“Again” (Janet Jackson)

“I heard from a friend today and she said you were in town.” -- Janet Jackson on "Again"

This is a beautiful and poignant song by a truly talented artist. Yet a memory came washing over me one recent evening when I heard this song as I was driving my truck and I couldn’t help but laugh out loud remembering the past. At the beginning, Janet (“Miss Jackson if you’re nasty”) indicates that a friend let her know that an ex-love was back in town. That brought a smile and a laugh, as I too remembered a friend once telling me that an ex-lover was back in town. My reply could be considered “salty.” I basically told him, with no small amount of venom, “Thanks for the warning.” To say that he was a little taken aback would be a fairly accurate statement. But then again, he didn’t know that when I walked away from that relationship I had zero interest in ever rekindling a relationship of any kind with the young woman.

Again, this is a really sweet song and I like it in spite of a line bringing a somewhat wicked smile to my face the other night. That relationship was one of a relative few romantic relationships in my life that have ended so badly. That Shakespearean tragedy preceded what I have jokingly referred to as “The Summer of Shame.” It really is funny how sometimes even painful/unpleasant memories can bring a smile to one’s face years or decades later.

Anyway, enjoy this song. I hope that it brings a smile to your face, but hopefully not for the same reason. Then again, a smile is a smile. 😏