permission from Michael Jackson before releasing his parody, a standard practice for his song transformations.
Understanding the Relationship
While some fictional portrayals, such as Weird: The Al Yankovic Story, playfully suggest that "Eat It" might have been the original and "Beat It" its parody, this is a comedic inversion of reality. In truth, "Weird Al" Yankovic's work is celebrated for its clever and respectful parodies of popular songs, with the original track always preceding his version.
Here's a quick comparison of the two songs:
| Song | Artist | Release Year | Original/Parody | Album | Key Characteristic |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Beat It | Michael Jackson | 1982 | Original | Thriller | Genre-blending pop/rock |
| Eat It | "Weird Al" Yankovic | 1984 | Parody | "Weird Al" Yankovic in 3-D | Humorous, food-themed lyrics |
This chronological order highlights the impact of Michael Jackson's original work, which then inspired a beloved comedic take by "Weird Al" Yankovic, cementing both songs' places in music culture.
For more information on the history of these songs and their cultural impact, you can explore reputable music resources and entertainment news archives, such as those found on Mashable.
