Say Say Say (3:56)

“Say Say Say” is a song by Paul McCartney and Michael Jackson. The track was written by the duo, and produced by George Martin for McCartney’s fifth solo album, Pipes of Peace (1983). The song was the pair’s second duet to be released, following “The Girl Is Mine” for Jackson’s Thriller (1982), however, it had been recorded one year before, at the same time as McCartney’s Tug of War (1982) album. The single became Jackson’s seventh top ten hit in a year upon its release in October 1983. “Say Say Say” was a number one hit in the US and peaked at number two in the UK. Number one in Canada, Finland, Italy, Norway and Sweden, the single also peaked within the top ten in Australia, Austria and New Zealand.

Certified platinum by the Recording Industry Association of America, the song was promoted with a music video directed by Bob Giraldi. The video, filmed in Santa Ynez Valley, California, featured cameo appearances by Linda McCartney, and La Toya Jackson. The short film centered around two con artists, “Mac and Jack”, and introduced dialogue and storylines to music videos. Upon its release, the video was considered too violent by the National Coalition on Television Violence. “Say Say Say” was covered by the Dutch music group Hi-Tack in early 2006. They took the song to number four on the UK singles chart.
Recording
Prior to the release of “Say Say Say”, McCartney had collaborated with Jackson on “The Girl Is Mine”, for Jackson’s Thriller album. In return, Jackson agreed to include “Say Say Say” on McCartney’s Pipes of Peace.[1] The song was recorded at Abbey Road Studios from May to September 1981.