What Have You Done For Me Lately

Janet Jackson

About What Have You Done For Me Lately

"What Have You Done for Me Lately" is a song by American singer Janet Jackson from her third studio album Control (1986). Jackson co-wrote the song with its producers Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis. It was released on January 13, 1986 as the album's lead single, by A&M Records. After two unsuccessful albums and a management change, the singer began developing a new album. "What Have You Done for Me Lately" was originally penned for one of Jam and Lewis's own records, but the lyrics were rewritten to convey Jackson's feelings about her recent divorce from James DeBarge in January 1985. It revolves around a woman's frustration with her partner in a relationship. Critical reviews for "What Have You Done for Me Lately" were positive, with music critics believing it erased the former "pop-ingénue image" of Jackson's first two albums, reestablishing her as an "independent woman" figure. The song has been featured in critic lists as one of the greatest songs of all times and received one nomination for Best Rhythm & Blues Song on the 29th annual Grammy Awards of 1987. The song peaked at number four on the US Billboard Hot 100 and was certified gold by the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA). It also peaked at number two on the US Dance Club Songs and topped the US Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs charts. Outside of the US, it topped the singles chart in the Netherlands and peaked within the top ten in Germany, Switzerland, and the United Kingdom. 


Year:
2009
4:43
43 
#1

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What's up, girl?
He stood me up again
Again?
Mmh mmh
Well what's up with this guy, do you really like him that much?
Yes, honey, I love him, he is fine, he does alot of nice things for me
I know he use to do nice stuff for you, but what has he done for you
lately?

Used to be a time when you would pamper me
Usta brag about it all the time
Your friends seem to think that you're so peachy keen
But my friends say neglect is on your mind - Who's right?

What have you done for me lately?
Ooh ooh ooh yeah
What have you done for me lately?
Ooh ooh ooh yeah

Used to go to dinner almost every night
Dancin' 'til I thought I'd lose my breath
Now it seems your dancing feet are always on my couch
Good thing I cook or else we'd starve to death - Ain't that a shame?

What have you done for me lately
Ooh ooh ooh yeah
What have you done for me lately
Ooh ooh ooh yeah

I never ask for more than I deserve
You know it's the truth
You seem to think you're God's gift to this earth
I'm tellin' you no way

You 'ought to be thankful for the little things
but little things are all you seem to give
You're always putting off what we could do today
Soap opera says
you've got one life to live
Who's right, who's wrong?

What have you done for me lately
Ooh ooh ooh yeah...

Ooh ooh ooh yeah...

Get wit it...Uh
What have you done for me lately Ooh ooh ooh yeah
Ooh ooh ooh yeah

This is wild, I swear

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Janet Jackson

Janet Damita Jo Jackson (born May 16, 1966) is an American recording artist and actress. Known for a series of sonically innovative, socially conscious and sexually provocative records, as well as elaborate stage shows, television and film roles, she has been a prominent figure in popular culture since the early 1970s. The youngest child of the Jackson family, she began her career appearing on the variety television series The Jacksons in 1976 and went on to appear in other television shows throughout the 1970s and early 1980s, including Good Times and Fame. more »

8 fans

Written by: James Harris III, Terry Lewis

Lyrics © Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd.

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind


11 facts about this song

Release Detail
"What Have You Done for Me Lately" was released in January 1986 as the lead single from Janet Jackson's third studio album, "Control."
Chart Success
The song achieved significant chart success, topping the U.S. Billboard Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs chart and reaching number four on the U.S. Billboard Hot 100.
Music Video Features
The music video for the song prominently features Paula Abdul, who worked as the choreographer for the video.
Grammy Nominations
The song earned Janet Jackson two Grammy nominations in 1987 - one for Best Female R&B Vocal Performance and one for Best R&B Song.
Album's Conceptual Beginning
"What Have You Done for Me Lately" is said to be the song that spurred the idea for the whole "Control" album, which is centered around themes of control and self-empowerment.
Pop Culture
This song became a catchphrase in pop culture, commonly used to ask what someone has accomplished recently.
Platinum Certification
The song was certified Platinum by the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA), indicating sales of over one million copies in the United States.
Songwriters and Producers
The song was written by Janet Jackson, James Harris III, and Terry Lewis, who also produced the track.
Music Style
The song helped introduce a new genre known as 'new jack swing,' blending R&B, funk, disco, and synthesized percussion into a distinctive sound.
Movie Recognition
"What Have You Done for Me Lately" was later used in movies such as "The Nutty Professor" in 1996 and "Think Like a Man" in 2012.
Concert Staple
Ever since its release, the song has remained a staple on Janet Jackson's concert setlists.

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    What Have You Done For Me Lately

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    Top Hot 100 Songs 1986

    Billboard #4


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