Today marks what would have been Michael Jacksons 60th birthday.
The King Of Pop was born on 29 August 1958 in Gary, Indiana. However, he sadly died at the age of 50 on 25 June 2009 in Los Angeles.
Jacksons career spanned four decades, with him starting off in The Jackson Five with his siblings, later going solo in the 80s.
To celebrate his birthday, here are 10 of MJs best tracks, as well as the meanings behind them and the lyrics.
Smooth Criminal
Released thirty years ago in 1988, Smooth Criminal was on Jacksons 1987 album Bad. It peaked at number eight in the UK singles chart.
The track is about a woman named Annie who is violently attacked in her apartment.
It was used as the theme song to Moonwalker, Jacksons 1988 film.
Smooth Criminal lyrics
Uh, as he came into the window
It was the sound of a crescendo, uh!
He came into her apartment
He left the bloodstains on the carpet, uh!
She ran underneath the table
He could see she was unable
So she ran into the bedroom
She was struck down
It was her doom
Annie are you OK?
So, Annie are you OK?
Are you OK, Annie?
Annie are you OK?
So, Annie are you OK?
Are you OK, Annie?
Annie are you OK?
So, Annie are you OK?
Are you OK, Annie?
Annie are you OK?
So, Annie are you OK?
Are you OK, Annie?
Annie are you OK?
Will you tell us that youre OK ( uh!)
Theres a sign in the window
That he struck you – A crescendo Annie
He came into your apartment
He left the bloodstains on the carpet ( uh!)
Then you ran into the bedroom
You were struck down
It was your doom
Annie are you OK?
So, Annie are you OK?
Are you OK Annie?
Annie are you OK?
So, Annie are you OK?
Are you OK Annie?
Annie are you OK?
So, Annie are you OK?
Are you OK Annie?
Youve been hit by
Youve been hit by
A Smooth Criminal
So they came into the outway
It was Sunday – What a black day, uh!
Mouth to mouth resuscitation
Sounding heartbeats – Intimidations
Annie are you OK?
So, Annie are you OK?
Are you OK Annie?
Annie are you OK?
So, Annie are you OK?
Are you OK Annie?
Annie are you OK?
So, Annie are you OK?
Are you OK Annie?
Annie are you OK?
So, Annie are you OK?
Annie are you OK?
Will you tell us that youre OK
Theres a sign in the window
That he struck you – A crescendo Annie
He came into your apartment
He left the bloodstains on the carpet, uh!
Then you ran into the bedroom
You were struck down
It was your doom
Annie are you OK?
Are you OK Annie?
Youve been hit by
Youve been struck by
A Smooth Criminal
I dont know!
(Annie are you OK, Will you tell us, that youre OK)
I dont know!
(Theres a sign in the window)
I dont know!
(That he struck you – A crescendo Annie)
I dont know!
(He came into your apartment)
I dont know!
(Left bloodstains on the carpet)
I dont know why baby!
(Then you ran into the bedroom)
I dont know!
(You were struck down)
(It was your doom – Annie!)
(Annie are you OK?)
Dang, gone it – Baby!
(Will you tell us, that youre OK)
Dang, gone it – Baby!
(Theres a sign in the window)
Dang, gone it – baby!
(That he struck you – A crescendo Annie)
Hoo! Hoo!
(He came into your apartment)
Dang, gone it!
(Left bloodstains on the carpet, uh!)
Hoo! Hoo! Hoo!
(Then you ran into the bedroom)
Dang gone it!
(You were struck down)
(It was your doom – Annie!)
Youve been hit by
Youve been struck by
A Smooth Criminal
Songwriters: Michael Jackson
Beat It
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Released in 1983, Beat It was from this sixth studio album Thriller 1982. It peaked at number three in the UK.
The track has been described as a sad commentary on human nature and is influenced by Michaels childhood and growing up in a gang culture, as well as his dislike of violence, hence lyrics such as dont be a a macho man.
For the acclaimed video, Jackson famously brought together the ring leaders of two of Los Angeles notorious gangs – the Crips and Bloods – to not only add authenticity, but also in an attempt to neutralise their issues.
Beat It lyrics
They told him dont you ever come around here
Dont want to see your face, you better disappear
The fires in their eyes and their words are really clear
So beat it, just beat it
You better run, you better do what you can
Dont want to see no blood, dont be a macho man
You want to be tough, better do what you can
So beat it, but you want to be bad
Just beat it, beat it, beat it, beat it
No one wants to be defeated
Showin how funky and strong is your fight
It doesnt matter whos wrong or right
Just beat it, beat it
Just beat it, beat it
Just beat it, beat it
Just beat it, beat it
Theyre out to get you, better leave while you can
Dont want to be a boy, you want to be a man
You want to stay alive, better do what you can
So beat it, just beat it
You have to show them that youre really not scared
Youre playin with your life, this aint no truth or dare
Theyll kick you, then they beat you,
Then theyll tell you its fair
So beat it, but you want to be bad
Just beat it, beat it, beat it, beat it
No one wants to be defeated
Showin how funky and strong is your fight
It doesnt matter whos wrong or right
Just beat it, beat it, beat it, beat it
No one wants to be defeated
Showin how funky and strong is your fight
It doesnt matter whos wrong or right
Just beat it, beat it, beat it, beat it
No one wants to be defeated
Showin how funky and strong is your fight
It doesnt matter whos wrong or right
Just beat it, beat it
Beat it, beat it, beat it
No one wants to be defeated
Showin how funky and strong is your fight
It doesnt matter whos wrong or whos right
Just beat it, beat it, beat it, beat it
No one wants to be defeated
Showin how funky and strong is your fight
It doesnt matter whos wrong or right
Just beat it, beat it, beat it, beat it
No one wants to be defeated
Showin how funky and strong is your fight
It doesnt matter whos wrong or right
Just beat it, beat it
Beat it, beat it, beat it
Songwriters: Michael Jackson
Blood On The Dance Floor
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Released in 1997, Blood On The Dance Floor is from the remix album Blood On the Dance Floor: HIStory in the Mix.
It was originally written in 1991 and set to go on his album that year Dangerous, however he left it off to give himself more time to tweak and perfect it.
Blood On The Dance Floor is about a woman called Susie who seduced Jackson and then plots to stab him with a knife on a dance floor.
Blood On The Dance Floor
She got your number
She know your game
She put you under
Its so insane
Since you seduced her
How does it feel
To know that woman
Is out to kill
Every night stance is like takin a chance
Its not about love and romance
And now youre gonna get it
Every hot man is out takin a chance
Its not about love and romance
And now you do regret it
To escape the world Ive got to enjoy that simple dance
And it seemed that everything was on my side
(Blood on my side)
She seemed sincere like it was love and true romance
And now shes out to get me
And I just cant take it
Just cant break it
Susie got your number
And Susie aint your friend
Look who took you under
With seven inches in
Blood is on the dance floor
Blood is on the knife
Susies got your number
And Susie says its right
She got your number
How does it feel
To know this stranger
Is out to kill
She got your baby
It happened fast
If you could only
Erase the past
Every night stance is like takin a chances
Its not about love and romance
And now youre gonna get it
Every hot man is out takin a chance
Its not about love and romance
And now you do regret it
To escape the world I got to enjoy this simple dance
And it seemed that everything was on my side
(Blood on my side)
It seemed sincere like it was love and true romance
And now shes out to get me
And I just cant take it
Just cant break it
Susie got your number
And Susie aint your friend
Look who took you under
With seven inches in
Blood is on the dance floor
Blood is on the knife
Susie got your number
You know Susie says its right
Susies got your number
Susie aint your friend
Look who took you under
She put seven inches in
Blood is on the dance floor
Blood is on the knife
Susies got your number
Susie says its right
It was blood on the dance floor
(blood on the dance floor)
It was blood on the dance floor
(blood on the dance floor)
It was blood on the dance floor
(blood on the dance floor)
It was blood on the dance floor
(blood on the dance floor)
And I just cant take it
The girl wont break it
Ooo…
Songwriters: Michael Joe Jackson / Edward Theodore Riley
Man In The Mirror
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Another track from Bad, Man In The Mirror was released in 1988, peaking at number two in the UK.
While not written by him, it is believed it was one of Jacksons favourite tracks and was one of his famous socially conscious works.
Man In The Mirror lyrics
Im gonna make a change,
For once Im my life
Its gonna feel real good,
Gonna make a difference
Gonna make it right
As I, turn up the collar on
My favorite winter coat
This wind is blowing my mind
I see the kids in the streets,
With not enough to eat
Who am I to be blind?
Pretending not to see their needs
A summer disregard, a broken bottle top
And a one man soul
They follow each other on the wind ya know
Cause they got nowhere to go
Thats why I want you to know
Im starting with the man in the mirror
Im asking him to change his ways
And no message could have been any clearer
If you want to make the world a better place
(If you want to make the world a better place)
Take a look at yourself, and then make a change
(Take a look at yourself, and then make a change)
(Na na na, na na na, na na, na nah)
Ive been a victim of a selfish kind of love
Its time that I realize
That there are some with no home, not a nickel to loan
Could it be really me, pretending that theyre not alone?
A willow deeply scarred, somebodys broken heart
And a washed-out dream
(Washed-out dream)
They follow the pattern of the wind ya see
Cause they got no place to be
Thats why Im starting with me
(Starting with me!)
Im starting with the man in the mirror
(Ooh!)
Im asking him to change his ways
(Ooh!)
And no message could have been any clearer
If you want to make the world a better place
(If you want to make the world a better place)
Take a look at yourself, and then make a change
(Take a look at yourself, and then make a change)
Im starting with the man in the mirror
(Ooh!)
Im asking him to change his ways
(Change his ways, ooh!)
And no message could have been any clearer
If you want to make the world a better place
Take a look at yourself and then make that
(Take a look at yourself and then make that)
Change!
Im starting with the man in the mirror
(Man in the mirror, oh yeah!)
Im asking him to change his ways
(Better change!)
No message could have been any clearer
(If you want to make the world a better place)
You cant close your, your mind!
(Then you close your, mind!)
That man, that man, that man, that man
With the man in the mirror
(Man in the mirror, oh yeah!)
That man, that man, that man,
Im asking him to change his ways
(Better change!)
You know, that man
No message could have been any clearer
If you want to make the world a better place
(If you want to make the world a better place)
Take a look at yourself and then make the change
(Take a look at yourself and then make the change)
Hoo! Hoo! Hoo! Hoo! Hoo!
Na na na, na na na, na na, na nah
(Ooh)
Oh no, no no
Im gonna make a change
Its gonna feel real good!
Come on!
(Change)
Just lift yourself
You know
Youve got to stop it,
Yourself!
(Yeah! Make that change!)
Ive got to make that change, today!
Hoo!
(Man in the mirror)
You got to
You got to not let yourself
Brother
Hoo!
(Yeah! Make that change!)
You know Ive got to get
That man, that man
Youve got to
Youve got to move! Come on!
Come on!
You got to
Stand up! Stand up! Stand up!
(Yeah! Make that change)
Stand up and lift yourself, now!
(Man in the mirror)
Hoo! Hoo! Hoo!
Aw!
(Yeah! Make that change!)
Gonna make that change
Come on!
You know it!
You know it!
You know it!
You know it
(Change)
Make that change.
Songwriters: Glen Ballard / Siedah G
Dirty Diana
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Dirty Diana was released in 1988 from his album Bad, peaking at number four in the UK charts.
Jackson revealed the song is about his groupies, focusing on one in particular, and had to dismiss claims it was about the late Diana, Princess Of Wales after she told him it was her favourite song of his.
Dirty Diana lyrics
You never make me stay
So take your weight off of me
I know your every move
So wont you just let me be
Ive been here times before
But I was too blind to see
That you seduce every man
This time you wont seduce me
Shes saying thats okay
Hey baby do what you please
I have the stuff the you want
I am the thing that you need
She looked me deep in the eyes
Shes touchin me so to start
She says theres no turnin back
She trapped me in her heart
Dirty Diana, nah
Dirty Diana, nah
Dirty Di-ana, nah
Dirty Diana
Let me be!
Oh no
Oh no
Oh no
She likes the boys in the band
She knows when they come to town
Every musicians fan after the curtain comes down
She waits at backstage doors
For those who have prestige
Who promise fortune and fame
A life thats so carefree
Shes says thats okay
Hey baby do what you want
Ill be your night lovin thing
Ill be the freak you can taunt
And I dont care what you say
I want to go too far
Ill be your everything
If you make me a star
Dirty Diana, nah
Dirty Diana, nah
Dirty Di-ana, nah
Dirty Diana
Dirty Diana, nah
Dirty Diana, nah
Dirty Diana, nah
Dirty Diana
Diana!
Diana!
Dirty Diana!
Its Diana! Yeah, yeah
She said I have to go home
Cause Im real tired you see
But I hate sleppin alone
Why dont you come with me
I said my babys at home
Shes probably worried tonight
I didnt call on the phone to
Say that Im alright
Diana walked up to me,
She said Im all yours tonight
At that I ran to the phone
Sayin baby Im alright
I said but unlock the door.
Because I forgot the key.
She said hes not coming back
Because hes sleeping with me
Dirty Diana, nah
Dirty Diana, nah
Dirty Di-ana, nah
Dirty Diana, nah
Dirty Diana, nah
Dirty Diana, nah
Dirty Di-ana, nah
Dirty Diana
Come on!
Come on!
Come on!
Come on!
Songwriters: Michael Jackson
Earth Song
Earth Song was from Jacksons HIStory: Past, Present and Future, Book I and was released in 1995, peaking in the UK in the top spot.
It was another of Jacksons socially conscious tracks, this time focusing on animal welfare and the environment.
Like Blood On The Dance Floor, it had been destined for his Dangerous album but didnt make the cut.
Earth Song lyrics
What about sunrise
What about rain
What about all the things that you said
We were to gain
What about killing fields
Is there a time
What about all the things
That you said were yours and mine
Did you ever stop to notice
All the blood weve shed before
Did you ever stop to notice
This crying Earth, these weeping shores
Aah, ooh
What have we done to the world
Look what weve done
What about all the peace
That you pledge your only son
What about flowering fields
Is there a time
What about all the dreams
That you said was yours and mine
Did you ever stop to notice
All the children dead from war
Did you ever stop to notice
This crying earth, these weeping shores
Aah, ooh
Aah, ooh
I used to dream
I used to glance beyond the stars
Now I dont know where we are
Although I know weve drifted far
Aah, ooh
Aah, ooh
Aah, ooh
Aah, ooh
Hey, what about yesterday
(What about us)
What about the seas
(What about us)
The heavens are falling down
(What about us)
I cant even breathe
(What about us)
What about apathy
(What about us)
Drowning in the seas
(What about us)
What about the promised land
Preachin what I believe
(What about us)
What about the holy land
(What about it)
What about the greed
(What about us)
Where did we go wrong
Someone tell me why
(What about us)
What about baby boy
(What about him)
What about the days
(What about us)
What about all their joy
Do we give a damn
Aah, ooh
Aah, ooh
Songwriters: Michael Jackson
Billie Jean
Billie Jean was one of Michael Jacksons earlier singles, released in 1983 from the album Thriller and hitting the number one spot in the UK.
It became the biggest selling single for MJ and, along with Beat It, helped Thriller become the best selling album of all time.
The track was about a woman called Billie Jean who slept with the narrator and then told him he is the father of her son, although the narrator denies it.
Jackson had said how he based the son on the experiences his brothers had while in The Jackson Five, rather than his own experiences.
Billie Jean lyrics
She was more like a beauty queen from a movie scene
I said dont mind, but what do you mean, I am the one
Who will dance on the floor in the round
She said I am the one, who will dance on the floor in the round
She told me her name was Billie Jean, as she caused a scene
Then every head turned with eyes that dreamed of being the one
Who will dance on the floor in the round
People always told me be careful of what you do
And dont go around breaking young girls hearts
And mother always told me be careful of who you love
And be careful of what you do cause the lie becomes the truth
Billie Jean is not my lover
Shes just a girl who claims that I am the one
But the kid is not my son
She says I am the one, but the kid is not my son
For forty days and forty nights
The law was on her side
But who can stand when shes in demand
Her schemes and plans
Cause we danced on the floor in the round
So take my strong advice, just remember to always think twice
(Dont think twice, dont think twice)
She told my baby wed danced till three, then she looked at me
Then showed a photo my baby cried his eyes were like mine (oh, no!)
Cause we danced on the floor in the round, baby
People always told me be careful of what you do
And dont go around breaking young girls hearts
She came and stood right by me
Just the smell of sweet perfume
This happened much too soon
She called me to her room
Billie Jean is not my lover
Shes just a girl who claims that I am the one
But the kid is not my son
Billie Jean is not my lover
Shes just a girl who claims that I am the one
But the kid is not my son
She says I am the one, but the kid is not my son
She says I am the one, but the kid is not my son
Billie Jean is not my lover
Shes just a girl who claims that I am the one
But the kid is not my son
She says I am the one, but the kid is not my son
She says I am the one,
(You know what you did, (she says he is my son)breaking my heart babe)
She says I am the one
Billie Jean is not my lover
Billie Jean is not my lover
Billie Jean is not my lover
Billie Jean is not my lover (dont Billie Jean)
Billie Jean is not my lover
Billie Jean is not my lover
Songwriters: Michael Jackson
Thriller
Released in 1983, Thriller came from his album of the same name.
It was originally called Starlight, with lyrics including Give me the Starlight. But Jackson then came up with the title Thriller and changed the lyrics to Cause this is Thriller.
Jacksons most iconic music video was created as a result of the track, lasting for 14 minutes and featuring his Thriller dance.
Thriller lyrics
Ahahahahahahahaha
Its close to midnight
Something evils lurking from 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 your eyes
Youre paralyzed
Cause this is thriller
Thriller night
And no ones gonna save you
From the beast about to strike
You know its thriller
Thriller night
Youre fighting for your life
Inside a killer thriller tonight, yeah
Ahahahahahahahaha
Im gonna bring it tonight
Ahahahahahahahaha
You hear the door slam
And realize theres nowhere left to run
You feel the cold hand
And wonder if youll ever see the sun
You close your eyes
And hope that this is just imagination
Girl but all the while
You hear a creature creeping up behind
Youre out of time
Cause this is thriller
Thriller night
And no ones gonna save you
From the beast about to strike
You know its thriller
Thriller night
Youre fighting for your life
Inside a killer thriller tonight
Ahahahahahahahaha
Im gonna thrill ya tonight
Get up, get up
Darkness falls across the land
The midnight hour is close at hand
Creatures crawl in search of blood
To terrorize yalls neighborhood
And whosoever shall be found
Without the soul for getting down
Must stand and face the hounds of hell
And rot inside a corpses shell
Im gonna thrill ya tonight
Im gonna thrill ya tonight
Ooh, babe
Im gonna thrill ya tonight
Cause this is thriller
Cause this is thriller
Cause this is thriller
Cause this is thriller
Get up, get up (Im gonna thrill you tonight)
Im gonna thrill you tonight
Im gonna thrill you tonight
Im gonna thrill you tonight
Cause this is thriller
Songwriters: Rodney Lynn Temperton
The Way You Make Me Feel
The Way You Make Me Feel was released in 1987 and came from his album Bad.
It reached number three in the UK charts and is a song about being in love and the feeling of love.
The Way You Make Me Feel lyrics
Go on girl!
Hey pretty baby with the high heels on
You give me fever
Like Ive never, ever known
Youre just a product of loveliness
I like the groove of your walk,
Your talk, your dress
I feel your fever
From miles around
Ill pick you up in my car
And well paint the town
Just kiss me baby
And tell me twice
That youre the one for me
The way you make me feel
(The way you make me feel)
You really turn me on
(You really turn me on)
You knock me off of my feet
(You knock me off of my feet)
My lonely days are gone
(My lonely days are gone)
I like the feelin youre givin me
Just hold me baby and Im in ecstasy
Oh Ill be workin from nine to five
To buy you things to keep you by my side
I never felt so in love before
Just promise baby, youll love me forevermore
I swear Im keepin you satisfied
Cause youre the one for me
The way you make me feel
(The way you make me feel)
You really turn me on
(You really turn me on)
You knock me off of my feet
Now baby
(You knock me off of my feet)
My lonely days are gone,
(My lonely days are gone)
Go on girl!
Go on! Hee! Hee! Aaow!
Go on girl!
I never felt so in love before
Promise baby, youll love me forevermore
I swear Im keepin you satisfied
Cause youre the one for me
The way you make me feel
(The way you make me feel)
You really turn me on
(You really turn me on)
You knock me off of my feet
Now baby
(You knock me off of my feet)
My lonely days are gone
(My lonely days are gone)
The way you make me feel
(The way you make me feel)
You really turn me on
(You really turn me on)
You knock me off of my feet
Now baby
(You knock me off of my feet)
My lonely days are gone
(My lonely days are gone)
Aint nobodys business,
Aint nobodys business
(The way you make me fell)
Aint nobodys business,
Aint nobodys business but
Mine and my baby
(You really turn me on)
(You knock me off of my feet)
Oh!
(My lonely days are gone)
Give it to me, give me some time
(The way you make me feel)
Come on be my girl, I want to
Be with mine
(You really turn me on)
Aint nobodys business
(You knock me off of my feet)
Aint nobodys business but
Mine and my babys
Go on girl! Aaow!
(My lonely days are gone)
Hee hee! Aaow!
Chika, chika
Chika, chika, chika
Go on girl!, Hee hee!
(The way you make me feel)
Hee hee hee!
(You really turn me on)
(You knock me off of my feet)
(My lonely days are gone)
Songwriters: Michael Jackson
Human Nature
Another of his earlier tracks, Human Nature was released in 1983 and came from his album Thriller.
It is about a conversation Toto member Steve Porcaro, who wrote the song, had with his young daughter about a boy who was being mean to her at school.
Jacksons producer Quincy Jones ended up accidentally hearing a demo of it and immediately wanted it on Thriller. He brought in lyricist John Bettis to tweak the verses and it made it onto the album.
Human Nature lyrics
Looking out
Across the night-time
The city winks a sleepless eye
Hear her voice
Shake my window
Sweet seducing sighs
Get me out
Into the night-time
Four walls wont hold me tonight
If this town
Is just an apple
Then let me take a bite
If they say, “Why? Why?”
Tell em that is human nature
Why, why does he do it that way?
If they say, “Why? Why?”
Tell em that is human nature
Why, why does he do it that way?
Reaching out
To touch a stranger
Electric eyes are everywhere
See that girl
She knows Im watching
She likes the way I stare
If they say, “Why? Why?”
Just tell em that is human nature
Why, why does he do it that way?
If they say, “Why? Why?”
(Do you really like me to be around?)
Tell em that is human nature
Why, why does he do it that way?
I like livin this way
I like lovin this way
That way (The way it was.)
That way (The way it was.)
Looking out
Across the morning
The citys heart begins to beat
Reaching out
I touch her shoulder
Im dreaming of the street
If they say, “Why? Why?”
Tell em that is human nature
Why, why does he do it that way?
If they say, “Why? Why?”
(Just tell me you like me to be around.)
Ooh, tell em
Why, why does he do it that way?
If they say, “Why? Why?”
Why, why does he do it that way?
If they say, “Why? Why?”
(Just tell me you like me to be around.)
Ooh, tell em
Why, why does he do it that way?
And they say, “Why? Why?”
Ooh, tell em
Why, why does he do it that way?
They say, “Why? Why?”
(Just tell me you like me to be around.)
Why, why does he do it that way?
I like livin this way
The way
The way
Top MJ music videos on YouTube of all time (global)
1. Thriller (536M views)
2. They Dont Care About Us (507M views)
3. Billie Jean (476M views)
4. Beat It (407M views)
5. The Way You Make Me Feel (272M views)
6. Remember The Time (265M views)
7. Black Or White (245M views)
8. Bad (244M views)
9. Love Never Felt So Good ft. Justin Timberlake (212M views)
10. Earth Song (177M views)
Michael Jackson albums:
Got to Be There (1972)
Ben (1972)
Music & Me (1973)
Forever, Michael (1975)
Off the Wall (1979)
Thriller (1982)
Bad (1987)
Dangerous (1991)
HIStory: Past, Present and Future, Book I (1995)
Invincible (2001)
Posthumous albums:
Michael (2010)
Xscape (2014)
MORE: Aretha Franklin cause of death as Respect singer is laid to rest in gold coffin
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[contf] [contfnew] 
METRO
[contfnewc] [contfnewc]
