The Meaning Behind The Song: Let’s Wait Awhile by Janet Jackson
Janet Jackson’s song, “Let’s Wait Awhile,” was released in 1986 as a single from her third album, “Control.” The song was written by songwriters Melanie Andrews, John Barnes, and Janet Jackson herself. “Let’s Wait Awhile” became a hit and one of Jackson’s signature songs. The lyrics of the song touch upon the themes of love, patience, and abstinence. In this article, we will explore the meaning behind the song and its impact on Jackson’s career.
The Lyrics of “Let’s Wait Awhile”
The lyrics of “Let’s Wait Awhile” are about being cautious in a relationship and not rushing into sex. The song’s chorus says, “Let’s wait awhile, before it’s too late, let’s wait awhile, our love will be great.” The verses describe the narrator’s fear of rushing into intimacy and her desire to make sure the relationship is real before taking that step.
Janet Jackson’s Inspiration for “Let’s Wait Awhile”
In an interview with Rolling Stone, Janet Jackson said that the inspiration for “Let’s Wait Awhile” came from a conversation she had with friends about how fast relationships were progressing in the 1980s. She felt that there was too much pressure on young people to have sex and that they were not taking the time to get to know each other. Jackson wanted to create a song that promoted the idea of slowing down and waiting until the relationship was ready.
The Impact of “Let’s Wait Awhile” on Janet Jackson’s Career
“Let’s Wait Awhile” was one of the biggest hits from “Control,” and it helped solidify Janet Jackson’s place in the music industry. The song reached number two on the Billboard Hot 100 chart and won a Soul Train Music Award for Best R&B/Soul Single, Female. The theme of abstinence was uncommon in popular music at the time, which made the song stand out and resonate with many listeners.
The Legacy of “Let’s Wait Awhile”
“Let’s Wait Awhile” has become a classic love song and is still played on radio stations today. The message of taking things slow and being patient in love is still relevant, even in a culture that is more sexually liberal than it was in the 1980s. The song has been covered by many artists, including rapper Common and singer Brandy.
FAQs
1. What inspired Janet Jackson to write “Let’s Wait Awhile”?
Janet Jackson was inspired to write “Let’s Wait Awhile” after a conversation with friends about how fast relationships were progressing in the 1980s. She felt that there was too much pressure on young people to have sex and that they were not taking the time to get to know each other. Jackson wanted to create a song that promoted the idea of slowing down and waiting until the relationship was ready.
2. What is the main message of “Let’s Wait Awhile”?
The main message of “Let’s Wait Awhile” is about being cautious in a relationship and not rushing into sex. The song’s chorus says, “Let’s wait awhile, before it’s too late, let’s wait awhile, our love will be great.” The verses describe the narrator’s fear of rushing into intimacy and her desire to make sure the relationship is real before taking that step.
3. Why did “Let’s Wait Awhile” become one of Janet Jackson’s signature songs?
“Let’s Wait Awhile” became one of Janet Jackson’s signature songs because it resonated with many listeners and solidified her place in the music industry. The song reached number two on the Billboard Hot 100 chart and won a Soul Train Music Award for Best R&B/Soul Single, Female. The theme of abstinence was uncommon in popular music at the time, which made the song stand out.
4. Who wrote “Let’s Wait Awhile”?
“Let’s Wait Awhile” was written by songwriters Melanie Andrews, John Barnes, and Janet Jackson herself.
5. What impact did “Let’s Wait Awhile” have on popular music in the 1980s?
“Let’s Wait Awhile” was one of the first songs to promote the idea of abstinence and taking things slow in a relationship, which was uncommon in popular music at the time. The song’s success helped to introduce this message to a wider audience and gave a voice to those who were promoting this idea.
6. Why is “Let’s Wait Awhile” still relevant today?
The message of “Let’s Wait Awhile” is still relevant today because it promotes the idea of taking things slow and being patient in love. In a culture that is more sexually liberal than it was in the 1980s, the song’s message serves as a reminder that rushing into intimacy can have negative consequences.
7. How did “Let’s Wait Awhile” impact Janet Jackson’s career?
“Let’s Wait Awhile” was one of the biggest hits from Janet Jackson’s album “Control” and helped to solidify her place in the music industry. The song’s success led to more opportunities for Jackson and helped to establish her as one of the most influential artists of the 1980s.
8. Was “Let’s Wait Awhile” controversial at the time of its release?
“Let’s Wait Awhile” was not controversial at the time of its release, but it did stand out as a song with a unique message. The theme of abstinence was not common in popular music, but the song’s success showed that there was an audience for this type of message.
9. How has “Let’s Wait Awhile” been covered by other artists?
“Let’s Wait Awhile” has been covered by many artists, including rapper Common and singer Brandy. The song’s message of taking things slow and being patient in love is still relevant today and has inspired many artists to cover the song.
10. What other songs did Janet Jackson release on her album “Control”?
On her album “Control,” Janet Jackson released several other songs, including “Nasty,” “What Have You Done For Me Lately,” and “The Pleasure Principle.” These songs helped to establish Jackson as one of the most influential artists of the 1980s and solidified her place in the music industry.
11. What awards did “Let’s Wait Awhile” win?
“Let’s Wait Awhile” won a Soul Train Music Award for Best R&B/Soul Single, Female.
12. What is Janet Jackson’s legacy in the music industry?
Janet Jackson’s legacy in the music industry is that she was one of the most influential artists of the 1980s. Her unique sound and style helped to shape the music of that decade, and her influence has continued to be felt in the years since. She is known for promoting messages of empowerment, love, and self-acceptance in her music.
