“Didn't Mean To Turn You On” is a song written by Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis and originally recorded by Cherrelle in 1984. Mariah included a cover of the song on the 2001 Glitter movie soundtrack. “People think it's a Robert Palmer song — no disrespect to him — but I grew up on the Cherrelle record,” Mariah told Blues & Soul in 2001. “Jimmy and Terry are musical heroes of mine and they suggested we re-sing the background and they gave me the original master to work with.”
Let you take me out
I knew what you were all about
But when I did
I wasn't trying to lead you on
Now you bring me home
And tell me goodnight's
Not enough for you
I'm sorry baby
I didn't mean to turn you on
You read me wrong
I wasn't trying to lead you on
I want a friend
I didn't mean to turn you on
I didn't mean to turn you on
I know you
Expected a one night stand
When I refused
I knew you wouldn't understand
Boy I told you twice
I was only tryin' to be nice
Only tryin' to be nice
Oh
I didn't mean to turn you on
Oh I didn't mean to turn you on
Turn you on
Tell me why should I
Feel guilty cause I won't give
Guilty cause I won't give in
I didn't mean to turn you on
(Repeat chorus)
You think that I'm a fool
Cause I wouldn't play by your rules
(I didn't mean to turn you on)
You don't stand a chance
All I want to do is dance with you
(I didn't mean to turn you on)
I told you twice
I was only tryin' to be nice
(I didn't mean to turn you on)
I loved you for a friend
But I guess this is the
End of our relationship
Cause I didn't mean to turn you on
I didn't mean to turn you on
Sorry
Repeat
Written by James Harris III, Terry Lewis.
Produced by Jimmy Jam & Terry Lewis and Mariah Carey.
