Nu jazz emerged in the early 1990s across the world in the early advent of electronic-based music production software. Musicians, either in jazz and/or EDM backgrounds, would implement their jazz/EDM knowledge into these forms of music production software to create jazz compositions into electronic dance club and neo-lounge settings. The interplay of this blend would range from adding jazz instrumentation and samples into electronic beats (Amon Tobin, St Germain, Fila Brazillia, Jazzanova, etc) to more band-based jazz with electronic elements (The Cinematic Orchestra, Jaga Jazzist, Nils Petter Molvær, Bugge Wesseltoft, etc). The compilation series Saint-Germain-des-Prés Café gave nu jazz more mainstream recognition in the turn of the century.
This dualistic interplay of nu jazz carries on to more contemporary acts of the 2010s onwards with the integration of Glitch Hop and Wonky music. Labels such as electronic-based Ninja Tune and Brainfeeder have dabbled in nu jazz.
Them Changes
Thundercat Lyrics
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And I can't find my heart
Where did it go? Did I leave it in the cold?
So please give it back, 'cause it's not yours to take
It must've fell when I lost my mind
Deep in the cut, drowning in a pain
Somebody help, 'cause I can't find my way
Nobody move, nobody move
Somebody tell me how I'm supposed to feel
When I'm sitting here knowing this ain't real
Why in the world would I give my heart to you?
Just to watch you throw it in the trash
I've been traveling so long, I don't think I can hold on
Where were you when I needed you the most?
Now I'm sitting here with a black hole in my chest
A heartless, broken mess
These lyrics from Thundercat's "Them Changes" convey a feeling of disorientation and confusion following heartbreak. The opening lines suggest a violent event with the presence of blood on the floor, and the singer's sense of loss is underscored in their search for their heart. Interestingly, the singer questions whether they left their heart "in the cold," implying that they may have made choices that led to their heartbreak. The plea for their heart back suggests a desire to reclaim what was lost, but also acknowledges that it is not someone else's to take. The second verse highlights the confusion that often comes with heartbreak- the singer expresses uncertainty about their emotional state and the reality of the situation, questioning how they're supposed to feel in this moment. Regret and anger are both present as they reflect on giving their heart to someone who ultimately didn't value it, and the final lines suggest a sense of hopelessness and despair- the singer is alone and lost after being hurt so deeply.
Overall, Thundercat's "Them Changes" is a powerful exploration of the aftermath of heartbreak, conveying the intense emotions and confusion that often accompany such an experience.
Line by Line Meaning
Nobody move, there's blood on the floor
I'm in a state of distress as evidenced by the blood on the floor
And I can't find my heart
I'm experiencing emotional pain and feel as though I've lost my heart
Where did it go? Did I leave it in the cold?
I'm disoriented and wondering if my heart was abandoned due to neglect
So please give it back, 'cause it's not yours to take
I want my heart back because it's something only I have a right to control
It must've fell when I lost my mind
I believe my heart was lost when my mental faculties failed me
Deep in the cut, drowning in a pain
I'm suffering severely and deep within myself
Somebody help, 'cause I can't find my way
I need assistance in navigating my situation since I'm completely lost
Somebody tell me how I'm supposed to feel
I'm uncertain how to manage my emotions in this predicament
When I'm sitting here knowing this ain't real
Although it's difficult to accept, I understand what's happening is fiction
Why in the world would I give my heart to you?
I'm questioning why I allowed myself to be so vulnerable with you
Just to watch you throw it in the trash
I feel disregarded after you discarded my heart like garbage
I've been traveling so long, I don't think I can hold on
I've been enduring this emotionally draining journey for quite some time and I'm starting to lose my grip
Where were you when I needed you the most?
I'm feeling abandoned by you in the most critical moments of my life
Now I'm sitting here with a black hole in my chest
I feel empty and hollow, as if a void has taken up space in my heart
A heartless, broken mess
I'm currently directionless, without a heart and it's affecting me emotionally
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: Christopher Jasper, Ernie Isley, Marvin Isley, O'Kelly Isley, Ronald Isley, Rudolph Isley, Stephen Bruner, Steven Ellison
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind