Miriam
Norah Jones Lyrics
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That's such a pretty name
I'm gonna say it when
I'll make you cry
Miriam
You know you done me wrong
I'm gonna smile when
You say goodbye
Now I'm not the jealous type
Never been the killing kind
But you know I know what you did
So don't put up a fight
Miriam
When you were having fun
In my big pretty house
Did you think twice?
Miriam
Was it a game to you?
Was it a game to him?
Don't tell me lies
I know he said it's not your fault
But I don't believe that's true
I've punished him for being too weak
Now I've saved the best for you
And I'm trying not to hurt you
'Cause you might not be that bad
But it takes a lot to make me go this mad
Oh Miriam
That's such a pretty name
And I'll keep saying it
Until you die
Miriam
You know you done me wrong
I'm gonna smile when
You say goodbye
You know you done me wrong
I'm gonna smile when
I take your life
Mmm, mmm, mmm
The lyrics of Norah Jones's song Miriam tell the story of a woman who has been betrayed by someone named Miriam, who has had an affair with her husband in her own house. Miriam is addressed directly in the song, and the singer tells her that she is aware of what has happened and that she will make her pay. The song is a highly emotional one, with the singer expressing her anger, hurt, and bitterness towards Miriam.
As the song progresses, the singer becomes increasingly vengeful, threatening to take Miriam's life as retribution for what she has done. Even as she does this, however, she acknowledges that Miriam may not be entirely to blame for what happened, and that her husband may have played an equal part in the affair. This adds a layer of complexity to the song, suggesting that the singer is struggling to reconcile her feelings of betrayal with her desire for revenge.
Overall, the lyrics of Miriam are highly evocative, painting a vivid picture of a woman consumed by anger and hurt. Norah Jones's vocal performance is suitably powerful, conveying all the passion and intensity of the lyrics.
Line by Line Meaning
Miriam
The name of the person to whom Norah Jones is addressing; represents the person who wronged her
That's such a pretty name
Jones acknowledges the beauty of the name 'Miriam,' despite her hatred towards the person
I'm gonna say it when / I'll make you cry
Jones plans to use Miriam's name to taunt her while causing her emotional pain
You know you done me wrong
Jones believes Miriam has wronged her
I'm gonna smile when / You say goodbye
Jones plans to feel satisfaction when Miriam leaves her life
Now I'm not the jealous type / Never been the killing kind
Jones is not typically a jealous or violent person
But you know I know what you did / So don't put up a fight
Jones is aware of what Miriam did and doesn't want to argue about it
When you were having fun / In my big pretty house / Did you think twice?
Jones questions if Miriam considered the gravity of her actions when she was enjoying herself in Jones's nice home
Was it a game to you? / Was it a game to him? / Don't tell me lies
Jones wants to know if Miriam and the person she was involved with treated their relationship as a game and expects the truth
I know he said it's not your fault / But I don't believe that's true
Jones doesn't believe the other person's claim that Miriam wasn't at fault
I've punished him for being too weak / Now I've saved the best for you
Jones has already punished the other person for their actions, and she intends to do worse to Miriam as she believes Miriam is the bigger offender
And I'm trying not to hurt you / 'Cause you might not be that bad / But it takes a lot to make me go this mad
Jones doesn't want to harm Miriam but acknowledges that it takes a lot to make her this angry
And I'll keep saying it / Until you die
Jones will keep saying Miriam's name even after she dies, emphasizing how much she despises her
You know you done me wrong / I'm gonna smile when / You say goodbye / You know you done me wrong / I'm gonna smile when / I take your life
Jones reiterates that Miriam has done wrong by her and plans on being happy when she leaves, but ultimately plans on causing her harm or killing her
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd.
Written by: BRIAN BURTON, NORAH JONES
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@Mrs_Angie
Miriam is Jolene but with sweet revenge. Instant classic.
@gettitright664
It's hilarious that you said that. I was teaching my daughter Jolene just earlier tonight because she said she liked it. My mind immediately went to this song as and we watched this video. It really is the sadistic version of Jolene.
@Mrs_Angie
Glad you agree. You sound like a great parent.
@sstyblo
'The other women' in Jolene is such a pushover, sign of the times. I love the song, but it bothers me every time. Murder: for the progressive woman :p
@Mrs_Angie
Murder is never the answer, but the metaphor of it is pretty significant.
@luciejiraskova5853
Mrs. Angie I have failed finding a metaphor in a murder.
@tommasosilvestro
I love how she thought of singing the word Miriam throughout the song in the same way and with the same tone you would call someone who is hiding from you like “Miiiiiriam... I’m coming for you.”
@sisterbuddies315
I love it my name is miriam
@quasarvillenights3266
Yes like "Yoohoo, Miriam, I'm going to kill you."
@savageproduction186
I usually don't listen to music like this, but this was the most beautiful and sadistic song I've ever heard