Janet Jackson – What Have You Done For Me Lately (Official Music Video)
Inspirational Behind What Have You Done For Me Lately:
Janet Jackson thought about being taken for granted when What Have You Done for Me Lately was conceived. Little did Janet realize that this 1986 song would cross over into other areas of life like sports fans becoming frustrated by their local teams failing to achieve greatness. Janet wanted to make sure that other people would receive recognition for their contributions in life.
Biblical Application:
My dear brothers and sisters, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry, 20 because human anger does not produce the righteousness that God desires. 21 Therefore, get rid of all moral filth and the evil that is so prevalent and humbly accept the word planted in you, which can save you. 22 Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says, James 1:19-22.
Exegesis of What Have You Done For Me Lately:
What’s up girl?
He stood me up again
Again?
Mmhmm
Well what’s up with this guy?
Do you really like him that much?
Yes honey, I love him, he is fine
He does a lot of nice things for me
I know he used to do nice stuff for you
But what has he done for you lately?
In the music video, a friend doesn’t want her girl friend to get hurt by the man she is currently dating.
Used to be a time when you would pamper me
Used to 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?
Janet is questioning the change in behavior of a former boyfriend. She wants to know what’s going on.
What have you done for me lately?
Ooh ooh ooh yeah
What have you done for me lately?
Ooh ooh ooh yeah
This type of love is self-seeking, wanting to see action before putting any effort into this relationship.
Used to go to dinner almost every night
Dancin’ ’til I thought I’d lose my breath
Ahh
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?
Apathy and laziness have set in. Any acts of love or passion have faded.
What have you done for me lately?
Ooh ooh ooh yeah
What have you done for me lately?
Ooh ooh ooh yeah
This mentality is ruining their relationship.
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
At some point in a relationship, usually when the feeling of love starts to fade, you become your true self. When you stop performing or seek to get to know someone more, relationships become stale.
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 coul do today
Soap opera says, you’ve got one life to live
Who’s right, who’s wrong?
Disagreements occur when certain expectations aren’t met. This leads to the blame game, who is right and who is wrong.
What have you done for me lately?
Ooh ooh ooh yeah
What have you done for me lately?
Ooh ooh ooh yeah
What have you done for me lately?
Ooh ooh ooh yeah
What have you done for me lately?
Ooh ooh ooh yeah
Actions speak louder than words.
Get with it
What have you done for me lately?
Ooh ooh ooh yeah (yeah ha)
What have you done for me lately?
Ooh ooh ooh yeah (yeah)
What have you done for me lately?
Ooh ooh ooh yeah (yeah)
This reminds me of a what’s in it for me attitude.
What have you done for me lately? (lately)
Ooh ooh ooh yeah
What have you done for me lately?
Ooh ooh ooh yeah
What have you done for me lately? (This is wild, I swear)
Time will tell if a relationship is worth saving.
Final Thoughts:
What have you done for me lately has become a cultural motto for many Americans. If you are putting in all the effort and worth and no one else is trying, it’s hard to stay motivated. Subsequently, the best thing you can do is let your actions speak for yourself. When you find yourself being taken for granted, you may want to search for an occupation, place or relationship where you are appreciated, noticed and thanked.
by Jay Mankus
ExpressYourself4Him 