Context

This line is from the song "Billie Jean" sung by Michael Jackson, from his album Thriller (1982).

Sometimes when you're famous, people try to take advantage of you, which is exactly what Jackson was writing about. He'd been hit with a paternity suit from a real-life Billie Jean, although her accusations were false. At least the odd incident spawned an awesome song.

Where you've heard it

It's been listed as one of the 500 Greatest Songs of All Time (#58, to be exact) and has been covered by artists from the Civil Wars to Coldplay.

Pretentious Factor

If you were to drop this quote at a dinner party, would you get an in-unison "awww" or would everyone roll their eyes and never invite you back? Here it is, on a scale of 1-10.

No other musician on the planet could turn a weird paternity suit into one of the coolest songs of all time.