A member of the National Youth Jazz Orchestra during her youth, Winehouse signed to Simon Fuller's 19 Management in 2002 and soon recorded a number of songs before signing a publishing deal with EMI. She also formed a working relationship with producer Salaam Remi through these record publishers. Winehouse's debut album, Frank, was released in 2003. Many of the album's songs were influenced by jazz and, apart from two covers, were co-written by Winehouse. Frank was a critical success in the UK and was nominated for the Mercury Prize. The song "Stronger Than Me" won her the Ivor Novello Award for Best Contemporary Song from the British Academy of Songwriters, Composers and Authors.
Winehouse released her follow-up album, Back to Black, in 2006, which went on to become an international success and one of the best-selling albums in UK history. At the 2007 Brit Awards it was nominated for British Album of the Year, and she received the award for British Female Solo Artist. The song "Rehab" won her a second Ivor Novello Award. At the 50th Grammy Awards in 2008, she won five awards, tying the then record for the most wins by a female artist in a single night and becoming the first British woman to win five Grammys, including three of the General Field "Big Four" Grammy Awards: Best New Artist, Record of the Year and Song of the Year (for "Rehab"), as well as Best Pop Vocal Album.
Winehouse was plagued by drug and alcohol addiction. She died of alcohol poisoning on 23 July 2011, at the age of 27. After her death, Back to Black temporarily became the UK's best-selling album of the 21st century. VH1 ranked Winehouse 26th on their list of the 100 Greatest Women in Music.
17.Me Mr Jones
Amy Winehouse Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
It's me and Mr. Jones (me and Mr. Jones)
What kind of fuckery is this?
You made me miss the Slick Rick gig (oh, Slick Rick)
And thought I didn't love you when I did (when I did)
Can't believe you played me out like that (ah)
Plus one of all them girls you kiss (all them girls)
You can't keep lying to yourself like this (to yourself)
Can't believe you played yourself (out) like this
Ruler's one thing, but come Brixton
Nobody stands in between me and my man
'Cause it's me and Mr. Jones (me and Mr. Jones)
What kind of fuckery are we?
Nowadays you don't mean dick to me (dick to me)
I might let you make it up to me (make it up)
Who's playing Saturday?
What kind of fuckery are you?
'Side from Sammy, you're my best black Jew
But I could swear that we were through (we were through)
I still want to wonder 'bout the things you do
Mr. Destiny, nine and fourteen
Nobody stands in between me and my man
'Cause it's me and Mr. Jones
Yeah (me and Mr. Jones) (me and Mr. Jones)
The lyrics of Amy Winehouse’s “Me & Mr Jones” tell the story of a woman who is frustrated and angry with her man. The first verse establishes the woman's commitment to her relationship and reveals her man’s infidelities. She declares that nobody “stands in between” her and her man, meaning that she is fiercely protective of her relationship, but then goes on to chastise him for missing a concert and playing her for a fool.
The second verse is even more frustrated than the first, with the woman questioning her man’s place in her life. She acknowledges that he used to mean more to her than he does now and that she’s not sure she wants to continue the relationship. However, in the chorus, the woman affirms her love and loyalty to her man, saying that it’s just her and Mr. Jones, while also referencing a specific area in London, Brixton, which is known for its African and Caribbean communities, suggesting a cultural tie to her relationship.
Overall, the song represents the push and pull of a relationship and the struggles that come with it: the woman is committed to her man, but she’s also frustrated with him and unsure if the relationship can continue. The lyrics are cleverly written, with a mix of direct and indirect language, and a heavy use of metaphors and cultural references.
Line by Line Meaning
Nobody stands in between me and my man
No one can come between me and my partner.
It's me and Mr. Jones (me and Mr. Jones)
We are exclusive and committed to each other.
What kind of fuckery is this?
This situation is confusing and upsetting.
You made me miss the Slick Rick gig (oh, Slick Rick)
You caused me to miss an important event that I was looking forward to.
And thought I didn't love you when I did (when I did)
You doubted my love for you despite my feelings being genuine.
Can't believe you played me out like that (ah)
I cannot believe you betrayed me in that way.
No, you ain't worth guest list
You are not important enough to be invited to events.
Plus one of all them girls you kiss (all them girls)
You have a history of cheating with multiple women.
You can't keep lying to yourself like this (to yourself)
You can't continue to deny your own mistakes and bad behavior.
Can't believe you played yourself (out) like this
I'm surprised you would act in a way that is detrimental to yourself.
Ruler's one thing, but come Brixton
You may have power over others, but it does not limit my freedom or choices.
What kind of fuckery are we?
What is happening between us? The situation is confusing.
Nowadays you don't mean dick to me (dick to me)
You don't have any significance or importance to me anymore.
I might let you make it up to me (make it up)
I could forgive you if you make an effort to make things right.
Who's playing Saturday?
Who will be performing on Saturday? A change of subject to avoid a difficult conversation.
What kind of fuckery are you?
What are you trying to do or achieve with your behavior? It's unclear.
'Side from Sammy, you're my best black Jew
You are important to me, but not as important as my friend Sammy.
But I could swear that we were through (we were through)
I thought we had already broken up or ended our relationship.
I still want to wonder 'bout the things you do
I still find myself questioning and curious about your actions.
Mr. Destiny, nine and fourteen
The forces of fate, destiny, or luck seem to be involved in our relationship.
Nobody stands in between me and my man
No obstacle or person will prevent me from being with my partner.
'Cause it's me and Mr. Jones
We are a committed and exclusive couple.
Yeah (me and Mr. Jones) (me and Mr. Jones)
We are in this together and nothing can break us apart.
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: AMY WINEHOUSE
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind