We are a nation with no geographic boundaries
Bound together through our beliefs
We are like-minded individuals
Sharing a common vision
Pushing toward a world rid of color lines
(Music, poetry, dance, unity)
(Music, poetry, dance, unity)
Five, four, three, two, one
Janet Jackson - Rhythm Nation Album Lyrics
Janet Jackson - Rhythm Nation Lyrics
- Interlude: Pledge
- Rhythm Nation
- Interlude: T.V.
- State Of The World
- Interlude: Race
- The Knowledge
- Interlude: Let's Dance
- Miss You Much
- Interlude: Come Back
- Love Will Never Do (Without You)
- Livin' in a World (They Didn't Make)
- Alright
- Interlude: Hey Baby
- Escapade
- Interlude: No Acid
- Black Cat
- Lonely
- Come Back To Me
- Someday Is Tonight
- Interlude: Livin'...In Complete Darkness
Writer: James Samuel Harris, Janet Damita Jo Jackson, Terry Steven Lewis
Copyright: Lyrics © Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd.
Copyright: Lyrics © Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd.
Rhythm Nation
With music by our side
To break the color lines
Let's work together
To improve our way of life
Join voices in protest
To social injustice
A generation full of courage
Come forth with me
People of the world today
Are we looking for a better way of life
We are a part of the rhythm nation
People of the world unite
Strength in numbers we can get it right
One time
We are a part of the rhythm nation
This is the test
No struggle no progress
Lend a hand to help
Your brother do his best
Things are getting worse
We have to make them better
It's time to give a damn
Let's work together come on
People of the world today
Are we looking for a better way of life
We are a part of the rhythm nation
People of the world unite
Strength in numbers we can get it right
One time
We are a part of the rhythm nation
To break the color lines
Let's work together
To improve our way of life
Join voices in protest
To social injustice
A generation full of courage
Come forth with me
People of the world today
Are we looking for a better way of life
We are a part of the rhythm nation
People of the world unite
Strength in numbers we can get it right
One time
We are a part of the rhythm nation
This is the test
No struggle no progress
Lend a hand to help
Your brother do his best
Things are getting worse
We have to make them better
It's time to give a damn
Let's work together come on
People of the world today
Are we looking for a better way of life
We are a part of the rhythm nation
People of the world unite
Strength in numbers we can get it right
One time
We are a part of the rhythm nation
Writer: SYLVESTER STEWART, JANET JACKSON, TERRY LEWIS, JAMES HARRIS
Copyright: Lyrics © EMI Music Publishing, JANET JACKSON DBA BLACK ICE
Copyright: Lyrics © EMI Music Publishing, JANET JACKSON DBA BLACK ICE
Interlude: T.V.
The homeless problem...
Good looks and...
Die violent...
Tiananmen Square today...
To the adults to teach the children...
A pain reliever...
Their bullets...
Attempting fast...
Violent crimes are on the uprise...
So frustrating...
Good looks and...
Die violent...
Tiananmen Square today...
To the adults to teach the children...
A pain reliever...
Their bullets...
Attempting fast...
Violent crimes are on the uprise...
So frustrating...
Writer: James Harris, Terry Lewis
Copyright: Lyrics © Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd.
Copyright: Lyrics © Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd.
State Of The World
Five A.M. rise and shine
To feed the baby before he starts to cry
No rest, no time to play
15, the mother is a runaway
No time for dreams or goals
Pressure is so strong
Her body she has sold so her child can eat
What is happening to this world we live in
In our home and other lands
Drugs and crime spreadin on the streets
People can't find enough to eat
Now our kids can't go out and play
That's the state of the world today
Lil' Johnny all alone
His only friend, the doll he carries with him
Goes to school each and every day
To be teased because he has no place to stay
This young and homeless boy feels his life is worthless
Instead of suicide he cries himself to sleep
And it's happenin to this world we live in
There's got to be a better way
Drugs and crime spreadin on the streets
People can't find enough to eat
Now our kids can't go out and play
That's the state of the world today
Can't give up hope now
Let's weather the storm together
To feed the baby before he starts to cry
No rest, no time to play
15, the mother is a runaway
No time for dreams or goals
Pressure is so strong
Her body she has sold so her child can eat
What is happening to this world we live in
In our home and other lands
Drugs and crime spreadin on the streets
People can't find enough to eat
Now our kids can't go out and play
That's the state of the world today
Lil' Johnny all alone
His only friend, the doll he carries with him
Goes to school each and every day
To be teased because he has no place to stay
This young and homeless boy feels his life is worthless
Instead of suicide he cries himself to sleep
And it's happenin to this world we live in
There's got to be a better way
Drugs and crime spreadin on the streets
People can't find enough to eat
Now our kids can't go out and play
That's the state of the world today
Can't give up hope now
Let's weather the storm together
Writer: JAMES HARRIS III, TERRY LEWIS
Copyright: Lyrics © Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd., JANET JACKSON DBA BLACK ICE
Copyright: Lyrics © Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd., JANET JACKSON DBA BLACK ICE
Writer: James Harris, Terry Lewis
Copyright: Lyrics © Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd.
Copyright: Lyrics © Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd.
The Knowledge
Insight to what's going on
Information keeps us strong
What you don't know can hurt you bad
Take it from me you'll be walkin around sad
Cryin for a better day
Until you educate for a better way
So if you wanna be in control
Ya gotta get yourself in the know
Get the knowledge
That you really want
The knowledge
Do you really want
It's the knowledge
What you really want
The knowledge
That you really want
Spreading vise don't believe the hype
You don't find the knowledge in a pipe
Too many lives go up in smoke
It's nice to laugh but don't be the joke
To get over get better
Try to be the possessor
Of the one thing we all need in life
To succeed take my advice
Get the knowledge
That you really want
The knowledge
Do you really want
It's the knowledge
What you really want
The knowledge
That you really want
Prejudice No!
Ignorance No!
Bigotry No!
Illiteracy No!
Listen it's up to everyone
If we're gonna change the way the world is run
The way to start is to rid the children of
Prejudice & ignorance
We've gotta teach our kids to read and write
That's the only way to win this fight for life
Education is the goal so
If you wanna be in the know
Get the knowledge
It's the one thing we all need in life
Information keeps us strong
What you don't know can hurt you bad
Take it from me you'll be walkin around sad
Cryin for a better day
Until you educate for a better way
So if you wanna be in control
Ya gotta get yourself in the know
Get the knowledge
That you really want
The knowledge
Do you really want
It's the knowledge
What you really want
The knowledge
That you really want
Spreading vise don't believe the hype
You don't find the knowledge in a pipe
Too many lives go up in smoke
It's nice to laugh but don't be the joke
To get over get better
Try to be the possessor
Of the one thing we all need in life
To succeed take my advice
Get the knowledge
That you really want
The knowledge
Do you really want
It's the knowledge
What you really want
The knowledge
That you really want
Prejudice No!
Ignorance No!
Bigotry No!
Illiteracy No!
Listen it's up to everyone
If we're gonna change the way the world is run
The way to start is to rid the children of
Prejudice & ignorance
We've gotta teach our kids to read and write
That's the only way to win this fight for life
Education is the goal so
If you wanna be in the know
Get the knowledge
It's the one thing we all need in life
Writer: JAMES SAMUEL III HARRIS, JAMES HARRIS III, TERRY LEWIS
Copyright: Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Peermusic Publishing
Copyright: Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Peermusic Publishing
Writer: James Samuel Harris, Terry Steven Lewis
Copyright: Lyrics © Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd.
Copyright: Lyrics © Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd.
Miss You Much
Shot like an arrow through my heart
That's the pain I feel
I feel whenever we're apart
Not to say that I'm in love with you
But who's to say that I'm not
I just know that it feels wrong when I'm away too long
It makes my body hot
So let me tell ya, baby, I'll tell your mama
I'll tell your friends
I'll tell anyone who's heart can comprehend
Send it in a letter, baby, tell you on the phone
I'm not the kinda girl who likes to be alone
I miss ya much, I really miss you much (M, I, S, S you much)
I miss ya much, baby, I really miss ya much (M, I, S, S you much)
I'm rushing home just as soon as I can
I'm rushing home to see your smiling face
And feel your warm embrace
It makes me feel so g-g-g-good
So I'll tell ya baby I'll tell your mama
I'll tell your friends
I'll tell anyone who's heart can comprehend
Send it in a letter baby tell you on the phone
I'm not the kinda girl who likes to be alone
I miss ya much, I really miss you much (M, I, S, S you much)
I miss ya much, baby, I really miss ya much (M, I, S, S you much)
I miss ya much, I really miss you much (M, I, S, S you much)
I miss ya much, baby, I really miss ya much (M, I, S, S you much)
Miss you much
I miss you much
I really miss you much
Miss you much
I miss you much
I'll tell your mama (mama, mama)
I'll tell your friends (I tell your friends)
I'll tell anyone who's heart can comprehend, baby
Send it in a letter baby tell you on the phone (tell you on the phone)
I'm not the kinda girl who likes to be alone
I miss ya much, I really miss you much (M, I, S, S you much)
I miss ya much, baby, I really miss ya much (M, I, S, S you much)
I miss ya much, I really miss you much (M, I, S, S you much)
I miss ya much, baby, I really miss ya much (M, I, S, S you much)
That's the end?
That's the pain I feel
I feel whenever we're apart
Not to say that I'm in love with you
But who's to say that I'm not
I just know that it feels wrong when I'm away too long
It makes my body hot
So let me tell ya, baby, I'll tell your mama
I'll tell your friends
I'll tell anyone who's heart can comprehend
Send it in a letter, baby, tell you on the phone
I'm not the kinda girl who likes to be alone
I miss ya much, I really miss you much (M, I, S, S you much)
I miss ya much, baby, I really miss ya much (M, I, S, S you much)
I'm rushing home just as soon as I can
I'm rushing home to see your smiling face
And feel your warm embrace
It makes me feel so g-g-g-good
So I'll tell ya baby I'll tell your mama
I'll tell your friends
I'll tell anyone who's heart can comprehend
Send it in a letter baby tell you on the phone
I'm not the kinda girl who likes to be alone
I miss ya much, I really miss you much (M, I, S, S you much)
I miss ya much, baby, I really miss ya much (M, I, S, S you much)
I miss ya much, I really miss you much (M, I, S, S you much)
I miss ya much, baby, I really miss ya much (M, I, S, S you much)
Miss you much
I miss you much
I really miss you much
Miss you much
I miss you much
I'll tell your mama (mama, mama)
I'll tell your friends (I tell your friends)
I'll tell anyone who's heart can comprehend, baby
Send it in a letter baby tell you on the phone (tell you on the phone)
I'm not the kinda girl who likes to be alone
I miss ya much, I really miss you much (M, I, S, S you much)
I miss ya much, baby, I really miss ya much (M, I, S, S you much)
I miss ya much, I really miss you much (M, I, S, S you much)
I miss ya much, baby, I really miss ya much (M, I, S, S you much)
That's the end?
Writer: James III Harris, Terry Lewis
Copyright: Lyrics © Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd.
Copyright: Lyrics © Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd.
Writer: Rodney Jerkins
Copyright: Lyrics © Hipgnosis Songs Group
Copyright: Lyrics © Hipgnosis Songs Group
Love Will Never Do (Without You)
Our friends think we're opposites
Falling in and out of love
They've all said we'd never last
Still we manage to stay together
There's no easy explanation for it
But whenever there's a problem
We always work it out somehow
Work it out somehow
They said it wouldn't last
We had to prove them wrong
'Cause I've learned in the past
That love would never do without you
Other guys have tried before
To replace you as my lover
Never did I have a doubt
Boy it's you I can't do without
I feel better when I have you near me
'Cause no other love around
Has quite the same ooh, ooh
Like you do, do, do, do, babe
They said it wouldn't last
We had to prove them wrong
'Cause I've learned in the past
That love would never do without you
Oh
Do without you
Love would never do without you (woo)
Do without you
Uh, uh, ah
Uh, oh, oh
Ooh, ooh, go on
Love would never do (fine)
Never do without you (oh yeah)
Love would never do (fine)
Never do without you (not for me)
Love would never do (fine)
Never do without you (oh yeah)
Love would never do (woo)
Never do without you (sang)
Love would never do without you (yeah)
Love would never do without you (yeah, yeah, yeah)
What?
They said it, they said it wouldn't last
They said it, they said it wouldn't last (woo)
They said it, they said it wouldn't last (hey, what do you want?)
They said it wouldn't last (if you believe in love, say)
Love would never do, love would never do without you
They said it wouldn't last (hey)
We had to prove them wrong
'Cause I've learned in the past
That love would never do without you (without you)
They said it wouldn't
They said it wouldn't
Whoa
Falling in and out of love
They've all said we'd never last
Still we manage to stay together
There's no easy explanation for it
But whenever there's a problem
We always work it out somehow
Work it out somehow
They said it wouldn't last
We had to prove them wrong
'Cause I've learned in the past
That love would never do without you
Other guys have tried before
To replace you as my lover
Never did I have a doubt
Boy it's you I can't do without
I feel better when I have you near me
'Cause no other love around
Has quite the same ooh, ooh
Like you do, do, do, do, babe
They said it wouldn't last
We had to prove them wrong
'Cause I've learned in the past
That love would never do without you
Oh
Do without you
Love would never do without you (woo)
Do without you
Uh, uh, ah
Uh, oh, oh
Ooh, ooh, go on
Love would never do (fine)
Never do without you (oh yeah)
Love would never do (fine)
Never do without you (not for me)
Love would never do (fine)
Never do without you (oh yeah)
Love would never do (woo)
Never do without you (sang)
Love would never do without you (yeah)
Love would never do without you (yeah, yeah, yeah)
What?
They said it, they said it wouldn't last
They said it, they said it wouldn't last (woo)
They said it, they said it wouldn't last (hey, what do you want?)
They said it wouldn't last (if you believe in love, say)
Love would never do, love would never do without you
They said it wouldn't last (hey)
We had to prove them wrong
'Cause I've learned in the past
That love would never do without you (without you)
They said it wouldn't
They said it wouldn't
Whoa
Writer: James Samuel III Harris, Terry Steven Lewis
Copyright: Lyrics © Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd.
Copyright: Lyrics © Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd.
Livin' in a World (They Didn't Make)
Children are called the future of an adult world
They are born with spirits so innocent
'Til we teach them how to hate
Add to the world's confusion
We teach our kids rules
That we don't adhere to ourselves
Right or wrong
What examples can they take?
The people we learn from
Forge the ideas we become
Living in a world they didn't make
Living in a world that's filled with hate
Living in a world where grown-ups break the rules
Living in a world they didn't make
Paying for a lot of adult mistakes
How much of this madness can they take
Our children
Children grow to become our young adults
Problems of the world
They must learn how to confront
Doing drugs and joining gangs to rebel
Colors show they belong
To the social override
'Cause they're living in a space
They feel out of place
Living in a world they didn't make
Living in a world that's filled with hate
Living in a world where grown-ups break the rules
Living in a world they didn't make
Paying for a lot of adult mistakes
How much of this madness can they take
Our children (how much can they take?)
Living in a world they didn't make
Living in a world that's filled with hate
Living in a world where grown-ups break the rules
Living in a world they didn't make
Paying for a lot of adult mistakes
How much of this madness can they take
Our children (how much can they take?)
Children of the world
They are born so innocent
How much can they take?
Living in a world they didn't make (save the babies)
Paying for a lot of adult mistakes (save the babies, save the babies)
This just in
At least five people are dead and thirty others wounded
After a gunman opened fire on a California school playground
And then killed himself, apparently the gunman
Armed with an automatic rifle
Shot the kids during their recess time
They are born with spirits so innocent
'Til we teach them how to hate
Add to the world's confusion
We teach our kids rules
That we don't adhere to ourselves
Right or wrong
What examples can they take?
The people we learn from
Forge the ideas we become
Living in a world they didn't make
Living in a world that's filled with hate
Living in a world where grown-ups break the rules
Living in a world they didn't make
Paying for a lot of adult mistakes
How much of this madness can they take
Our children
Children grow to become our young adults
Problems of the world
They must learn how to confront
Doing drugs and joining gangs to rebel
Colors show they belong
To the social override
'Cause they're living in a space
They feel out of place
Living in a world they didn't make
Living in a world that's filled with hate
Living in a world where grown-ups break the rules
Living in a world they didn't make
Paying for a lot of adult mistakes
How much of this madness can they take
Our children (how much can they take?)
Living in a world they didn't make
Living in a world that's filled with hate
Living in a world where grown-ups break the rules
Living in a world they didn't make
Paying for a lot of adult mistakes
How much of this madness can they take
Our children (how much can they take?)
Children of the world
They are born so innocent
How much can they take?
Living in a world they didn't make (save the babies)
Paying for a lot of adult mistakes (save the babies, save the babies)
This just in
At least five people are dead and thirty others wounded
After a gunman opened fire on a California school playground
And then killed himself, apparently the gunman
Armed with an automatic rifle
Shot the kids during their recess time
Writer: James Samuel Harris, Terry Steven Lewis
Copyright: Lyrics © Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd.
Copyright: Lyrics © Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd.
Alright
Alright, alright, alright, alright
Alright, alright, alright, alright (I, I, I, sho-bo-do-bo-do-bo now)
Baby, baby
Alright, baby
I, I, alright, baby
Seeing that your love's true
Never I'll doubt you
My heart belongs to you
That's alright with me
Worlds could end around me
So in love that I can't see
You and me were meant to be
That's alright with me
Friends come and friends may go
My friends, you're real, I know
True self, you have shown
You're alright with me
Through thick and thick to thin
I'll love you 'til the end
You know it's true, my friend
You're alright with me
Friends come and friends may go
My friends, you're real, I know
True self, you have shown
You're alright with me
Through thick and thick to thin
I'll love you 'til the end
You know it's true, my friend
You're alright with me
Alright with me (alright with me)
Alright with me (sho-bo-do-bo-do-bo now)
Alright with me (alright with me)
Alright with me (alright with me)
Catch a fallin' star that shines (shines)
Make a wish, clap three times
Dreams come true, it's in the mind
That's alright with me
Your wish is my command
Never thought I'd fall in love again (again)
Again with my best friend
That's alright with me
Friends come and friends may go (friends come)
My friends, you're real, I know
True self, you have shown
You're alright with me
Through thick and thick to thin
I'll love you 'til the end
You know it's true, my friend
You're alright with me
Always and everlasting
This love is just not passing
We're happy as can be
You're alright with me
Alright with me (ah, yeah, alright with me)
Alright with me (ah, yeah, sho-bo-do-bo-do-bo now)
Alright with me (alright with me)
Alright with me (alright with me)
It's alright, baby
It's alright
I'll tell you that it's alright with me
Worlds could end around me
So in love, I can't see
You and me were meant to be
That's sure enough, it's alright with me
Friends come and friends may go
My friends, you're real, I know (alright)
True self, you have shown
You're alright with me
Through thick and thick to thin (sugar)
I'll love you 'til the end (baby)
You know it's true, my friend (sure enough)
You're alright with me
Alright with me (ah, yeah, alright with me)
Alright with me (ah, yeah, sho-bo-do-bo-do-bo now)
Alright with me (alright with me)
Alright with me (alright with me, woo)
It's alright
It's alright, now, it's alright, now, it's alright, now
Alright with me
It's alright, now, it's alright, now, it's alright, now
Alright with me
It's alright, now (alright with me)
It's alright, now (alright with me)
It's alright, now (alright with me)
It's alright, now (alright with me)
Baby, baby, baby, baby (alright with me)
Baby, baby, baby, baby (alright with me)
Baby, baby, baby, baby (alright with me)
Baby, baby, baby, baby (alright with me)
Sho-bo-do-bo-do, sho-bo-do-bo-do
Sho-bo-do-bo-do-bo now, woo (alright)
Sho-bo-do-bo-do, sho-bo-do-bo-do
Sho-bo-do-bo-do-bo now, woo (alright)
Sho-bo-do-bo-do, sho-bo-do-bo-do
Sho-bo-do-bo-do-bo now, woo (alright)
Sho-bo-do-bo-do, sho-bo-do-bo-do
Sho-bo-do-bo-do-bo now, woo (alright)
Baby, baby, baby
Baby, baby, baby (alright with me)
Baby, baby, baby
Baby, baby, baby (alright with me)
(Alright with me)
Sho-bo-do-bo-do, sho-bo-do-bo-do
Sho-bo-do-bo-do, sho-bo-do-bo-do, baby
Sho-bo-do-bo-do, sho-bo-do-bo-do
Sho-bo-do-bo-do, sho-bo-do-bo-do
Baby, baby, baby, baby
Baby, baby, baby, baby
Baby, baby, baby, baby
Baby, baby, baby, baby
I, I, I, I
I, I, I, I
I, I, I, I
I, I, I, I
Woo, woo, woo, woo
Woo, woo, woo, woo
Baby, baby, baby, baby
Baby, baby, baby
Baby, baby, baby, baby
Baby, baby, baby
Alright, alright, alright, alright (I, I, I, sho-bo-do-bo-do-bo now)
Baby, baby
Alright, baby
I, I, alright, baby
Seeing that your love's true
Never I'll doubt you
My heart belongs to you
That's alright with me
Worlds could end around me
So in love that I can't see
You and me were meant to be
That's alright with me
Friends come and friends may go
My friends, you're real, I know
True self, you have shown
You're alright with me
Through thick and thick to thin
I'll love you 'til the end
You know it's true, my friend
You're alright with me
Friends come and friends may go
My friends, you're real, I know
True self, you have shown
You're alright with me
Through thick and thick to thin
I'll love you 'til the end
You know it's true, my friend
You're alright with me
Alright with me (alright with me)
Alright with me (sho-bo-do-bo-do-bo now)
Alright with me (alright with me)
Alright with me (alright with me)
Catch a fallin' star that shines (shines)
Make a wish, clap three times
Dreams come true, it's in the mind
That's alright with me
Your wish is my command
Never thought I'd fall in love again (again)
Again with my best friend
That's alright with me
Friends come and friends may go (friends come)
My friends, you're real, I know
True self, you have shown
You're alright with me
Through thick and thick to thin
I'll love you 'til the end
You know it's true, my friend
You're alright with me
Always and everlasting
This love is just not passing
We're happy as can be
You're alright with me
Alright with me (ah, yeah, alright with me)
Alright with me (ah, yeah, sho-bo-do-bo-do-bo now)
Alright with me (alright with me)
Alright with me (alright with me)
It's alright, baby
It's alright
I'll tell you that it's alright with me
Worlds could end around me
So in love, I can't see
You and me were meant to be
That's sure enough, it's alright with me
Friends come and friends may go
My friends, you're real, I know (alright)
True self, you have shown
You're alright with me
Through thick and thick to thin (sugar)
I'll love you 'til the end (baby)
You know it's true, my friend (sure enough)
You're alright with me
Alright with me (ah, yeah, alright with me)
Alright with me (ah, yeah, sho-bo-do-bo-do-bo now)
Alright with me (alright with me)
Alright with me (alright with me, woo)
It's alright
It's alright, now, it's alright, now, it's alright, now
Alright with me
It's alright, now, it's alright, now, it's alright, now
Alright with me
It's alright, now (alright with me)
It's alright, now (alright with me)
It's alright, now (alright with me)
It's alright, now (alright with me)
Baby, baby, baby, baby (alright with me)
Baby, baby, baby, baby (alright with me)
Baby, baby, baby, baby (alright with me)
Baby, baby, baby, baby (alright with me)
Sho-bo-do-bo-do, sho-bo-do-bo-do
Sho-bo-do-bo-do-bo now, woo (alright)
Sho-bo-do-bo-do, sho-bo-do-bo-do
Sho-bo-do-bo-do-bo now, woo (alright)
Sho-bo-do-bo-do, sho-bo-do-bo-do
Sho-bo-do-bo-do-bo now, woo (alright)
Sho-bo-do-bo-do, sho-bo-do-bo-do
Sho-bo-do-bo-do-bo now, woo (alright)
Baby, baby, baby
Baby, baby, baby (alright with me)
Baby, baby, baby
Baby, baby, baby (alright with me)
(Alright with me)
Sho-bo-do-bo-do, sho-bo-do-bo-do
Sho-bo-do-bo-do, sho-bo-do-bo-do, baby
Sho-bo-do-bo-do, sho-bo-do-bo-do
Sho-bo-do-bo-do, sho-bo-do-bo-do
Baby, baby, baby, baby
Baby, baby, baby, baby
Baby, baby, baby, baby
Baby, baby, baby, baby
I, I, I, I
I, I, I, I
I, I, I, I
I, I, I, I
Woo, woo, woo, woo
Woo, woo, woo, woo
Baby, baby, baby, baby
Baby, baby, baby
Baby, baby, baby, baby
Baby, baby, baby
Writer: James III Harris, Janet Jackson, Terry Lewis
Copyright: Lyrics © BMG Rights Management, Universal Music Publishing Group, O/B/O DistroKid, JANET JACKSON DBA BLACK ICE, Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd., Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Copyright: Lyrics © BMG Rights Management, Universal Music Publishing Group, O/B/O DistroKid, JANET JACKSON DBA BLACK ICE, Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd., Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Interlude: Hey Baby
Baby
Hey, baby
Don't get me in here acting silly now
You're not taping this are you?
Edit
Hey, baby
Don't get me in here acting silly now
You're not taping this are you?
Edit
Writer: Terry Lewis, James III Harris
Copyright: Lyrics © Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd.
Copyright: Lyrics © Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd.
Escapade
As I was walkin' by
Saw you standin' there with a smile
Lookin' shy, you caught my eye
Thought you'd want to hang for a while
Well I'd like to be with you
And you know it's Friday too
I hope you can find the time
This weekend to relax and unwind
My mind's tired
I've worked so hard all week (ooh, all week)
Cashed my check
I'm ready to go
I promise you
I'll show you such a good time
Come on, baby, let's get away
Let's save our troubles for another day
Come go with me, we've got it made
Let me take you on an escapade (let's go)
Escapade
We'll have a good time
Escapade
Leave your worries behind
Escapade
Well, you could be mine
Escapade
An escapade
So don't hold back
Just have a good time, yeah, yeah
We'll make the rules up as we go along
And break them all if we're not havin' fun
Come on, baby, let's get away (ooh)
Let's save our troubles for another day (ooh)
Come go with me, we've got it made (ooh)
Let me take you on an escapade (on an escapade)
Come on, baby, let's get away (ooh)
Let's save our troubles for another day (ooh)
Then go with me, we've got it made (ooh)
Let me take you on an escapade (let's go)
Minneapolis
Come on
Escapade
We'll have a good time
Escapade
Leave your worries behind
Escapade
Well you could be mine
Escapade
An escapade
My mind's tired, worked so hard (ooh, ooh)
Worked so hard all week (through the week)
I just got paid, we've got it made
Ready to go
I promise you, I'll show you such a good time
Come on, baby, let's get away (ooh) (baby, come on, now)
Let's save our troubles for another day (ooh) (save it for another day)
Come go with me, we've got it made (ooh) (baby, come on, now)
Let me take you on an escapade (on an escapade) (take the escapade)
Come on, baby, let's get away (ooh) (baby, come on, now)
Let's save our troubles for another day (ooh) (save it for another day)
Come go with me, we've got it made (ooh) (go on an escapade)
Let me take you on an escapade (let's go)
Come on, baby, let's get away (ooh) (escapade)
Let's save our troubles for another day (ooh) (escapade)
Come go with me, we've got it made (ooh) (escapade)
Let me take you on an escapade (escapade)
On an escapade, baby
Saw you standin' there with a smile
Lookin' shy, you caught my eye
Thought you'd want to hang for a while
Well I'd like to be with you
And you know it's Friday too
I hope you can find the time
This weekend to relax and unwind
My mind's tired
I've worked so hard all week (ooh, all week)
Cashed my check
I'm ready to go
I promise you
I'll show you such a good time
Come on, baby, let's get away
Let's save our troubles for another day
Come go with me, we've got it made
Let me take you on an escapade (let's go)
Escapade
We'll have a good time
Escapade
Leave your worries behind
Escapade
Well, you could be mine
Escapade
An escapade
So don't hold back
Just have a good time, yeah, yeah
We'll make the rules up as we go along
And break them all if we're not havin' fun
Come on, baby, let's get away (ooh)
Let's save our troubles for another day (ooh)
Come go with me, we've got it made (ooh)
Let me take you on an escapade (on an escapade)
Come on, baby, let's get away (ooh)
Let's save our troubles for another day (ooh)
Then go with me, we've got it made (ooh)
Let me take you on an escapade (let's go)
Minneapolis
Come on
Escapade
We'll have a good time
Escapade
Leave your worries behind
Escapade
Well you could be mine
Escapade
An escapade
My mind's tired, worked so hard (ooh, ooh)
Worked so hard all week (through the week)
I just got paid, we've got it made
Ready to go
I promise you, I'll show you such a good time
Come on, baby, let's get away (ooh) (baby, come on, now)
Let's save our troubles for another day (ooh) (save it for another day)
Come go with me, we've got it made (ooh) (baby, come on, now)
Let me take you on an escapade (on an escapade) (take the escapade)
Come on, baby, let's get away (ooh) (baby, come on, now)
Let's save our troubles for another day (ooh) (save it for another day)
Come go with me, we've got it made (ooh) (go on an escapade)
Let me take you on an escapade (let's go)
Come on, baby, let's get away (ooh) (escapade)
Let's save our troubles for another day (ooh) (escapade)
Come go with me, we've got it made (ooh) (escapade)
Let me take you on an escapade (escapade)
On an escapade, baby
Writer: James Samuel Iii Harris, Janet Damita Jo Jackson, Terry Lewis
Copyright: Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group, JANET JACKSON DBA BLACK ICE, Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd.
Copyright: Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group, JANET JACKSON DBA BLACK ICE, Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd.
Writer: James Samuel Harris, Terry Steven Lewis
Copyright: Lyrics © Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd.
Copyright: Lyrics © Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd.
Black Cat
All the lonely nights I spend alone
Never 'round to love me
You're always gone
'Cause you're hangin' out
Breakin' the rules
Oh, the man has come
Lookin' for you
You're a rebel now
Don't give a damn
Always carrying on
With the gang
I'm tryin' to tell ya, boy
It's a mistake
You won't realize
'Til it's too late
Don't understand
Why you insist
On ways of living such a dangerous life
Time after time, you stay away
And I just know that you're telling me lies
Black cat, nine lives
Short days, long nights
Livin' on the edge
Not afraid to die
Heart beat, real strong
But not for long
Better watch your step
Or you're gonna die
You're so together, boy
But just at a glance
You'll do anything
If given the chance
Scheming, planning lies
To get what you need
So full of promises
That you never keep
Don't you tell yourself
That it's okay
Sick and tired of
All of your games
And you want me to stay
Aw, better change
Makes no sense to me
Your crazy ways
Don't understand
Why you insist
On ways of living such a dangerous life
Time after time, you stay away
And I just know that you're telling me lies
Not afraid to die, guitar
Black cat
Black cat
Man, I don't understand your ways
Livin' on the edge
Don't understand
Why you insist
On ways of living such a dangerous life
Time after time, you stay away
And I just know that you're telling me lies
(Fellas) black cat, nine lives
Short days, long nights
Livin' on the edge
Not afraid to die (talking about me)
Heart beat real strong
But not for long
Better watch your step
Or you're gonna die (sing it up)
Black cats, nine lives
Short days, long nights (yeah, yeah)
Livin' on the edge
Not afraid to die (no, don't don't die)
Heart beat real strong
But not for long
Better watch your step
Or you're gonna die
Black cats
Livin' on the
Heartbeat
Better watch your step
Never 'round to love me
You're always gone
'Cause you're hangin' out
Breakin' the rules
Oh, the man has come
Lookin' for you
You're a rebel now
Don't give a damn
Always carrying on
With the gang
I'm tryin' to tell ya, boy
It's a mistake
You won't realize
'Til it's too late
Don't understand
Why you insist
On ways of living such a dangerous life
Time after time, you stay away
And I just know that you're telling me lies
Black cat, nine lives
Short days, long nights
Livin' on the edge
Not afraid to die
Heart beat, real strong
But not for long
Better watch your step
Or you're gonna die
You're so together, boy
But just at a glance
You'll do anything
If given the chance
Scheming, planning lies
To get what you need
So full of promises
That you never keep
Don't you tell yourself
That it's okay
Sick and tired of
All of your games
And you want me to stay
Aw, better change
Makes no sense to me
Your crazy ways
Don't understand
Why you insist
On ways of living such a dangerous life
Time after time, you stay away
And I just know that you're telling me lies
Not afraid to die, guitar
Black cat
Black cat
Man, I don't understand your ways
Livin' on the edge
Don't understand
Why you insist
On ways of living such a dangerous life
Time after time, you stay away
And I just know that you're telling me lies
(Fellas) black cat, nine lives
Short days, long nights
Livin' on the edge
Not afraid to die (talking about me)
Heart beat real strong
But not for long
Better watch your step
Or you're gonna die (sing it up)
Black cats, nine lives
Short days, long nights (yeah, yeah)
Livin' on the edge
Not afraid to die (no, don't don't die)
Heart beat real strong
But not for long
Better watch your step
Or you're gonna die
Black cats
Livin' on the
Heartbeat
Better watch your step
Writer: Janet Jackson
Copyright: Lyrics © JANET JACKSON DBA BLACK ICE
Copyright: Lyrics © JANET JACKSON DBA BLACK ICE
Lonely
Feeling so alone and deserted
With people standing all around you
Should I trust someone
Should I stay off to myself
Alone with no one to talk to
It's such a helpless feeling
So anytime you feel the need
Call me when you're lonely
Cause everybody needs a friend
To be there when they're lonely
So don't isolate yourself
Every time that I come around
A person all alone
Is an unhappy one
We need somebody near to love us
Someone who cares
Living life all by yourselves
Impossible to do and I'll be there for you
Anytime you feel the need
Call me when you're lonely
Cause everybody needs a friend
And I'll be yours if you're lonely
(And if you're all alone)
If you're all alone
And a friend you need
Like a river flows
You hurt, I'll bleed
If you can trust in me
We can find a way
Take away the pain
Time heals all things
Even a lonely state of mind
Cause happiness is oh so hard to find
If you're lonely I will be there
So anytime you feel the need
Call me when you're lonely
Cause everybody needs a friend
To be there when they're lonely
With people standing all around you
Should I trust someone
Should I stay off to myself
Alone with no one to talk to
It's such a helpless feeling
So anytime you feel the need
Call me when you're lonely
Cause everybody needs a friend
To be there when they're lonely
So don't isolate yourself
Every time that I come around
A person all alone
Is an unhappy one
We need somebody near to love us
Someone who cares
Living life all by yourselves
Impossible to do and I'll be there for you
Anytime you feel the need
Call me when you're lonely
Cause everybody needs a friend
And I'll be yours if you're lonely
(And if you're all alone)
If you're all alone
And a friend you need
Like a river flows
You hurt, I'll bleed
If you can trust in me
We can find a way
Take away the pain
Time heals all things
Even a lonely state of mind
Cause happiness is oh so hard to find
If you're lonely I will be there
So anytime you feel the need
Call me when you're lonely
Cause everybody needs a friend
To be there when they're lonely
Writer: EARL T BEAL, RAYMOND W EDWARDS, WILLIAM F HORTON, RICHARD A LEWIS
Copyright: Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Warner/Chappell Music, Inc., Universal Music Publishing Group
Copyright: Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Warner/Chappell Music, Inc., Universal Music Publishing Group
Come Back To Me
Ooh, ooh, ooh
Ooh, ooh
Ooh, ooh, ooh
Ooh, come
Looking through my old drawer
Came across the letter you wrote
Said you needed time away
That was so long ago
All my life, I've waited
To see your smile again
In my mind, I've hated
Not able to let go
Come back to me
I'm beggin' you please
Come back to me
I want you to
Come back to me
I'm beggin' you please
Come back to me
Lord knows that I have tried
To live my life as one
Friends tell me to hold on
Tough times don't last for long
My abandoned heart
Just doesn't understand
My undying love for you
Won't let me wait
Come back to me
I'm beggin' you, please
Come back to me
I want you to
Come back to me
I'm beggin' you, please
Come back to me
I want you to
Come back to me (come back to me)
Come back
I want you to
Come back to me
Come back
Please come back to me
I miss you so much
Wherever you are
I love you
All my life, I've waited
To see your smile again
In my mind, I've hated
Not able to let go
Not able to let go
Oh, no, I won't let you go
No
I don't know what else to say
No, no, no, no
Ooh, ooh
Ooh, ooh, ooh
Ooh, come
Looking through my old drawer
Came across the letter you wrote
Said you needed time away
That was so long ago
All my life, I've waited
To see your smile again
In my mind, I've hated
Not able to let go
Come back to me
I'm beggin' you please
Come back to me
I want you to
Come back to me
I'm beggin' you please
Come back to me
Lord knows that I have tried
To live my life as one
Friends tell me to hold on
Tough times don't last for long
My abandoned heart
Just doesn't understand
My undying love for you
Won't let me wait
Come back to me
I'm beggin' you, please
Come back to me
I want you to
Come back to me
I'm beggin' you, please
Come back to me
I want you to
Come back to me (come back to me)
Come back
I want you to
Come back to me
Come back
Please come back to me
I miss you so much
Wherever you are
I love you
All my life, I've waited
To see your smile again
In my mind, I've hated
Not able to let go
Not able to let go
Oh, no, I won't let you go
No
I don't know what else to say
No, no, no, no
Writer: Terry Lewis, James III Harris, Janet Jackson
Copyright: Lyrics © Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd.
Copyright: Lyrics © Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd.
Someday Is Tonight
Here we are just you and me
Got something for you baby
Wait and see
No need to worry, come follow me
I don't want you to think about anything else
Tonight
We've been together for quite sometime
Now I know that yout love is mine
No more fantasizing of how it would be
Cause tonight all your dreams come true
Ready to give all my love
Won't hold back
Someday is tonight
Let me make your dreams come true
Don't hold back
Someday is tonight
You know I promised
I'd be worth the wait
Now the wait is over baby
Please don't hesitate
Boy you make me tremble
With your warm caress
I never knew I could feel this way
No more fanasizing
You'll ever have to do
Cause tonight baby
All your dreams come true
I want you so bad I can taste it
I'm yours if you want me
Ready to give all my love
Won't hold back
Someday is tonight
Let me make your dreams come true
Don't hold back
Someday is tonight
Got something for you baby
Wait and see
No need to worry, come follow me
I don't want you to think about anything else
Tonight
We've been together for quite sometime
Now I know that yout love is mine
No more fantasizing of how it would be
Cause tonight all your dreams come true
Ready to give all my love
Won't hold back
Someday is tonight
Let me make your dreams come true
Don't hold back
Someday is tonight
You know I promised
I'd be worth the wait
Now the wait is over baby
Please don't hesitate
Boy you make me tremble
With your warm caress
I never knew I could feel this way
No more fanasizing
You'll ever have to do
Cause tonight baby
All your dreams come true
I want you so bad I can taste it
I'm yours if you want me
Ready to give all my love
Won't hold back
Someday is tonight
Let me make your dreams come true
Don't hold back
Someday is tonight
Writer: JAMES SAMUEL III HARRIS, JANET DAMITA JO JACKSON, TERRY LEWIS
Copyright: Lyrics © Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd., JANET JACKSON DBA BLACK ICE
Copyright: Lyrics © Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd., JANET JACKSON DBA BLACK ICE
Interlude: Livin'...In Complete Darkness
Living in a world we didn't make
Living in a world that's filled with hate
Living in a world where grown-ups break the rules
Living in a world we didn't make
Paying for a lot of adult mistakes
How much of this madness can they take
As children
Living in a world we didn't make
Living in a world that's filled with hate
Living in a world where grown-ups break the rules
Living in a world we didn't make
In complete darkness, we are all the same
It is only our knowledge and wisdom that separates us
Don't let your eyes deceive you
Living in a world that's filled with hate
Living in a world where grown-ups break the rules
Living in a world we didn't make
Paying for a lot of adult mistakes
How much of this madness can they take
As children
Living in a world we didn't make
Living in a world that's filled with hate
Living in a world where grown-ups break the rules
Living in a world we didn't make
In complete darkness, we are all the same
It is only our knowledge and wisdom that separates us
Don't let your eyes deceive you
Writer: James Samuel Harris, Terry Steven Lewis
Copyright: Lyrics © Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd.
Copyright: Lyrics © Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd.
Janet Jackson's Rhythm Nation 1814 (also simply known as Rhythm Nation 1814 or Rhythm Nation) is the fourth studio album by American singer Janet Jackson, released on September 19, 1989, by A&M Records. Although label executives wanted material similar to her previous album, Control (1986), Jackson insisted on creating a concept album addressing social issues. Collaborating with songwriters and record producers Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis, she drew inspiration from various tragedies reported through news media, exploring racism, poverty, and substance abuse, in addition to themes of romance. Although its primary concept of a sociopolitical utopia was met with mixed reactions, its composition received critical acclaim. Jackson came to be considered a role model for youth because of her socially conscious lyrics.
As with Control, recording for Rhythm Nation 1814 took place at Lewis and Jam's Flyte Tyme Studios in Minneapolis, Minnesota where they worked in seclusion with Jackson to complete the album. Noted for its use of sampling and utilizing heavily swung synthesized percussion throughout its production, the record encompasses a variety of musical styles, such as new jack swing, hard rock, pop, dance and industrial music. Songs range from mechanized dance rhythms to soft balladry, giving it appeal across multiple radio formats. It is the only album in the history of the US Billboard Hot 100 singles chart to have seven commercial singles peak within the top five positions. It is also the first album to produce number one hits on the chart in three separate calendar years, beginning with "Miss You Much" in 1989, "Escapade" and "Black Cat" in 1990, and culminating with "Love Will Never Do (Without You)" in 1991.
Rhythm Nation 1814 became Jackson's second consecutive album to top the Billboard 200 and was certified 6× Platinum by the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA). It became the best-selling album of 1990 in the United States and has sold an estimated 12 million copies worldwide. Due to its innovative production and lyrical exploration, critics have come to regard it as the pinnacle of Jackson's artistic achievement. Music scholars note the record garnered her a level of cross-cultural appeal unmatched by industry peers. Considered a "landmark" album, it has also been cited as an influence in the works of numerous music artists, setting stylistic trends in the years following its release.
Visuals in music videos and live performances further elevated Jackson's superstardom. The 30-minute Rhythm Nation 1814 film, a film depicting two aspiring musicians whose lives are disrupted by substance abuse, aired on MTV to promote the album. Jackson's Rhythm Nation World Tour 1990 became the most successful debut concert tour by a recording artist at the time. She was regarded as a fashion icon, with various attire from the album's promotional tour and music videos being emulated by youth. Jackson received nine Grammy Award nominations, becoming the first woman to be nominated for Producer of the Year and winning Best Long Form Music Video for Rhythm Nation 1814. Jackson received the MTV Video Vanguard Award and a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame for her significant contributions to popular culture. Her handwritten lyrics to the album's title track "Rhythm Nation" as well as her militaristic uniform for its music video have been preserved by the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. In 2021, the Library of Congress announced it selected the album for preservation in the National Recording Registry as part of the class of 2020, deeming it "culturally, historically, or aesthetically significant."
Performed By:
Janet JacksonAs with Control, recording for Rhythm Nation 1814 took place at Lewis and Jam's Flyte Tyme Studios in Minneapolis, Minnesota where they worked in seclusion with Jackson to complete the album. Noted for its use of sampling and utilizing heavily swung synthesized percussion throughout its production, the record encompasses a variety of musical styles, such as new jack swing, hard rock, pop, dance and industrial music. Songs range from mechanized dance rhythms to soft balladry, giving it appeal across multiple radio formats. It is the only album in the history of the US Billboard Hot 100 singles chart to have seven commercial singles peak within the top five positions. It is also the first album to produce number one hits on the chart in three separate calendar years, beginning with "Miss You Much" in 1989, "Escapade" and "Black Cat" in 1990, and culminating with "Love Will Never Do (Without You)" in 1991.
Rhythm Nation 1814 became Jackson's second consecutive album to top the Billboard 200 and was certified 6× Platinum by the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA). It became the best-selling album of 1990 in the United States and has sold an estimated 12 million copies worldwide. Due to its innovative production and lyrical exploration, critics have come to regard it as the pinnacle of Jackson's artistic achievement. Music scholars note the record garnered her a level of cross-cultural appeal unmatched by industry peers. Considered a "landmark" album, it has also been cited as an influence in the works of numerous music artists, setting stylistic trends in the years following its release.
Visuals in music videos and live performances further elevated Jackson's superstardom. The 30-minute Rhythm Nation 1814 film, a film depicting two aspiring musicians whose lives are disrupted by substance abuse, aired on MTV to promote the album. Jackson's Rhythm Nation World Tour 1990 became the most successful debut concert tour by a recording artist at the time. She was regarded as a fashion icon, with various attire from the album's promotional tour and music videos being emulated by youth. Jackson received nine Grammy Award nominations, becoming the first woman to be nominated for Producer of the Year and winning Best Long Form Music Video for Rhythm Nation 1814. Jackson received the MTV Video Vanguard Award and a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame for her significant contributions to popular culture. Her handwritten lyrics to the album's title track "Rhythm Nation" as well as her militaristic uniform for its music video have been preserved by the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. In 2021, the Library of Congress announced it selected the album for preservation in the National Recording Registry as part of the class of 2020, deeming it "culturally, historically, or aesthetically significant."
Genre(s): Pop, R&B, new jack swing, funk
Producer(s): James "Jimmy Jam" Harris, Terry Lewis, Janet Jackson, Jellybean Johnson
Length: 64:34
Released: September 19th, 1989
Year: 1989