Funny How Time Flies (When You're Having Fun)

Album: Control (1986)
Charted: 59
Play Video

Songfacts®:

  • VH1 asked Jackson if she felt this song created the mold for her sensual songs on her later albums. She replied: "I was just a baby myself when I did that. I've heard people say that that has kind of a Jackson feel, that it's reminiscent of stuff my family's done in the past, musically speaking. I guess it does. Thinking about it then, I didn't hear it, but thinking about it now, it kind of does. It was just giving people a chance to see another side of me. Just a little glimpse into a world that later they'd see a lot."
  • This was another song penned by the songwriting/producing duo Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis, along with Janet Jackson. With the Control album, Jam and Lewis helped the singer shatter her image as the Jackson family's sweet little sister and introduced a sexy young woman ready to show the world her true identity with an innovative blend of R&B, funk, disco and rap - and a heavy dose of sex appeal.
  • Jazz bassist Stanley Clarke covered this song on his 1988 album If This Bass Could Only Talk.

Comments: 1

  • Otoko86 from Chicago, IlI love this song!! It's very timeless with such a melodic tune! By far one of the best and underrated songs that Janet has done. Whenever I'm mad about something, this song always calms and relaxes me!
see more comments

Editor's Picks

Holly Knight ("The Best," "Love Is A Battlefield")

Holly Knight ("The Best," "Love Is A Battlefield")Songwriter Interviews

Holly Knight talks about some of the hit songs she wrote, including "The Warrior," "Never" and "The Best," and explains some songwriting philosophy, including how to think of a bridge.

90s Music Quiz 1

90s Music Quiz 1Music Quiz

First question: Michael Jordan and Magic Johnson appeared in videos for what artist?

Desmond Child

Desmond ChildSongwriter Interviews

One of the most successful songwriters in the business, Desmond co-wrote "Livin' La Vida Loca," "Dude (Looks Like A Lady)" and "Livin' On A Prayer."

Oliver Leiber

Oliver LeiberSongwriter Interviews

Oliver Leiber talks about writing and producing hits for Paula Abdul, and explains his complicated relationship with his father, the songwriter Jerry Leiber.

John Lee Hooker

John Lee HookerSongwriter Interviews

Into the vaults for Bruce Pollock's 1984 conversation with the esteemed bluesman. Hooker talks about transforming a Tony Bennett classic and why you don't have to be sad and lonely to write the blues.

Tim Butler of The Psychedelic Furs

Tim Butler of The Psychedelic FursSongwriter Interviews

Tim and his brother Richard are the Furs' foundation; Tim explains how they write and tells the story of "Pretty In Pink."