About The Song
“Black Cat” is a song by American singer Janet Jackson, released as the sixth single from her fourth studio album, Janet Jackson’s Rhythm Nation 1814 (1989). The song was written by Jackson, who produced it with Jellybean Johnson. In a departure from her standard of industrial-based dance-pop, “Black Cat” is a hard rock, pop rock, dance-rock, heavy metal and glam metal song with arena rock influences. Its lyrics speak of substance abuse and gang violence. It was the final song recorded for the album, after Jackson, along with Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis, composed its main riff when desiring a rock song to complete the record.
“Black Cat” was well received among critics, who praised Jackson’s “maximum advantage” vocals and her seamless foray into the hard rock genre. It was a commercial success, reaching number one on the US Billboard Hot 100 as well as the top 10 on the charts in South Africa, Canada, Norway, and Australia, among other countries, while peaking at number 15 in the United Kingdom. It was certified gold in the United States and Australia.
Its music video, directed by Wayne Isham, was filmed during Jackson’s Rhythm Nation World Tour 1990. It used an “in-concert” theme, splicing Jackson with images of a black panther. Jackson performed “Black Cat” at the 1990 MTV Video Music Awards, in a “fiery rendition” of the song in which she conveyed “feline” choreography, and also on the Rhythm Nation World Tour 1990, which drew media attention for its usage of illusionary magic, concluding with Jackson forced into a cage before transformed into a live panther.
“Black Cat” received a Grammy Award nomination for Best Female Rock Vocal Performance. It also earned Jackson a BMI Pop Award for Most Played Song. “Black Cat” has been cited as an influence by numerous artists and it has been covered by such artists as Warmen, Britney Spears, and Nanne Grönvall.
Video
Lyrics
All the lonely nights I spend alone
Never around to love me, you’re always gone
‘Cause you’re hanging out, breaking the rules
Oh, the man has come looking for you
You’re a rebel now, don’t give a damn
Always carrying on with the gang
I’m trying to tell you, boy, it’s a mistake
You won’t realize ’til it’s too late
Don’t understand why you insist
On ways of living such a dangerous life
Time after time, you stay away
And I just know that you’re telling me lies
Black cat, nine lives, short days, long nights
Living on the edge, not afraid to die
Heartbeat, real strong but not for long
Better watch your step or you’re gonna die
You’re so together, boy, but just at a glance
You’ll do anything if given a chance
Scheming, planning lies to get what you need
So full of promises that you never keep
Don’t you tell yourself that it’s okay
Sick and tired of all of your games
And you want me to stay, ah, better change
Makes no sense to me, your crazy ways
Don’t understand why you insist
On ways of living such a dangerous life
Time after time, you stay away
And I just know that you’re telling me lies
Not afraid to die
Black cat
Black cat
Man, I don’t understand your ways
Living on the edge
Don’t understand why you insist
On ways of living such a dangerous life
Time after time, you stay away
And I just know that you’re telling me lies
Black cat, nine lives, short days, long nights
Living on the edge, not afraid to die
Heartbeat, real strong but not for long
Better watch your step or you’re gonna die
Black cat, nine lives, short days, long nights
Living on the edge, not afraid to die
Heartbeat, real strong but not for long
Better watch your step or you’re gonna die
Black cat
Living’ on the
Heartbeat
Better watch your step