Nasty
Janet Jackson Lyrics
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Sittin' in the movie show, thinkin' nasty thoughts, huh
Better be a gentleman, or you turn me off, huh
That's right
A-let me tell it
Nasty, nasty boys, don't mean a thing, huh
Nasty, nasty boys, don't ever change, huh
Oh, you nasty boys
I don't like no nasty car, I don't like a nasty food, huh (ooh, ooh, yeah)
The only nasty thing I like is the nasty groove, huh
Will this one do?
Uh-huh, I know, sing
Nasty, nasty boys, don't mean a thing, huh
Oh, you nasty boys
Nasty, nasty boys, don't ever change, huh
Oh, you nasty boys
Nasty, nasty boys, give me your nasty groove, huh
Oh, you nasty boys
Nasty, nasty boys, let me see your nasty body move, huh
Oh, you nasty boys
I could learn to like this
Listen up
I'm not a prude (no)
I just want some respect (that's right)
So close the door if you want me to respond (ooh, ooh, yeah)
'Cause privacy is my middle name
My last name is Control
No, my first name ain't baby
It's Janet, Miss Jackson if you're nasty
Nasty, nasty boys, don't mean a thing
Oh, you nasty boys
Nasty, nasty boys, don't ever change, huh
Oh, you nasty boys
Nasty boys don't mean a thing
Oh, you nasty boys
Don't mean a thing to me, uh
Nasty, don't mean a thing, uh
Oh, you nasty boys, uh
I love this part
Hey
Who's that thinkin' nasty thoughts? (Nasty boys)
Who's that in that nasty car? (Nasty boys)
Who's that eating that nasty food? (Nasty boys)
Who's jamming to my nasty groove? (Nasty boys)
Ladies?
Nasty boys
Don't mean a thing
Oh, you nasty boys
Janet Jackson's song "Nasty" is about her desire for a man who embodies a certain level of class and maturity. She begins the song by setting the scene in the movie theater where she is sitting, thinking "nasty thoughts" but warns any potential suitors that they better behave like gentlemen, or she will be turned off. Throughout the song, Janet continues to emphasize that she is not interested in anything "nasty" except for the "nasty groove."
The chorus repeats the phrase "nasty boys" and how they "don't mean a thing." Janet explains that she doesn't like "nasty cars" or "nasty food," rather the only thing she likes that is "nasty" is the music. She is proud of her sexuality but draws a clear line between what she considers to be classy and trashy.
In the bridge, she says that she is not a prude, but she wants respect and privacy. She emphasizes her control and independence by referring to herself as "Miss Jackson" and not "baby." The song ends with Janet asking who is "thinking nasty thoughts," eating "nasty food," and driving a "nasty car" before repeating the chorus one final time.
Line by Line Meaning
Gimme a beat
Janet Jackson requests a rhythm or music so she can begin singing her song.
Sittin' in the movie show, thinkin' nasty thoughts, huh
Janet Jackson reflects on having dirty or erotic fantasies while seated inside a movie theater.
Better be a gentleman, or you turn me off, huh
Janet Jackson wants her admirers to act decently and respectfully towards her or risk turning her off.
That's right
Janet Jackson emphasizes her opinion or statement as accurate and true.
A-let me tell it
Janet Jackson emphasizes her position as the authority in telling the story about "nasty boys" through her song.
Nasty, nasty boys, don't mean a thing, huh
Janet Jackson suggests that undesirable men, referred to as "nasty boys" hold a meaningless or insignificant position in her life.
Oh, you nasty boys
Janet Jackson refers to and addresses the undesirable men as "nasty boys".
Don't ever change, huh
Janet Jackson wants the "nasty boys" to keep being their undesirable selves, as she doesn't wish to have anything to do with them.
I don't like no nasty car, I don't like a nasty food, huh (ooh, ooh, yeah)
Janet Jackson makes it clear that she does not like things that have any hint of "nastiness", except for the "nasty groove" which she enjoys dancing to.
The only nasty thing I like is the nasty groove, huh
Janet Jackson clarifies that the only "nasty" thing she likes is the upbeat rhythm of music that she finds enjoyable to dance to.
Will this one do?
Janet Jackson asks if the music being played is the "nasty groove" that she likes to dance to.
Uh-huh, I know, sing
Janet Jackson affirms that the music playing is indeed the "nasty groove" she likes, and proceeds to sing to it.
Nasty, nasty boys, don't mean a thing, huh
Janet Jackson repeats that undesirable men, referred to as "nasty boys" hold no significance in her life.
Nasty, nasty boys, give me your nasty groove, huh
Janet Jackson directly requests the men who enjoy the nasty groove to dance with her.
Let me see your nasty body move, huh
Janet Jackson instructs the men to show her their worst moves on the dance floor and have fun with her.
I could learn to like this
Janet Jackson acknowledges that she is enjoying this dance and might be willing to get closer to the men on the dance floor.
I'm not a prude (no)
Janet Jackson clarifies that she is not a prudish woman.
I just want some respect (that's right)
Janet Jackson wants her wishes and choices to be respected, as she deserves to be acknowledged as a woman with dignity and self-worth.
So close the door if you want me to respond (ooh, ooh, yeah)
Janet Jackson challenges the men who would want to enjoy her company to prove themselves by creating a private space for her to respond to their advancements.
'Cause privacy is my middle name
Janet Jackson lets the men know that she values her privacy and wants to keep her life private, although she is a celebrity.
My last name is Control
Janet Jackson reiterates that she has strong self-control and takes charge of her life.
No, my first name ain't baby
Janet Jackson objects to men calling her "baby", as she takes her identity as a mature woman seriously.
It's Janet, Miss Jackson if you're nasty
Janet Jackson asserts her identity and reminds the men of her reputation, specifying that they should address her as "Miss Jackson" if they want any chance to relate to her.
Nasty boys don't mean a thing
Janet Jackson repeats that undesirable men hold no cultural, personal or artistic significance in her life.
Don't mean a thing to me, uh
Janet Jackson reassures that she has a sincere, unequivocal aversion towards the "nasty boys".
Ladies?
Janet Jackson seeks to address other women in her audience.
Who's that thinkin' nasty thoughts? (Nasty boys)
Janet Jackson questions the women in her audience whether they perceive themselves as undesirable men by asking, "who's thinking nasty thoughts?" and immediately answering herself by saying, "nasty boys".
Who's that in that nasty car? (Nasty boys)
Janet Jackson reminds the women in the room that the only people who drive nasty cars are undesirable, dirty men.
Who's that eating that nasty food? (Nasty boys)
Janet Jackson points out that men who eat disgustingly or offensively are the same men who are considered undesirable, "nasty boys".
Who's jamming to my nasty groove? (Nasty boys)
Janet Jackson reminds the women in the room that the men dancing with her are the only 'nasty boys' that are welcome, as they are those who enjoy the 'nasty groove'.
Nasty boys don't mean a thing
Janet Jackson reiterates once again that undesirable men hold no value in her life.
Don't mean a thing to me, uh
Janet Jackson alleviates any doubts about her position on the "nasty boys".
Lyrics © Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd.
Written by: Terry Lewis, James Harris III
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@janetjacksonfan6580
"No, my first name ain't baby
It's Janet... Ms. Jackson if you're nasty" Ah yes the most used quote in history!
@chiquitajenkins7380
3:01 U exactly right. It is a Famous quote💕🔥
@glenevansburns1128
Plus we all have sung it in the showers lol
@cannachrissd
I'ma dude and I still say it, just like her too hahahaha so funny. I love Ms.Jackson. Been loving her since I saw her in Different Strokes.
@daviancasmith3039
I used it everyday! 💯🤣👏🏽
@justmeonthebeach
Yes, it really is the most famous lyrics in this song.. "No, my first name ain't baby
It's Janet... Ms. Jackson if you're nasty!" 😄
@DeSHANTAB718
Paula Abduls signature choreography always stands out. You can hear her vocals in the background as well. Janet is just a Masterpiece that can't be duplicated . TFS !
@jaquandamartin5242
She was in the beginning of the video too😊
@damianjohan
Paula didn't sing on the album, just lip synced in the video.
@erichill612
@@damianjohan Thank you!