The lyric from Michael Jackson's “Thriller” is “Cause this is thriller.” The phrase forms the song's instantly recognizable chorus and announces the frightening, theatrical mood that defines the recording.
“Thriller” was written by Rod Temperton and produced by Quincy Jones for Jackson's 1982 album of the same name. Temperton originally developed the song under the working title “Starlight,” but the concept was reshaped around a more mysterious horror-film identity. The finished track includes sound effects such as creaking doors, thunder, footsteps, wind, and howling wolves.
The song's spoken ending was performed by Vincent Price, whose horror-film reputation made him a natural fit. Its landmark music video, directed by John Landis, premiered in 1983 and helped establish the music video as a major pop-cultural art form. “Thriller” was eventually released as the album's seventh and final single.