Thank you Louise for another easy to understand explanation of a vaguely familiar song that I must have heard several times but without a slightest understanding of its lyrics and meaning. I don't know how old this song is, but when it was released I was much younger and I didn't even try to understand the meaning of the song. I only understood the rhythm or beat (and maybe harp dance on MTV). Today I watched the music video after reading your explanation, hoping that I hear the lyrics. To my shock and embarrassment, I didn’t hear most of them (after studying English for so many years). But with the help of transcription, I was able to read and understand what they sing. Enjoying songs based on sound, rhythm, melody, beat (as if listening to instrumental music) is okay, but understanding what they say when listening is much better. Thank you, Louise.
Thank YOU, Mitsuru. It is wonderful to hear that these articles are useful to people, especially learners of English, no matter what level.
This might surprise you, but even I can't understand all the lyrics all the time. I also don't know what some of them mean! That's my homework, to look up the historical or cultural context, and to interpret the lyrics the best I can. I am learning right along with you. 🙃
This is one of my favorite songs, and certainly one of my favorite Janet songs. It’s been in my workout playlist for years. It’s got an amazing tempo and beat, and the lyrics are so empowering. I even got my niece into JJ and she listens now too.
Funny story: my husband was a high school TESOL and English teacher some years before we met. One time he approached a female student who had on headphones and a CD player/walkman. When he went to take the unit from her, she scowled at him and said, “don’t mess with Janet!” 😆
It’s become one of my favorite things to say both to him and to anyone around me when a Janet song comes on. She was the Queen well before the likes of Beyoncé, in my opinion.
Oh I remember this song, Louise! Like @Mitsuru, I very much enjoyed the beat and energy of the song and never could quite make out the lyrics, but now can appreciate, anew, the lyrics, with your provision of them for us. :) (And I am a native English speaker, lol.) Don't mess with Janet! Lol @Amythetonic.
I’m. It sure this is my favorite line Louise but “This is the test, no struggle, no progress” says so much to me in this day and age of youngsters who think everything should be handed to them on a plate, no effort on their part, no hard work, no struggle! I see it every day!
The young of today are so entitled.
Strangely, I don’t think I’ve ever heard this song - I may use it for an upcoming lesson - thank you! 🙏🏽
Thank you Louise for another easy to understand explanation of a vaguely familiar song that I must have heard several times but without a slightest understanding of its lyrics and meaning. I don't know how old this song is, but when it was released I was much younger and I didn't even try to understand the meaning of the song. I only understood the rhythm or beat (and maybe harp dance on MTV). Today I watched the music video after reading your explanation, hoping that I hear the lyrics. To my shock and embarrassment, I didn’t hear most of them (after studying English for so many years). But with the help of transcription, I was able to read and understand what they sing. Enjoying songs based on sound, rhythm, melody, beat (as if listening to instrumental music) is okay, but understanding what they say when listening is much better. Thank you, Louise.
Mitsuru
Thank YOU, Mitsuru. It is wonderful to hear that these articles are useful to people, especially learners of English, no matter what level.
This might surprise you, but even I can't understand all the lyrics all the time. I also don't know what some of them mean! That's my homework, to look up the historical or cultural context, and to interpret the lyrics the best I can. I am learning right along with you. 🙃
Thank you for reading!
This is one of my favorite songs, and certainly one of my favorite Janet songs. It’s been in my workout playlist for years. It’s got an amazing tempo and beat, and the lyrics are so empowering. I even got my niece into JJ and she listens now too.
Funny story: my husband was a high school TESOL and English teacher some years before we met. One time he approached a female student who had on headphones and a CD player/walkman. When he went to take the unit from her, she scowled at him and said, “don’t mess with Janet!” 😆
It’s become one of my favorite things to say both to him and to anyone around me when a Janet song comes on. She was the Queen well before the likes of Beyoncé, in my opinion.
Oh I remember this song, Louise! Like @Mitsuru, I very much enjoyed the beat and energy of the song and never could quite make out the lyrics, but now can appreciate, anew, the lyrics, with your provision of them for us. :) (And I am a native English speaker, lol.) Don't mess with Janet! Lol @Amythetonic.
Exactly‼️
🥀✨️YES! YES! YEEESSSS!!!! 🫰🏾😎
#Janfam🫶🏽
I’m. It sure this is my favorite line Louise but “This is the test, no struggle, no progress” says so much to me in this day and age of youngsters who think everything should be handed to them on a plate, no effort on their part, no hard work, no struggle! I see it every day!
The young of today are so entitled.
Strangely, I don’t think I’ve ever heard this song - I may use it for an upcoming lesson - thank you! 🙏🏽