Upon recording her fourth studio album , Jackson was inspired to cover socially conscious issues as a response to various tragedies in the media . Producer Jimmy Jam stated , " Janet came up with the ' Rhythm Nation ' concept . A lot of it had to do with watching TV . We 're avid TV watchers , and we would watch MTV , then switch over to CNN , and there 'd always be something messed-up happening . It was never good news , always bad news . " She was particularly saddened by the Stockton playground murders , leading her to record " Livin ' in a World ( They Did n't Make ) . " She decided to pursue additional songs with a similar concept , focusing on a political standpoint within energetic dance music . The song 's lyrics were written as a montage of racial unity with Jackson 's passion for dance , envisioning a colorblind world sharing the same beliefs . Jam explained : Jackson jokingly considered it a " national anthem for the Nineties , " leading her to develop '' Rhythm Nation 1814 '' , titled after the year " The Star-Spangled Banner " was written . She derived its lyrical theme from the diversity amongst society , which she observed to be united by music . Jackson said , " I realized that among my friends , we actually had a distinct ' nation ' of our own . We were n't interested in drugs or drinking but social change . We also loved music and loved to dance ... that 's how '' Rhythm Nation 1814 '' was born . " She also likened its concept to the various groups formed among youth , asserting a common identity and bond , saying , " I thought it would be great if we could create our own nation . One that would have a positive message and that everyone would be free to join . " Jackson also commented , " I found it so intriguing that everyone united through whatever the link was . And I felt that with most of my friends . Most people think that my closest friends are in the entertainment business , and they 're not . They 're roller-skating rink guards , waitresses , one works for a messenger service . They have minimum-wage paying jobs . And the one thing that we all have in common is music . I know that within our little group , there is a rhythm nation that exists . " Jackson desired the song 's theme to capture the attention of her teenage audience , who were potentially unaware of socially conscious themes . She commented , " I wanted to take our message directly to the kids , and the way to do that is by making music you can really dance to . That was our whole goal : How can I get through to the kids with this ? " She became encouraged by artists such as Marvin Gaye , Bob Dylan , and Joni Mitchell , feeling as if their demographics were already familiar with social themes . Jackson said , " These were people who woke me up to the responsibility of music . They were beautiful singers and writers who felt for others . They understood suffering . " Upon questioning , Jackson said , " I know I ca n't change the world single-handedly , but for those who are on the fence , maybe I can lead them in a positive direction ... If I just touched one person , just to make that difference , make them change for the better , that 's an accomplishment . " Jackson also responded to potential ridicule , stating , " a lot of people have said , " She 's not being realistic with this '' Rhythm Nation . '' It 's like ' Oh , she thinks the world is going to come together through her dance music , ' and that 's not the case at all . I know a song or an album ca n't change the world . But there 's nothing wrong with doing what we 're doing to help spread the message . " Jackson added , " If personal freedom has political implications and if pleasure must be part of any meaningful solution — and it really must — there 's nothing wrong with it at all . " The distinctive bass groove was based on " Thank You ( Falettinme Be Mice Elf Again ) " by Sly and the Family Stone . Its socially conscious lyrics preach racial harmony and leadership through dance , protesting bigotry , fascism , and geographic boundaries with " compassionate , dedicated people power . " It uses a moderate funk tempo composed in the key of G major . Jackson 's vocals range from C4 to A6 , climaxing during the song 's middle eight . It opens with prelude " Pledge , " in which Jackson describes " a world rid of color-lines " over apocalyptic bells and ambient noise . According to '' The New York Times ' '' writer Stephen Holden , the song is an " utopian dance-floor exhortation " whose lyrics " call for racial harmony and cooperative struggle to create a better , stronger world " . Its chorus is supported by male voices , with Jackson addressing her audience in a similar vein to a politician , " abandoning the narrow I for the universal we and inviting us to do the same . " Its final chorus closes with multiple ad-libs as Jackson encourages listeners to sing with her , spreading the song 's message of multicultural solidarity in a " grand pop statement . " " Rhythm Nation " received positive reviews from critics , garnering praise for its lyrical theme . '' Rolling Stone '' declared it the album 's " essential moment , " describing the song as " a headbanging good time . " Stephen Holden of '' The New York Times '' called it a " militantly utopian dance-floor exhortation . " Michael Saunders of '' The Sun Sentinel '' declared it " upbeat funk-pop " which showcased Jackson 's " light , breathy voice . " Sputnik Music applauded its " extraordinary " production and chorus , thought to result in " a catchy , smart single which would appease the Jackson haters and delight the fans . " '' People '' specified its " burnin ' hunk o ' funk guitar riff " . '' Entertainment Weekly '' declared it a " paean to the human spirit , " likened to " a chorus line of storm troopers . " Vince Aletti of '' Rolling Stone '' described the song as a " densely textured , agitated track " propelled by " syncopated yelps " of unity
Stockton playground murders
Cleveland Elementary School shooting (Stockton)
Rhythm Nation