About The Song
“Let’s Wait Awhile” is a song by American singer Janet Jackson from her third studio album Control (1986). It was released on January 6, 1987 on A&M Records as the album’s fifth single. The song was written and produced by Jackson and Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis, with Melanie Andrews serving as co-writer. It is also the first song Jackson co-produced. “Let’s Wait Awhile” was inspired by intimate moments and conversations Andrews had with her first love and boyfriend. Just young teenagers at the time, the couple decided through those conversations to postpone sexual intimacy within their relationship until the time was right.
The song received generally favorable reviews from music critics, who praised the track’s sweetness and Jackson’s tender delivery. It was also praised for its meaningful message, considered to be a teaching tool to encourage sexual abstinence amidst the AIDS crisis at the time. In the United States, “Let’s Wait Awhile” peaked at number two on the Billboard Hot 100 and Adult Contemporary charts, while topping the Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs chart. Internationally, it reached number three in the United Kingdom, where she made her debut on the BBC’s Top of the Pops on March 26, 1987, and number four in Ireland, in addition to charting within the top 40 in several other countries. It has been included on two of Jackson’s greatest hits albums, Design of a Decade: 1986–1996 (1995) and Number Ones (2009).
A music video for “Let’s Wait Awhile,” directed by Dominic Sena, co-stars martial artist and actor Taimak, and tells the story of a couple in love. Jackson has performed the song live on all of her tours, beginning with the Rhythm Nation World Tour 1990 through the Unbreakable World Tour (2015–16), receiving praise for her vocal performance. The song has been covered and sampled in numerous songs throughout the years.
Video
Lyrics
There’s something I want to tell you
There’s something I think that you should know
It’s not that I shouldn’t really love you
Let’s take it slow
When we get to know each other
And we’re both feeling much stronger
Then let’s try to talk it over
Let’s wait awhile longer
Let’s wait awhile
Before it’s too late
Let’s wait awhile
Before we go too far
Remember that special night?
When all of the stars where shining bright
We made our first endeavor
To stay together
We made our very first promise
To love, to share
And be real honest
But on that very first night
It wasn’t quite right
Let’s wait awhile
Before it’s too late
Let’s wait awhile
Our love will be great
Let’s wait awhile
Before we go too far
I didn’t really know not to let all my feelings show
To save some for later so our love can be greater
You said you would always love me
Remember I said the same thing too
You don’t have to be frightened with my love
Because I’ll never give up on you
Let’s wait awhile
Well, before it’s too late
You know you can’t rush love
Love
Let’s wait awhile (Ooh, ooh, ooh)
Before it’s too late
Let’s wait awhile (Wait awhile)
Our love will be great
Let’s wait awhile (Wait awhile)
Before we go too far (Far, far, oh)
Let’s wait awhile (Let’s just take our time)
Before it’s too late
Let’s wait awhile (Love’s so good)
Sure our love will be there
Let’s wait awhile (Slow it down)
Before we go too far
I promise
I’ll be worth the wait