Sweet Jane
Cowboy Junkies Lyrics

Anyone who's ever had a heart
If someone has truly experienced love and compassion, they would never intentionally hurt someone else's heart.

Wouldn't turn around and break it
They would not turn their back on love and intentionally cause pain or heartbreak.

And anyone who's ever played a part
If someone has ever had a role to play or a responsibility in a situation, they would not abandon it or betray it.

Wouldn't turn around and hate it
They would not turn against the very thing they were responsible for, causing them to harbor feelings of anger and negativity.

Sweet Jane, sweet Jane
This line is a repeated reference to the title of the song, which perhaps refers to a sweet and innocent girl named Jane, someone who embodies the good and pure qualities of life.

You're waiting for Jimmy down in the alley
Here, the singer is addressing a character named Jane, who is waiting for someone named Jimmy in an alley. This could symbolize a waiting period for something long-awaited or desired to return.

Waiting there for him to come back home
Jane is waiting for Jimmy to come home, the place where they find comfort and safety in each other's presence.

Waiting down on the corner
Jane is also waiting on a corner, which might imply that she is waiting to take a turn--she's waiting for something to be different or to happen.

And thinking of ways to get back home
Jane is also thinking of ways to make it back to the place she considers home, a place where she feels she belongs.

Anyone who's ever had a dream
This refers to someone who has an aspiration or a goal, a vision for what they want their life to be.

Anyone who's ever played a part
Referenced again, this is someone who has a role or a job to do, something they are responsible for seeing through.

Anyone who's ever been lonely
This line speaks to someone who has experienced isolation, sadness, or a feeling of being disconnected from others.

And anyone who's ever split apart
This refers to someone who has experienced loss or separation from someone they love or something they are connected to. It could also refer to the end of a relationship or partnership.

Heavenly widened roses
This is an image of beautiful, expansive rose blossoms that could represent a sense of beauty, growth, or hope.

Seem to whisper to me when you smile
When the person referenced here smiles, the singer is saying it feels like the roses are whispering to them, providing a sense of comfort or reassurance.

Sweet Jane
Reiterated one last time, 'Sweet Jane' represents something special, pure, and good--perhaps even Jane herself, who embodies these characteristics.

Sweet, sweet Jane
This repetition strengthens the emphasis on the sweetness and purity that Jane represents, and it also signals the end of the song.