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Son of a Gun (I Betcha Think This Song Is About You)

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"Son of a Gun (I Betcha Think This Song Is About You)"
Janet Jackson Son of a Gun.png
Single by Janet Jackson with Carly Simon featuring Missy Elliott
from the album All for You
ReleasedDecember 10, 2001 (2001-12-10)
Recorded2000–2001
Studio
  • Flyte Tyme (Edina, Minnesota)
  • Record One (Los Angeles)
Genre
Length5:56 (album version)
4:14 (Flyte Tyme Radio Edit featuring Missy Elliott)
LabelVirgin
Songwriter(s)
Producer(s)
  • Janet Jackson
  • Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis
Janet Jackson singles chronology
"Someone to Call My Lover"
(2001) 		"Son of a Gun (I Betcha Think This Song Is About You)"
(2001) 		"Feel It Boy"
(2002)
Carly Simon singles chronology
"Love of My Life"
(1992) 		"Son of a Gun (I Betcha Think This Song Is About You)"
(2001) 		"Let It Snow"
(2005)
Missy Elliott singles chronology
"Take Away"
(2001) 		"Son of a Gun (I Betcha Think This Song Is About You)"
(2001) 		"Oops (Oh My)"
(2002)

"Son of a Gun (I Betcha Think This Song Is About You)" is a song by American singer-songwriter Janet Jackson with Carly Simon from Jackson's seventh studio album, All for You (2001). It was written and produced by Jackson, Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis, with additional lyrics by Simon. The R&B and hip hop song is built around a sample of 1972's "You're So Vain" by Simon, who also added some new spoken parts into the song; it talks about an unidentified man who attempted to extort money from Jackson. An official re-worked version (Flyte Tyme Radio Edit) featuring Missy Elliott was released as the third single from the album on December 10, 2001 by Virgin Records.

The album version of "Son of a Gun (I Betcha Think This Song Is About You)" received mixed reviews from music critics, with some calling it a highlight from the album, while others criticized Simon's rapping. The remix version also received a mixed reaction from reviewers. The song reached number 28 on the US Billboard Hot 100, becoming Jackson's lowest-charting single since 1983, and also reached low positions worldwide, due to Virgin abruptly ending the promotional campaign for All For You because of the company's financial difficulties. Its accompanying music video directed by Francis Lawrence depicts Jackson stalking a man at Los Angeles' Millennium Biltmore Hotel, which would also be used as the setting for Britney Spears' music video for her single "Overprotected" the following year.[1] "Son of a Gun (I Betcha Think This Song Is About You)" was performed on the 2001–2002 All for You Tour.

Background and release[]

According to Jackson, she phoned American singer-songwriter Carly Simon, asking for permission to use samples of her song "You're So Vain", but Simon wanted to re-record her vocals. She agreed, with Simon wanting to write new lines. Jackson's producer Jimmy Jam sent her the tracks they were already working on, and she went into a studio on Martha's Vineyard to record some material. She rapped, initially thinking that Jackson and the producers would not use it, but they decided to marry both tracks, as the singers thought it "worked perfectly", and it became a duet. Simon expressed that Jackson "could not have been sweeter or more appreciative".[2]

"Son of a Gun (I Betcha Think This Song Is About You)" generated media speculation of who exactly the man described in the song was. Many journalists believed the song was about Jackson's ex-husband René Elizondo Jr.[3][4] Jackson responded: "Everybody says that. Actually, that song's about a few people, not one person in particular. Everyone likes to [say], 'Ah, I know that's about Rene.' It's about a few people that have entered and exited my life."[5] Simon created a similar controversy when she released "You're So Vain". It was speculated to be about Warren Beatty or Mick Jagger, both of which she denied.[6]

In 2000, Jackson called American rapper Missy Elliott to reveal that she loved her work. She asked the rapper to work with her on a remix of the song "Son of a Gun (I Betcha Think This Song Is About You)". Elliott then wrote and rapped for the remix, and became the third single from All for You. It was released in the United Kingdom on December 10, 2001, and in the United States the following day.[7][8][9]

Composition[]

"Son of a Gun (I Betcha Think This Song Is About You)" is an R&B and hip hop song which features a "rap poem" from Simon and samples her song "You're So Vain".[10][11] Its composition excoriates an unfaithful lover for attempting to extort money, described as a "mean-spirited duet that rails against enemies."[12][13] Jackson unveils anger and deceit, saying "Thought you'd get the money too / Greedy motherfuckers try to have their cake and eat it too". She also offers a comeuppance to a "baby gigolo" who hollers at "everything that walks / No substance, just small talk."[14] Simon also cited the claims of sampled song "You're So Vain" to be written about Mick Jagger, singing "The apricot scarf was worn by Nick / Nothing in the words refer to Mick".[6] In response to critics regarding it about her divorce, Jackson explained it was directed towards several people, while Jimmy Jam revealed it to be written in regards to music executives and lawyers.[15]

Critical reception[]

Both the album and remix versions of "Son of a Gun (I Betcha Think This Song Is About You)" received mixed reviews from music critics. While reviewing All for You, Dan Aquilante from New York Post commented that the track would be remembered as one of the highlights from the album.[16] Michael Paoletta from Billboard magazine called the song a "clever sister-to-sister" song.[17] The New Rolling Stone Album Guide called the duet between Jackson and Simon "harsh", and found Simon's rap "silly".[18] John Mulvey of Yahoo! Music referred to it as "bizarre", and criticized Simon's rap, classifying it as "incompetent".[19] AllMusic's contributor Stephen Thomas Erlewine also was one of the reviewers who were unsatisfied with rapping by Simon.[20] Sal Cinquemani from Slant Magazine considered the song the album's biggest misstep. He likened it to a car wreck: "impossible not to be horrified yet strangely intrigued", and called Simon's spoken-word verses "embarrassing".[12]

Chuck Taylor from Billboard reviewed the remix version of "Son of a Gun (I Betcha Think This Song Is About You)" and considered it "more of a breakdown than anything we might regard as a standard composition, but the ingredients somehow make musical gumbo".[10] Contactmusic.com criticized the number of guests on the single version, but said it created a "soulful and very catchy version", and noted that its "Grover Washington style sax break and the kind of infectious percussion vibe that Masters at Work are so adept at making".[21]

Chart performance[]

"Son of a Gun (I Betcha Think This Song Is About You)" debuted at number 72 on the US Billboard Hot 100, before reaching a peak of number 28.[22][23] This peak became her lowest since 1983, when "Come Give Your Love to Me" reached number 58. Since the release of Control in 1986, every single released by the singer had peaked within the top 10, with the exception of "The Pleasure Principle".[23] The song additionally reached numbers 7, 20 and 26 on the Hot Dance Club Play, Mainstream Top 40 and Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs component charts, respectively.[24][25] In the United Kingdom, the song peaked at number 13, remaining for 10 weeks inside the chart.[26] The song debuted at its peak of number 20 in Australia, and reached number 49 in New Zealand.[27] In Europe, "Son of a Gun (I Betcha Think This Song Is About You)" failed to gain success. It peaked at number 69 in Germany, 54 in Romania, and 56 in Switzerland, although it achieved moderate success in Denmark, reaching the top 20.[27][28][29]

Music video[]

One of the hallways of the Biltmore Hotel featured in the video

The music video for "Son of a Gun (I Betcha Think This Song Is About You)" was directed by Francis Lawrence,[30] with The Original Flyte Tyme Remix of the song being used. It was filmed at the Millennium Biltmore Hotel in Downtown Los Angeles. In the video, Jackson is stalking a man (played by Jerell Scott)[31] in an abandoned hotel. She summons Elliott and a legion of zombies, including one that was created from a toilet. Jackson is also seen eating a spider, smashing jugs of water with a baseball bat, and taunting the man using telekinetic powers. Simon does not appear in the music video. A video for the P. Diddy Remix also was released, and uses the same footage of The Original Flyte Tyme Remix, with P. Diddy appearing in some parts.

The video was nominated for "Best Cinematography" at the MVPA Awards in 2002.[32] It was also placed as the seventh best music video of 2001 by Slant Magazine, who said "it's been a while since we've seen the reigning Jackson crank up a little attitude. It's her own mini-'Thriller', if you will".[30] The video was included on the 2004 video compilation From Janet to Damita Jo: The Videos.[33] In 2002, American singer Britney Spears referenced and was inspired by "Son of a Gun (I Betcha Think This Song Is About You)" music video in her "Overprotected (Darkchild Remix)" video. It is seen in scenes of Spears walking down the hotel lobby and while in the elevator. Both videos also use the same hotel setting.[34]

Live performance[]

"Son of a Gun (I Betcha Think This Song Is About You)" was performed by Jackson during the All for You Tour in 2001 and 2002. Gina Vivinetto from St. Petersburg Times, while reviewing the concert, noted that fans cheered with the performance.[35] The February 16, 2002 final date of the tour at the Aloha Stadium in Hawaii, was broadcast by HBO, and had an appearance by Elliott on the performance of the song. This rendition was also added to the setlist at its DVD release, Janet: Live in Hawaii, in 2002.[36] The song was also used during the DJ Intermission session on the 2017 State of the World Tour.

Track listings[]

Personnel[]

Credits adapted from Japanese promo CD single liner notes.[47]

Charts[]

Chart (2001–02) Peak
position
Australia (ARIA)[27] 20
Belgium (Flanders Ultratop 50)[27] 20
Belgium (Wallonia Ultratop 50)[27] 25
Denmark (Tracklisten)[27] 19
Europe (European Hot 100)[48] 45
Germany (Official German Charts)[49] 69
Ireland (Chart-Track)[50] 21
Netherlands (Single Top 100)[51] 34
New Zealand (Recorded Music NZ)[27] 49
Romania (Romanian Top 100)[29] 54
Scotland (OCC)[52] 26
Sweden (Sverigetopplistan)[27] 48
Switzerland (Schweizer Hitparade)[27] 56
UK Singles (OCC)[53] 13
UK R&B (OCC)[54] 2
US Billboard Hot 100[24] 28
US Mainstream Top 40 (Billboard)[25] 20
US Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs (Billboard)[24] 26
US Hot Dance Club Play (Billboard)[24] 7

References[]

  1. ^ "Britney Spears' 10 Best Music Videos: Readers' Poll Results". Billboard. February 19, 2011. Retrieved July 13, 2013.
  2. ^ Gelman, Jason (April 25, 2001). "Janet Jackson On Teaming Up With Carly Simon". Yahoo! Music. Archived from the original on January 15, 2009. Retrieved March 19, 2008.
  3. ^ Jim, DeRogatis (April 24, 2001). "Janet's back to give her 'All for You'". JimDeRo.com. Retrieved July 21, 2014.
  4. ^ "Music Notes: Janet Jackson Album". ABC News. April 12, 2001. Retrieved July 21, 2014.
  5. ^ "Janet: Backstage Pass". MTV News. Viacom. Retrieved July 21, 2014.
  6. ^ a b "You're So Vain". CarlySimon.com. Archived from the original on September 11, 2012. Retrieved July 21, 2014.
  7. ^ Bezdecheck, Bethany (2009), Missy Elliott, The Rosen Publishing Group, pp. 9, ISBN 978-1-4358-5056-9
  8. ^ "New Releases – For Week Starting December 10, 2001" (PDF). Music Week. December 8, 2001. p. 25. Retrieved August 21, 2021.
  9. ^ "Janet Heads To Hawaii For HBO Live Special". Billboard. November 15, 2001. Retrieved July 21, 2014.
  10. ^ a b Taylor, Chuck (November 24, 2001). "News & Reviews". Billboard. New York. 113 (47): 25. ISSN 0006-2510. Retrieved July 21, 2014.
  11. ^ Nichols, Natalie (April 22, 2001). "Keepin' It Real Conventional". Los Angeles Times. Retrieved July 14, 2010.
  12. ^ a b Cinquemani, Sal (June 14, 2001). "Janet Jackson: All for You". Slant Magazine. Retrieved July 15, 2010.
  13. ^ =Seymour, Craig (August 10, 2001). "HER OWN RHYTHM NATION; JANET JACKSON'S PERSONAL AND FIESTY [sic] LYRICS STRIKE A BEAT FOR WOMEN". Buffalo News. Archived from the original on June 11, 2014. Retrieved January 5, 2014.
  14. ^ Stout, Gene (July 5, 2001). "Janet Jackson's steamy album leaves room for romance". Seattle Post-Intelligencer. Retrieved July 15, 2010.
  15. ^ Gordinier, Jeff (2001). "Will the real Janet Jackson please stand up?". Entertainment Weekly.
  16. ^ Aquilante, Dan (April 24, 2001). "PLEASED TO HEAT YOU". New York Post. Retrieved July 21, 2014.
  17. ^ Paoletta, Michael (April 28, 2001). "News & Reviews". Billboard. New York. 113 (17): 37. ISSN 0006-2510. Retrieved July 21, 2014.
  18. ^ Brackett, Nathan; Christian Hoard (2004). The Rolling Stone Album Guide. New York City, New York: Simon and Schuster. p. 411. ISBN 0-7432-0169-8. rolling stone janet jackson album guide.
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  21. ^ "News & Reviews". Contactmusic.com. Retrieved July 21, 2014.
  22. ^ "Billboard Hot 100". Billboard. New York: Prometheus Global Media. 113 (47): 85. November 24, 2001. ISSN 0006-2510. Retrieved August 2, 2014.
  23. ^ a b Bronson, Fred (January 12, 2002). "Chart Beat". Billboard. New York: Prometheus Global Media. 114 (2): 8. ISSN 0006-2510. Retrieved August 2, 2014.
  24. ^ a b c d "All for You > Charts & Awards > Billboard Singles". Allmusic. Retrieved April 2, 2008.
  25. ^ a b "Janet Jackson Chart History (Pop Songs)". Billboard. Retrieved May 5, 2011.
  26. ^ "Search Results". Official Charts Company. Retrieved July 11, 2014.
  27. ^ a b c d e f g h i "Janet Jackson – Son Of A Gun (I Betcha Think This Song Is About You)". ARIA Charts. Retrieved April 3, 2008.
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  29. ^ a b "Romanian Top 100". Romanian Top 100. Archived from the original on July 26, 2009. Retrieved July 21, 2014.
  30. ^ a b Cinquemani, Sal (December 15, 2001). "Top 10 Albums & Singles of 2001". Slant Magazine. Retrieved July 21, 2014.
  31. ^ Moreno, Andrew (October 2008). "Jerell Scott". De Novo Magazine. Archived from the original on July 9, 2011. Retrieved July 21, 2014.
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  33. ^ From janet. to Damita Jo: The Videos (DVD liner notes). Janet Jackson. Virgin Records. 7243 5 99508 9 1.CS1 maint: others in cite AV media (notes) (link)
  34. ^ "Britney Spears' 10 Best Music Videos: Readers' Poll Results". Billboard. February 19, 2011. Retrieved July 13, 2013.
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  50. ^ "Irish Top 50 Singles, Week Ending 10 January 2002". Chart-Track. Archived from the original on 19 July 2011. Retrieved October 24, 2008.
  51. ^ "Nederlandse Top 40 – week 51 – 2001". Radio 538 (in Dutch). Retrieved April 17, 2009.
  52. ^ "Official Scottish Singles Sales Chart Top 100". Official Charts Company.
  53. ^ "Official Singles Chart Top 100". Official Charts Company. Retrieved 13 November 2020.
  54. ^ "Official R&B Singles Chart Top 40". Official Charts Company.
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