Jane
Barenaked Ladies;All Their Greatest Hits 1991-2001; Lyrics
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Was dazzled by her smile while I shopped there
It wasn't long before I lived with her
I sang her songs while she dyed my hair
Jane, divided, but I can't decide which side I'm on
Jane, decided only cowards stay, while traitors run
Jane, Jane
I'd bring her gold and frankincense and myrrh
She thought that I was making fun of her
She made me feel I was fourteen again
That's why she thinks it's cooler if we'd just stay friends
(She thinks it's cooler)
Jane, doesn't think a man could ever be faithful
Jane, isn't giving me a chance to be shameful
Jane, Jane
I wrote a letter, she should have got it yesterday
That life could be better by being together
Is what I cannot explain to Jane
The girl works at the store, sweet Jane St. Clair
(Still dazzled by her smile while I shoplift there)
Still dazzled by her smile while I shoplift there
(The girl works at the store, sweet Jane St. Clair)
No promises as vague as heaven
(No promises as vague as heaven)
No Juliana next to my Evan
(No Juliana next to)
Jane, desired by the people at her school and work
Jane, is tired 'cause every man becomes a lovesick jerk
Jane, Jane (come on)
The song "Jane" by Barenaked Ladies is a narrative about a man who meets and falls for a girl named Jane St. Clair who works at a store. The song is a reflection of the ups and downs he experiences in his relationship with Jane. The song opens with the man being captivated by Jane's smile while shopping at the store where she works. The two form a close relationship, and he stays with her, singing her songs while she dyes his hair. He's divided about their relationship and can't decide which side he's on, but remains committed to her. However, Jane is convinced that no man could ever be faithful and decides to end their relationship because she thinks it's cooler to be just friends.
The man struggles with his feelings for Jane and writes a letter trying to convince her to give their relationship another chance. However, he admits that he cannot explain to Jane that life could be better if they were together. The song ends with the man still dazzled by Jane's smile, even while shoplifting from the store where she works.
Overall, "Jane" is a heartfelt story about the complexities of relationships and the difficulties of navigating them.
Line by Line Meaning
The girl works at the store, sweet Jane St. Clair
The sweet girl, Jane St. Clair, works at the store where I shop.
Was dazzled by her smile while I shopped there
I was dazzled by her beautiful smile while I was shopping at the store.
It wasn't long before I lived with her
Soon after, we started living together.
I sang her songs while she dyed my hair
I used to sing to her while she would dye my hair.
Jane, divided, but I can't decide which side I'm on
Jane is divided, but I can't make up my mind which side to take.
Jane, decided only cowards stay, while traitors run
Jane thinks that only cowards are loyal, while traitors run away.
Jane, Jane
Jane, oh Jane.
I'd bring her gold and frankincense and myrrh
I would bring her expensive gifts like gold, frankincense, and myrrh.
She thought that I was making fun of her
She misunderstood my gestures as teasing or mockery.
She made me feel I was fourteen again
She made me feel young and carefree again, like when I was fourteen.
That's why she thinks it's cooler if we'd just stay friends
Because of that misunderstanding, she thinks it's better if we remain friends.
(She thinks it's cooler)
(She believes it's more fashionable or hip.)
Jane, doesn't think a man could ever be faithful
Jane thinks that men cannot be faithful in a relationship.
Jane, isn't giving me a chance to be shameful
Jane doesn't give me an opportunity to prove my loyalty and trustworthiness.
I wrote a letter, she should have got it yesterday
I wrote a letter to Jane, but she should have received it yesterday.
That life could be better by being together
I expressed in the letter that our life would be better if we were together.
Is what I cannot explain to Jane
However, it's difficult for me to make her understand that.
(Still dazzled by her smile while I shoplift there)
(I'm still captivated by her smile even while I shoplift there.)
(No promises as vague as heaven)
(I make no vague or impossible promises.)
(No Juliana next to my Evan)
(I'm not looking for another woman like Juliana beside me.)
Jane, desired by the people at her school and work
Jane is desired by the people at her school and work.
Jane, is tired 'cause every man becomes a lovesick jerk
Jane is tired because every man becomes a lovesick fool when around her.
Jane, Jane (come on)
Jane, oh Jane (come on).
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: Stephen Duffy, Steven Page
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind