Michael Jackson – Thriller (Official 4K Video)
Monthly Theme:
Outside of Christmas, Halloween has become the most popular celebration in America. Between candy, costumes, and decorations, over 13 billion dollars was spent on Halloween related events in 2025. While many in the Christian community struggle to embrace Halloween traditions, it’s the only day of the year where children come to your front door. This is your one chance annually to leave a lasting impact on your community. You have one of two choices, decline to participate or provide the best candy/food options in your neighborhood. As a former trick-or-treater, I remembered which houses who gave out the best and largest pieces of candy.
Inspiration Behind Thriller:
Michael Jackson’s love of horror films started with An American Werewolf in London in 1981. Subsequently, when Rod Temperton’s presented a shift from a song called “Starlight” to a horror‑themed concept, Thriller was conceived. Actress Peggy Lipton suggested horror legend Vincent Price become part of this project. Rod Temperton wrote Vincent’s monologue on the way to the studio. These are the influences that spawned one of the most iconic and popular music videos of all time.
Biblical Application:
Flee the evil desires of youth and pursue righteousness, faith, love and peace, along with those who call on the Lord out of a pure heart. 23 Don’t have anything to do with foolish and stupid arguments, because you know they produce quarrels, 2 Timothy 2:22-23.
Exegesis of Thriller:
It’s close to midnight
And something evil’s lurking in the dark
Under the moonlight
You see a sight that almost stops your heart
You try to scream
But terror takes the sound before you make it
You start to freeze
As horror looks you right between the eyes
You’re paralyzed
Setting the scene and tone to frighten you. The moon and darkness are associated with superstitions. A glimpse of something unexpected grips your heart with fear. Frozen by terror, unsure of how to respond.
‘Cause this is thriller, thriller night
And no one’s gonna save you from the beast about to strike
You know it’s thriller, thriller night
You’re fighting for your life inside a killer, thriller tonight, yeah
Ooh
The human response to fear. Paralyzed by an unknown beast. Running for your life.
You hear the door slam
And realize there’s nowhere left to run
You feel the cold hand
And wonder if you’ll ever see the sun
You close your eyes
And hope that this is just imagination, girl
Sounds associated with a haunted house. Where fear produces a chilling cold over your body. Afraid you may not see tomorrow, hoping this is just a bad dream.
But all the while
You hear a creature creepin’ up behind
You’re out of time
However, this noise isn’t going away, getting louder behind you.
‘Cause this is thriller, thriller night
There ain’t no second chance against the thing with forty eyes, girl
(Thriller) ooh-ooh (thriller night)
You’re fighting for your life inside a killer, thriller tonight
Like being in a no-win situation, hoping to survive.
Night creatures call
And the dead start to walk in their masquerade
There’s no escaping the jaws of the alien this time (they’re open wide)
This is the end of your life, ooh
Images of legendary creatures, aliens and zombies. Your life flahses before your eyes.
They’re out to get you
There’s demons closing in on every side, ooh
They will possess you
Unless you change that number on your dial
Now is the time
For you and I to cuddle close together, yeah
All through the night
I’ll save you from the terror on the screen
I’ll make you see
Demonic entities and influences that you sense all around you. However, the source of this is coming from the television as this couple cling to one another. Michael seeks to be the hero and protector.
That this is thriller, thriller night
‘Cause I can thrill you more than any ghoul would ever dare try
(Thriller) ooh-ooh (thriller night)
So let me hold you tight and share a killer, thriller (ooh), chiller (ooh)
Thriller, here tonight
Michael uses this horror show to his advantage, promising to bring excitement to this new relationship.
‘Cause this is thriller, thriller night
Girl, I can thrill you more than any ghoul would ever dare try
(Thriller) ooh-ooh (thriller night)
So let me hold you tight and share a killer, thriller, ow!
This chorus is repeated, trying to impress his date.
I’m gonna thrill you tonight
Darkness falls across the land
The midnight hour is close at hand
Creatures crawl in search of blood
To terrorize y’all’s neighborhood (I’m gonna thrill you tonight)
Using thrill in a positive way, to entertain and excite like never before.
And whosoever shall be found
Without the soul for getting down
Must stand and face the hounds of hell
And rot inside a corpse’s shell (I’m gonna thrill you tonight)
Thriller, ooh, babe (thriller)
I’m gonna thrill you tonight (thriller night)
Thriller, oh, darling (oh, baby)
I’m gonna thrill you tonight (thriller)
A call to dance or else. Promising his date the night of her life.
Ooh, babe (thriller night)
I’m gonna thrill you tonight (thriller)
Oh, darling (oh, baby)
Thriller night, babe (thriller night, babe)
Ooh
I’m gonna thrill you tonight (thriller)
Thriller night, babe
Michael’s goal for this night and their relationship.
Final Thoughts:
Syncretism is defined as the blending of cultural traditions with spiritual beliefs. To avoid occultic connections with Halloween, Christian denominations have adopted Halloween traditions into annual events such as Trunk or Treat and Harvest Nights. To avoid any long, drawn-out theological debates, I have evolved my own personal beliefs. God doesn’t call Christians to be like Puritans who separated themselves from society to avoid being corrupted. Rather, Jesus called first century followers to be the light of the world, Matthew 5:13-16, in a world filled with darkness. What better way to do this than by giving out the best food to all the visitors to your house on Halloween. This will plant a seed for future opportunities to reach your community for Christ.
by Jay Mankus
