Forget Me Nots - 12" Version

This song is about wishing to remember a love, or even stave off the passing of what could be a long-lasting love between two people. The lyric is heartfelt and engaging, but the song is best known for its groove, a supple slice of R&B-pop that evolved past the disco sound. That groove proved enduring: In 1997 it was interpolated to form the basis of Will Smith's "Men In Black," a #1 hit and the title track to his blockbuster movie. That song reworked the lyrics to "they won't let you remember" because the Men In Black erase the memories of those who have seen alien activity.

Rushen was a prodigy, having won the 1972 Monterey Jazz Festival at the age of 18. She released her first album in 1974 and had a number of R&B hits, but "Forget Me Nots" was her only song to crack the Top 40 on the Hot 100.

A forget-me-not is a kind of flower. It is traditionally given to someone so that person will remember you.