“Black Cat” is a hard-rock, pop-rock heavy metal, and dance-rock single by Janet Jackson, released in 1990. It received a Grammy award for Best Female Rock Performance, placing a cherry on top of the song’s other associated awards. Janet Jackson is the only female American artist to receive nominations in five different genres.

Fun Facts:

• “Black Cat” was the sixth song in the album Janet Jackson’s Rhythm Nation 1814 but was the last song recorded because Janet, Terry Lewis, and Jimmy Jam were looking for a rock song to complete the album.
• The song was written by Janet Jackson, who also co-produced it alongside Jellybean Johnson, a multi-talented instrumentalist.
• “Black Cat” performed well commercially and earned some Billboard honors topping the chart; it went platinum in America and was certified gold.
• Janet Jackson performed “Black Cat” at the 1990 MTV Video Music Awards. In a somewhat controversial move, she used feline choreography, which accompanied the epic performance. While some fans loved it, others were concerned for the cat’s safety. Jackson assured everyone that the animal was treated well. 
• The song reached the #1 spot on the US Billboard Hot 100 and hit #10 in South Africa, Norway, Canada, and Australia. 
• In 1990, Janet performed “Black Cat” on Rhythm Nation World Tour, which drew praise from audiences. The performance accompanied a live magic illusion where she transforms into a panther while caged.
• Janet Jackson has influenced many female artists, including Britney Spears and Nanne Gronvall, who covered “Black Cat.”

Lyrics 

All the lonely nights I spend alone

Never ’round to love me

You’re always gone

‘Cause you’re hangin’ out

Breakin’ the rules

Oh, the man has come

Lookin’ for you

You’re a rebel now

Don’t give a damn

Always carrying on

With the gang

I’m tryin’ to tell ya, 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

Livin’ on the edge

Not afraid to die

Heart beat, 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 the 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

Aw, 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, guitar

Black cat

Black cat

Man, I don’t understand your ways

Livin’ 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

Livin’ on the edge

Not afraid to die (talking about me)

Heart beat real strong

But not for long

Better watch your step

Or you’re gonna die (sing it up)

Black cats, nine lives

Short days, long nights (yeah, yeah)

Livin’ on the edge

Not afraid to die (no, don’t don’t die)

Heart beat real strong

But not for long

Better watch your step

Or you’re gonna die

Black cats

Livin’ on the

Heartbeat

Better watch your step