The tenth and youngest child of the Jackson family, she began her career with the variety television series The Jacksons in 1976 and went on to appear in other television shows throughout the 1970s and early 1980s, including Good Times, Diff'rent Strokes, and Fame. After signing a recording contract with A&M Records in 1982, she became a pop icon following the release of her third and fourth studio albums Control (1986) and Rhythm Nation 1814 (1989). Her collaborations with record producers Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis incorporated elements of rhythm and blues, funk, disco, rap, and industrial beats, which led to crossover success in popular music.
In 1991, Jackson signed the first of two record-breaking multimillion-dollar contracts with Virgin Records, establishing her as one of the highest-paid artists in the industry. Prior to her first studio project with Virgin, she appeared in her first of several lead film roles in Poetic Justice (1993). Her two studio albums which followed, Janet (1993) and The Velvet Rope (1997), saw her develop a public image as a sex symbol. These records, along with their promotional music videos and live performances in concert tours, branded Jackson as one of the world's most erotic performers, garnering both criticism and praise. By the end of the 1990s, she was named by Billboard magazine as the second most successful recording artist of the decade after Mariah Carey. The release of her seventh studio album All for You in 2001 coincided with a celebration of her impact on the recording industry as the subject of the inaugural MTV Icon special.
The backlash from the 2004 Super Bowl XXXVIII halftime show controversy resulted in an industry blacklisting under the direction of Les Moonves, then-CEO of CBS Corporation. Jackson subsequently experienced reduced radio airplay, televised promotion and sales figures from that point forward. After parting ways with Virgin Records, she released her tenth studio album Discipline (2008), her first and only album with Island Records. In 2015, she partnered with BMG Rights Management to launch her own record label, Rhythm Nation and released her eleventh studio album Unbreakable the same year. Since then she has continued to release music as an independent artist.
Having sold over 100 million records, Jackson is one of the world's best-selling music artists. She has amassed an extensive catalog, with singles such as "Nasty", "Rhythm Nation", "That's the Way Love Goes", "Together Again", and "All for You"; she holds the record for the most consecutive top-ten entries on the US Billboard Hot 100 singles chart with 18. She is also the only artist in the history of the chart to have seven commercial singles from one album (Rhythm Nation 1814) peak within the top five positions. In 2008, Billboard placed her number seven on its list of the Hot 100 All-Time Top Artists, and in 2010 ranked her fifth among the "Top 50 R&B/Hip-Hop Artists of the Past 25 Years". In December 2016, the magazine named her the second most successful dance club artist after Madonna. One of the world's most awarded artists, her accolades include five Grammy Awards, eleven Billboard Music Awards, eleven American Music Awards, a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, and eight Guinness World Records entries. In 2019, she was inducted to the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. Jackson has been cited as an inspiration among numerous performers and credited with elevating a standard of sound, showmanship and sex appeal expected of pop stars.
Pretty Boy
Janet Jackson Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Every minute goes by, I still need your lovin' hand, oh no
I like ones that talk, no noise, baby, uh huh
I like you, you're such a pretty choice, uh huh
[Chorus]
I like to play for you
You're such a pretty toy
You're such a pretty boy
Yes you are, yes you are, baby
Everybody knows, yes you are
Yes you are, baby
Love to take you in my arms
Share my secrets, to know my charm
You look so fine, I can't trust myself, baby
I'll do anything for you,
If you promise not to tell
[Chorus]
Sing it up, ooh...
All I want is a pretty toy
All I need is a pretty boy
Yes you are, ooh, baby
Listen, I don't want your money
But I do need your honey
Then again, I'll take anything you've got
I think it's kind of funny
When you spend my money
But it's all right 'cause
You make me high pretty baby
Yes you are, yes you are, baby
Everybody knows, yes you are
Yes you are, babe
Get up
1... 2... 1, 2, 3, 4!
Play your funky horn
Play your funky horn
In "Pretty Boy," Janet Jackson sings about her infatuation with a good-looking man. She confesses that despite her attraction to guys who are not talkative, she likes him since he's a "pretty choice." She goes on to promise to share her secrets with him if he'll keep them to himself, and she'll do everything for him so long as he doesn't cross her. Jackson croons about how she enjoys playing for him and refers to him as a "pretty toy" and a "pretty boy" throughout the catchy chorus. What makes this song stand out is the way it blends the catchy chorus with a steady beat to create a memorable pop song that fans still enjoy.
Jackson uses the concept of a "pretty boy" as a metaphor for a guy that she's interested in, but it's possible that there's more to it than that. It's possible that the song is a criticism of objectification and female stereotypes in the entertainment industry, where women are often valued solely for their physical appearance. The song's title and lyrics can also serve as a commentary on the excessive focus on beauty and appearance in contemporary culture. By having Jackson sing about a "pretty boy," she's emphasizing that she wants more from this person than just an attractive exterior.
Line by Line Meaning
Every girl, I know, wants a pretty man, uh huh
I have observed that most girls desire a man who looks attractive
Every minute goes by, I still need your lovin' hand, oh no
I constantly require your affection and support
I like ones that talk, no noise, baby, uh huh
I am attracted to men who speak with purpose and clarity, and not just for the sake of making noise
I like you, you're such a pretty choice, uh huh
You in particular caught my attention because of your good looks
I like to play for you
You're such a pretty toy
Please let me play for you
You're such a pretty boy
Yes you are, yes you are, baby
Everybody knows, yes you are
Yes you are, baby
I enjoy entertaining you, as you are so appealing. Your attractiveness is widely acknowledged and appreciated
Love to take you in my arms
Share my secrets, to know my charm
You look so fine, I can't trust myself, baby
I'll do anything for you,
If you promise not to tell
I desire to hold you close, confide in you, and impress you with my charm. You are too good-looking, and I find myself losing self-control. I am willing to do anything for you, as long as you keep it a secret
Sing it up, ooh...
All I want is a pretty toy
All I need is a pretty boy
Yes you are, ooh, baby
I am singing with joy, and all I want is a handsome man to play with. You are everything I require, and I am pleased with you
Listen, I don't want your money
But I do need your honey
Then again, I'll take anything you've got
I think it's kind of funny
When you spend my money
But it's all right 'cause
You make me high pretty baby
Yes you are, yes you are, baby
Everybody knows, yes you are
Yes you are, babe
Get up
I am not interested in your money, but I do desire your love and affection. Nevertheless, I will take whatever you have to offer. I find it amusing when you spend my resources on me. But it's okay, as being with you makes me feel amazing. You are desirable and everybody knows it. Let's dance!
Play your funky horn
Play your funky horn
Keep playing your amazing music and making me feel happy
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: JESSE WOODS JOHNSON
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind