In "Son of a Gun (I Betcha Think This Song Is About You)," Janet Jackson takes aim at a lover who is selfish, unfaithful, and manipulative. She accuses him of being a "sharpshooter" who uses his charm and sexuality to get what he wants from women without any regard for their feelings. Jackson sings about the man's one-track mind and his habit of pursuing multiple women simultaneously, using them for pleasure and discarding them when he's done. The song features a sample of Carly Simon's hit "You're So Vain," which provides the refrain "I betcha think this song is about you." This is a nod to the man's narcissism and delusion that he is the center of attention in everything, including this song. Throughout the song, Jackson and Simon swap verses and harmonize, serving as a united front against the man's behavior. They call him out for his greed and arrogance, and warn him that he will eventually face the consequences of his actions. Overall, "Son of a Gun" is a critique of toxic masculinity and the harm it can cause to both individuals and society as a whole. It encourages listeners to stand up against manipulative and exploitative behavior and promote mutual respect and healthy relationships.
