Janet Jackson

Released: September 19, 1989

Songwriter: Terry Lewis Sly Stone Jimmy Jam Janet Jackson

Producer: Jimmy Jam & Terry Lewis

[Spoken]
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

[Verse 1]
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

[Chorus]
People of the world today
Are we looking for a better way of life
Sing!
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

[Verse 2]
This is the test, no struggle no progress (Lend)
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 now

[Chorus]
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

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

[Interlude]
Bass
Bass
Bass

[Bridge]
We
Sing it people
Are
Say it children
Sing it if you want a better way of life
We
Sing it people
Are
Say it children
Sing it if you want a better way of life

[Interlude]
Bass
Bass
Bass

[Chorus]
People of the world today
Are we looking for a better way of life
Sing!
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

People of the world today
Are we looking for a better way of life
Sing!
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

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.

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Rhythm Nation (Single Edit with Pledge)Janet Jackson

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Number Ones