Control

In 1986, Janet Jackson blasted the radio waves with her anthem “Control.” After being molded by her mother, and doing everything her father asked of her, Ms. Jackson declared herself an independent woman and in CONTROL of her own life.

“…I’m in control, never gonna stop
Control, to get what I want
Control, I like to have a lot
Control, now I’m all grown up…”

-Janet Jackson Control 1986

I wonder what it feels like to have control over one’s life; to be able to make a decision without being second guessed, or gaslit.

A lightbulb burnt out, but did it really, or was it just loose in the lamp? Could I not have waited for someone else to confirm before making the decision to change it?

Why is my observation not enough?

My car needs repairs, but does it, or am I doing something wrong that’s making things not work properly?

Seriously?! I’m sorry that I can’t continuously replicate the issue. It’s something electrical, not something in MY control. If it were, do you think I’d waste my time and energy creating an issue?!

Something in the fridge has spoiled. I threw it out.

Why is it in the garbage? Am I sure that it was mouldy, or rotten? Could I not just reboil the soup that someone left out?

NO!!!! NO!!!!!!! NNNNNNNNNNNOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!!!

Ms. Jackson educated us on how to get control:

“…Rebel, that’s right
I’m on my own
I’ll call my own shots
Thank you

Got my own mind
I want to make my own decisions
When it has to do with my life, my life
I wanna be the one in control

So let me take you by the hand,
And lead you on this dance (control)
Is what I’ve got, because I do with chance
I don’t wanna rule the world,
Just wanna run my life (ooh
So make your life a little easier
When you get the chance just take control
Control, now I’ve got a lot, ooh
Control, to get what I want
Control, never gonna stop
Control, now I’m all grown up, ooh

Free at last
Out here on my own
Ooh ooh ooh yeah, hee
Now control this

Uh control, that’s right
Control, career moves
Control, I do what’s right for me
Control, and me wants to groove, is that ok?
Yeah, ooh, control

I’ve got my own mind
Ooh baby
Yeah yeah, yeah yeah
I’ve got my own mind
Wanna make my own decisions
When it has to do with my life
I wanna be the one in control

Hop to it
I’m in control, and I love it, hahaha, that’s right
Control
Now I’ve got a lot
Control
Now I’m all grown up, ah
I’m in control, uh
I’m in control, ah
I’m in control, uh
Don’t make me lose it
Control
Control, control, control
Control, control control, control, control
Control, control”

Source: LyricFind

Songwriters: James Harris III / Terry Lewis

Control lyrics © DistroKid, Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd.

Her power move lyrics catapult even the weakest of people out of their seats to try grabbing their own lives by the horns. Sadly, she doesn’t tell explain what to do when efforts smash like raw eggs against brick walls. There are no lyrics on how to deal with an ogre at the gate stopping decisions, cancelling free thought, and extinguishing independence like a cheap cigarette.

How am I supposed to slay monsters when I’m told that they aren’t really in front of me? How am I supposed to believe in myself when I’m constantly told that I’m wrong? How am I supposed to make decisions when I have to ask permission before I think? How am I supposed to function when I’m constantly told that I’m doing everything incorrectly?

I want control. I want independence. I want to believe in myself.

How can I make that happen?

There has to be a way for me to succeed without having to sing, and dance in order to achieve my goals!