The Mysterious Annie in "Smooth Criminal"
Who is the Annie in Smooth Criminal?
The 1988 hit single "Smooth Criminal" by Michael Jackson is one of the most iconic songs in music history. The song’s lyrics are full of references to a mysterious woman named Annie, but who is she? Despite the song’s popularity, the true identity of Annie remains a topic of debate among fans and scholars alike. In this article, we’ll delve into the mystery of Annie and explore the various theories and interpretations surrounding her identity.
The Lyrics: A Clue to Annie’s Identity
The lyrics of "Smooth Criminal" provide a few clues about Annie’s identity. The song’s opening lines, "The kid is not my son", are often interpreted as a reference to Annie’s relationship to the song’s protagonist. Some fans believe that Annie is the mother of the kid, while others argue that she is the lover or even the wife of the protagonist. The lyrics also mention "she was more like a beauty queen from a movie scene", which could suggest that Annie is a Hollywood actress or model.
Theories About Annie’s Identity
Over the years, fans and scholars have proposed various theories about Annie’s identity. Here are a few of the most popular theories:
• Marilyn Monroe: One popular theory is that Annie is a reference to Marilyn Monroe, the iconic American actress and model. Some fans believe that the song’s lyrics are a tribute to Monroe’s life and career, while others argue that the song’s themes of fame, beauty, and tragedy are reflected in Monroe’s story.
| Theory | Evidence |
|---|---|
| Marilyn Monroe | Lyrics referencing a "beauty queen" and "movie scene" |
| Princess Diana | Similarities between Annie’s character and Princess Diana’s public image |
| An Unknown Woman | No clear evidence, but some fans believe Annie is a fictional character |
• Princess Diana: Another theory is that Annie is a reference to Princess Diana, the beloved British royal. Some fans believe that the song’s lyrics reflect Diana’s life and struggles, including her experiences as a member of the royal family and her struggles with mental health.
• An Unknown Woman: Some fans believe that Annie is a fictional character created by Michael Jackson for the song’s lyrics. This theory suggests that Annie is a symbolic representation of the dangers and consequences of fame, rather than a real person.
The Song’s Background and Inspiration
To understand the mystery of Annie, it’s essential to look at the song’s background and inspiration. "Smooth Criminal" was written by Michael Jackson and his collaborator, Eddie Van Halen. The song’s lyrics were inspired by the 1940s film "Sunset Boulevard," which tells the story of a faded Hollywood star who becomes obsessed with a younger man.
Michael Jackson’s Comments on Annie
In various interviews, Michael Jackson discussed the song’s lyrics and the character of Annie. While he never explicitly revealed Annie’s identity, he did provide some clues about her character. "Annie is a woman who is not a woman", Jackson said in one interview, suggesting that Annie is a complex and multifaceted character.
Conclusion
The mystery of Annie in "Smooth Criminal" remains unsolved, and fans and scholars will likely continue to debate her identity for years to come. While some theories, such as the Marilyn Monroe and Princess Diana theories, are intriguing and well-supported, others, such as the theory that Annie is a fictional character, are more speculative.
Ultimately, the true identity of Annie may remain a mystery, but her presence in the song adds to the song’s timeless appeal and continues to fascinate fans of Michael Jackson’s music.
