His vocal - sounding very much like the legendary Janis Joplin - is unmatched; and he sings primarily in English. "A genius... A new Messiah" (Rolling Stone Mexico) and "The most interesting voice in the Israeli music scene" are some of the accolades he has received.
Born in Jerusalem, Israel, to diplomats for the Israeli Foreign Office, Avidan spent four years of his childhood in Jamaica and also grew up in New York. In 2006, after breaking up with his long-time girlfriend, he moved back to Jerusalem desiring to pursue a music career. From 2006–2011 he featured in Asaf Avidan & the Mojos.
In 2012, Avidan released the single "Different Pulses", followed by the premiere of his debut solo studio album of the same name. The singer's follow-up record Gold Shadow (2015) was similarly successful in Europe, reaching Gold status in France. The Study on Falling followed in 2017.
The Jail That Sets You Free
Asaf Avidan Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
It's hard to stare into the ocean
and to try to stay afloat
Now don't upset yourself due to the changing of my mood
I'm hard to please sometimes
I'm hard to please sometimes
I'm on a staircase to the bottom of the bottom of my soul
They are out of my control
Now please refrain yourself from worrying on my behalf
I'm hard to understand sometimes
I'm hard to understand sometimes
Honey come with me
It's just you and me
Baby believe it's
As simple as can be
I will be the jail that sets you free
I will be the jail that sets you free
I'm shuffling underneath my pillow for the bed-crumbs of my mind
It's hard to look there for a future
when I left it all behind
Please don't condescend and say you've heard this one before
I'm hard to please sometimes
I'm hard to please sometimes
And while you're offering a handshake to a goddamn amputee
I feel my phantom heart is scratching in a train-wreck memory
Please don't try to cure me with on rectifying glance
I'm hard to understand sometimes
I'm hard to understand sometimes
Honey come with me
it's just you and me
Baby believe it's
As simple as can be
I will be the jail that sets you free
I will be the jail that sets you free
I'm hard to please sometimes
I'm hard to please sometimes
I will be the jail that makes you
I will be the jail that breaks you
I will be the jail that sets you free
The lyrics of Asaf Avidan's song The Jail That Sets You Free express a sense of inner struggle and confusion. The "fossil in my throat" that the singer refers to could symbolize a deep-rooted feeling that he cannot express or articulate. It is hard for him to "stare into the ocean" and make sense of his emotions, to "try to stay afloat" amidst confusion and uncertainty. However, he also recognizes that this confusion can be hard for others to understand, as he is "hard to understand sometimes."
The imagery of the "staircase to the bottom of the bottom of my soul" conveys a sense of sinking, of descending into the depths of one's being. This could represent a journey of self-discovery or introspection. The singer acknowledges that he feels out of control, yet he also knows that others may worry for him or try to offer solutions. The lines "Please don't try to cure me with one rectifying glance" suggest that the singer may feel misunderstood or patronized at times.
In the chorus, the singer pleads with his loved one to come with him and believes that he can be the "jail that sets you free." This line is intriguing since a jail is typically associated with captivity, confinement, and restriction. However, the singer may mean that by supporting and understanding his partner, he can help them overcome their own struggles and personal limitations.
The song's title and lyrics could suggest that sometimes being trapped in our thoughts or emotions can lead to growth and self-discovery. The jail may be a metaphor for a cocoon, a place of transformation where one can emerge as a better version of oneself.
Line by Line Meaning
Lately I've been picking at the fossil in my throat
Recently, I have been trying to get rid of something deep within me that is bothering me.
It's hard to stare into the ocean and to try to stay afloat
It is difficult to face life's uncertainties and still be hopeful.
Now don't upset yourself due to the changing of my mood
Please do not worry about my shifting feelings or attitudes.
I'm on a staircase to the bottom of the bottom of my soul
I am going through a deep, introspective journey within myself.
Although my feet are still connected, They are out of my control
Although I am still physically present and grounded, I feel detached and powerless.
Now please refrain yourself from worrying on my behalf
I ask that you do not concern yourself too much with my well-being.
Honey come with me, It's just you and me, Baby believe it's, As simple as can be, I will be the jail that sets you free
Please trust me and come with me on this journey. I will be your support, even if it means acting as your 'jail' to help you break free from your own limitations.
I'm shuffling underneath my pillow for the bed-crumbs of my mind
I am searching for lost memories or ideas within my own consciousness.
It's hard to look there for a future when I left it all behind
It is difficult to imagine what lies ahead when I have abandoned my past completely.
Please don't condescend and say you've heard this one before
Please do not patronize me by acting like you know what I am going through.
And while you're offering a handshake to a goddamn amputee
While you are attempting to comfort me, you are not fully aware of my pain or struggles.
I feel my phantom heart is scratching in a train-wreck memory
I feel the lingering pain of past traumatic experiences that is difficult to shake off.
Please don't try to cure me with one rectifying glance
Please do not try to fix me with just a quick or superficial solution.
I will be the jail that makes you, I will be the jail that breaks you, I will be the jail that sets you free
I will do what it takes to help you grow and evolve, even if it means putting you through difficult challenges and hardships along the way.
I'm hard to please sometimes, I'm hard to understand sometimes
I can be very particular and complex, making it difficult for others to relate or comprehend me at times.
Writer(s): Asaf Avidan
Contributed by Kaylee M. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
Sarah Mustafa
I'm addicted to this song. Great voice, lyrics and everything!
Kali
I'm really loving these lyrics
judith schilcher
What an impressiv song!! Magnificent voice, great lyrics...CONGRATS 👏 asaf, MASTERPIECE 💖 💖 UNIQUE ARTIST!!! Love your music
Arrow2theknee
Everything this man does is great
Jeffrey Reynolds
So, about 4 days ago, I was watching a French movie on Tubi TV. This song was in it. I immediately was on it like a magnet! I kept scrolling back the movie about 6 times at that point just to hear the song. Then unfortunately, Tubi doesn't scroll credits at the end of a movie.
I was gripped by this song for everythig it offers. It was reminiscent tome of Souxie Sue and the Banshees' from Late 70'- early 80's. I was thinking, Self, did You miss one of her songs over these Decades or is she putting New music out?
When I finally found from searching from nothing except a refrain in the song- WOW! I was So Completely Knocked outa my Bare Feet!!! (I never wear Socks, Desert life...)
First off, I had No idea who this was, and it is a Guy!!! F* Me! (Please?) Then, his looks are so very similar to a G.I>I was Dating a Century Ago!! Then it Dawned on me... Wow, is this maybe a reincarnation begfore my very eyes?!
Well, now that I found Him here, I have a lot of listening to his music, finding out where he's from, etc. From what I see he looks to be becoming very successful! Good for Him!
I don't have a Clue why he hasn't been a Household Name for a long time here in the United States!
Thank God for the Iinternet and I can find so much more about the beautiful in the World than Our Censors want us to beleive exist!
Going to start my study now... Y'all Enjoy what You do In Life!
Maria Catanese
Theo et Hugo dans le même bateau?
Dorota Borcz
Zakochałam się <3
Ragnarok Productions
ja też ;)
CRYSTAL WEBB
LOVE THIS ONE!!❤💋
Ysegrïm
This song just somehow reminds me of Joy Division so much,
regarding the instrumental music in the background. ♥ Love it!!!