About The Song
“P.Y.T. (Pretty Young Thing)” is a song by American singer, songwriter and dancer Michael Jackson, released as the sixth single from his sixth album, Thriller (1982). The song was written by James Ingram and Quincy Jones.
“P.Y.T. (Pretty Young Thing)” was released on September 19, 1983. The single charted at number 10 on the US Billboard Hot 100 and number 46 on the Hot Black Singles chart, becoming the sixth top 10 hit from the album. It reached number 11 on the UK Singles Chart. The single was most successful in Belgium, charting within the top 10 at number 6. The song has been covered and sampled by numerous artists, including Monica, Justin Guarini and Kanye West. The original demo was also remixed by Black Eyed Peas singer will.i.am for Thriller 25.
Quincy Jones came up with the original title for the song after his wife, Peggy Lipton, brought lingerie with the words “pretty young thing” on it. From there, Jones asked several songwriters to write a song around the title. Jackson and musician Greg Phillinganes co-wrote and recorded a demo, which was presented to Jones by Phillinganes. That version is featured on The Ultimate Collection (2004). Jackson recalls that his version with Phillinganes was not what Jones was looking for. “Quincy wanted a fast song. Mine was mid-tempo.” When James Ingram presented his demo, Jones said “that’s it”, and sent Ingram home to finish the lyrics. Jones then suggested they extend the bridge and add a chant section, resulting in Jones receiving a co-writer’s credit. Jackson says he loved the version Ingram and Jones came up with, stating that he liked the “code” in the lyrics and the fact that words like “tenderoni” were fun rock ‘n’ roll-type words that couldn’t be found in the dictionary.
Video
Lyrics
You know you, you make me feel so good inside
I always wanted a girl just like you
Such a P.Y.T., Pretty Young Thing, ooh
Where did you come from, lady?
And, ooh, won’t you take me there
Right away, won’t you, baby?
Tenderoni, you’ve got to be
Spark my nature, sugar fly with me
Don’t you know now is the perfect time?
We can make it right, hit the city lights
Then tonight, ease the loving pain
Let me take you to the max
I want to love you (P.Y.T.)
Pretty young thing
You need some loving (T.L.C.)
Tender love and care
And I’ll take you there, girl, ooh-oh
I want to love you (P.Y.T.)
Pretty young thing
You need some loving (T.L.C.)
Tender love and care
And I’ll take you there
(Anywhere you want to go) yes, I will, ooh!
Nothing can stop this burning desire to be with you
Got to get to you, baby
Won’t you come, it’s emergency
Cool my fire yearning
Honey, come set me free
Don’t you know now is the perfect time?
We can dim the lights, just to make it right
In the night, hit the loving spot
I’ll give you all that I’ve got
I want to love you (P.Y.T.)
Pretty young thing
You need some loving (T.L.C.)
Tender love and care
And I’ll take you there, yes, I will, yes, I will
I want to love you (P.Y.T.)
Pretty young thing
You need some loving (T.L.C.)
Tender love and care
And I’ll take you there
Yes, I will, hee-eh
Pretty young things, repeat after me
Sing, “na-na-na” (Na-na-na)
“Na-na-na-na” (Na-na-na-na)
Sing, “na-na-na” (Na-na-na)
“Na-na-na-na” (Na-na-na-na)
I will take you there, take you there
I want to love you (P.Y.T.)
Pretty young thing
You need some loving (T.L.C.)
Tender love and care
And I’ll take you there, take you there, take you there
I want to love you (P.Y.T.)
Pretty young thing
You need some loving (T.L.C.)
Tender love and care
And I’ll take you there, take you there, hoo-ooh
Hoo-ooh! (P.Y.T.)
Oh, baby (T.L.C)
Oh, baby
Hold on, ooh-ooh
You know, I think you’re really nice (P.Y.T.)
You and I could’ve just put together (T.L.C)
You’re such a P.Y.T. to me, pretty young thing
Oh, baby, oh, baby, hold on (P.Y.T.)
Oh, baby (T.L.C)
You can be, oh
I just wanna love you, you know, it’s
I’d give you all