Just like most Janet songs, Damita Jo was produced by Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis
Damita Jo
Janet Jackson Lyrics
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Sexy, quiet
Shy, but down for a good time
Taurus, my sign
Like rain, but love the sunshine
Makin' headlines
Feel I'm too deep to define
But I'm livin' the diva life
The Damita Jo
Do you like me? Do you want me?
Just for what you see
The Damita Jo
Do you think that I'm that person
You watch on TV
The Damita Jo
There's another side that I don't hide
But might never show
The Damita Jo
If you wanna get close, baby, you can't
'Til you get to know
A friend and a lover
A sister, freak undercover
I do movies, I do dance
I do music, I love doin' my man
I want a nasty boy to put it on me good
Ms. Jackson don't, but Damita sure could
A little lady, a whole lotta class
But do me wrong, I'll get in that ass
The Damita Jo
Do you like me? Do you want me?
Just for what you see
The Damita Jo
Do you think that I'm that person
You watch on TV
The Damita Jo
There's another side that I don't hide
But might never show
The Damita Jo
If you wanna get close, baby, you can't
'Til you get to know
The Damita Jo
Do you like me? Do you want me?
Just for what you see
The Damita Jo
Do you think that I'm that person
You watch on TV
The Damita Jo
There's another side that I don't hide
But might never show
The Damita Jo
If you wanna get close, baby, you can't
'Til you get to know
Ooh, I'm gon' tell your daddy
I'm gon' tell your momma, mmm-hmm
Mmm, mmm, mmm
Yeah, girl
Sometimes you just want to play
Sometimes you just want to play
Janet Jackson's song "Damita Jo" is an introspective look at her persona and the various facets that make up her identity. The opening lines of the song describe the different sides that coexist within her. She portrays herself as "sexy, quiet, shy, but down for a good time," which seems to suggest that she has various complexities within her that might not be immediately visible to those around her. The reference to her zodiac sign, Taurus, highlights her earthy nature that loves sunshine but also the rain, which stresses on the duality of nature that humans often embody.
The chorus of the song, "The Damita Jo," represents the different public perceptions that have been created of her over the years due to her celebrity status. She wonders if people like and want her only because of what they see on TV or if they are interested in discovering the real person underneath the public facade. She reveals that there is another side to herself that she doesn't always show to the world but might reveal when she is comfortable with someone.
In the second verse, Jackson characterizes herself as a multifaceted individual who can be a friend, a lover, a sister, a freak, an actress, a dancer, and a singer. She acknowledges that she has a good girl reputation like her brother but is willing to indulge in certain "nasty" moments, making it clear that her public image might not always align with her private life.
Overall, "Damita Jo" is a song about identity and perception. Jackson reflects on who she is and the different impressions that people have of her based on her public image, making it clear that there are many complexities that people might not be aware of.
Line by Line Meaning
Sexy, quiet
I have a seductive and alluring aura, while keeping calm and reserved.
Shy, but down for a good time
Although I may be a bit timid, I'm always ready to have fun and enjoy myself.
Taurus, my sign
I was born under the astrological sign of Taurus, indicating that I am sensual, determined, and practical.
Like rain, but love the sunshine
I appreciate diversity and contrast, enjoying both the moody and peaceful moments of life.
Makin' headlines
My actions and persona often attract attention and media coverage.
Feel I'm too deep to define
I believe that there is much more to me than just what meets the eye, and that I cannot be easily summarized or categorized.
Simple inside
At my core, I am uncomplicated and grounded.
But I'm livin' the diva life
Despite my simplicity, I still enjoy indulging in luxurious and extravagant experiences.
The Damita Jo
This is my alter ego or stage name, through which I express different aspects of my personality.
Do you like me? Do you want me?
Just for what you see
Are you interested in me only based on my public image and persona?
Do you think that I'm that person
You watch on TV
Do you assume that I am exactly the same as I appear on television or in the media?
There's another side that I don't hide
But might never show
I have a private and personal side that I don't necessarily reveal to the public, even though it is a part of who I am.
If you wanna get close, baby, you can't
'Til you get to know
If you want to truly understand me and form a connection, you need to look beyond the surface and get to know the real me.
A friend and a lover
A sister, freak undercover
I do movies, I do dance
I do music, I love doin' my man
I am multifaceted and talented, both in my personal life and in my career. I am a loyal friend and passionate lover, and I express my sexuality and sensuality in various ways.
I want a nasty boy to put it on me good
Ms. Jackson don't, but Damita sure could
I have a desire for sexual satisfaction and exploration, and although my public persona may be more demure, my alter ego allows me to express those desires.
A little lady, a whole lotta class
But do me wrong, I'll get in that ass
I may appear refined and sophisticated, but if someone crosses me or treats me poorly, I won't hesitate to stand up for myself and assert my strength.
Mmm, mmm, mmm
Yeah, girl
This demonstrates my confidence and sassiness, as well as my ability to command attention and admiration.
Sometimes you just want to play
This line is a simple reminder that sometimes it's okay to let loose and enjoy yourself without it being too serious or complicated.
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd., Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: Lester Abrams, Bobby Ross Jr. Avila, Izzy Avila, James Samuel Iii Harris, James Harris III, Terry Lewis
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind