Janet Jackson

Released: September 19, 1989

Songwriter: Jimmy Jam Terry Lewis Janet Jackson

Producer: Janet Jackson Jimmy Jam & Terry Lewis

[Youth Choir]
Livin' in a world we didn't make
Livin' in a world that's filled with hate
Livin' in a world where grown-ups break the rules
Livin' in a world we didn't make
Payin' for a lot of adult mistakes
How much of this madness can we take as children?
Livin' in a world we didn't make
Livin' in a world that's filled with hate
Livin' in a world where grown-ups break the rules
Livin' in a world we didn't make

[Spoken: Janet]
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

Janet Damita Jo Jackson is an iconic R&B/pop artist who has sold over 100 million records worldwide and has amassed a number of awards in her illustrious music career.

Born in Gary, Indiana on May 16, 1966, Janet is the youngest of the Jackson family, who rose to prominence a few years after her birth when they signed with Motown Records. Janet joined the family business when she appeared on The Jacksons variety show in 1976, leading to her role as Penny Gordon in Season 5 of the CBS sitcom Good Times. She released two overlooked albums in the early 1980s—Janet Jackson (1982) and Dream Street (1984)—and continued to act during this time, appearing in Diff'rent Strokes and Fame.

The legend of Janet was created after she connected with the legendary Minneapolis production duo Jimmy Jam & Terry Lewis to work on her seminal third album, Control. Control and her following album, 1989’s Rhythm Nation 1814, featured several #1 pop hits and made her a worldwide superstar. The trio would go on work on Janet’s subsequent hit albums, including janet., The Velvet Rope, as well as her 2015 comeback album, Unbreakable.

more tracks from the album

Janet Jackson’s Rhythm Nation 1814

From the album

Janet Jackson’s Rhythm Nation 1814 (1989)

Janet Jackson popular songs

Interlude: Livin’...In Complete DarknessJanet Jackson

Janet Jackson

Janet Jackson’s Rhythm Nation 1814