Raised in Syracuse, New York, she found success in the 70s as a model, working in New York and Paris (where she shared an apartment with Jerry Hall and Jessica Lange), before rising to public prominence as a singer and personality.
Jones secured a record deal with Island Records, which resulted in a string of club hits. The three disco albums she recorded - Portfolio (1977), Fame (1978), and Muse (1979) - generated dance singles such as Sorry That's The Trouble, I Need A Man, and a classic cover of La Vie En Rose. During this period, she also became a muse to Andy Warhol, appearing in his portraits and accompanying him to Studio 54 on many occasions.
As the 70s drew to a close, Jones adapted the emerging New Wave music to suit a different style, a significant departure from her previous output that resulted in some of her strongest work. Still with Island, and now working with producers Alex Sadkin and Chris Blackwell at Compass Point Studios, and with the considerable talents of Sly Dunbar and Robbie Shakespeare (Sly & Robbie) behind her, she released the acclaimed Warm Leatherette (1980) and Nightclubbing (1981). These included re-imaginings of songs by Sting, Iggy Pop, The Pretenders, Roxy Music, Flash And The Pan, The Normal, and Tom Petty, as well as originals like the innuendo-filled Pull Up To The Bumper and the haunting I've Seen That Face Before (Libertango). Parallel to her musical shift was an equally dramatic visual departure; Jones - working heavily with style artist Jean-Paul Goude - adopted a severe, androgynous look that enhanced her already striking presence, the iconic cover of Nightclubbing exemplifying this new identity. Her collaboration with Sadkin and Blackwell continued with the dub reggae-influenced album Living My Life, which featured Nipple To The Bottle, The Apple Stretching, and the Jones-penned and much-sampled My Jamaican Guy.
Later in the 80s, she worked with Trevor Horn for the conceptual musical collage Slave to the Rhythm (1985), and with Nile Rodgers for Inside Story (1986) - her first album away from the Island label. Inside Story produced her last US Hot 100 hit to date, I'm Not Perfect (But I'm Perfect For You), while Bulletproof Heart in 1989 produced the #1 US club hit Love on Top of Love - Killer Kiss, produced by C+C Music Factory's David Cole and Robert Clivilles. Though a chart regular in the UK Grace Jones never achieved mainstream musical success in the US, but most of her singles became huge hits in the dance underground.
Jones' strong visual presence was extended to her stage work. Her performances were unique spectacles as she adopted various personas and wore outlandish costumes throughout, particularly during her years with Goude. Her most memorable performances include the Paradise Garage in 1985, wherein she collaborated with legendary visual artist Keith Haring for her costume and the extraordinary One Man Show filmed in Drury Lane Theatre London and in New York and released on video in 1982 (it is yet to be re-released).
In 2008 she returned with the album "Hurricane".
Inspiration
Grace Jones Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
I'll step off the line,
I've been searching for some inspiration,
The thing I wrote off as false came true,
Another gift of mine with love from me to you.
Don't be intimidated, I don't want to be the first one,
It's a problem calculated,
The thing I wrote off as false came true,
Another gift of mine with love from me to you.
Stop it now I've been killing myself,
I've been willing myself,
To give back all what he gave,
Another turnstile bare to the bone turning alone.
Hope he's turning in his grave,
My source of satisfaction from laying it on the line,
You could be the one too,
I've been searching for some inspiration,
The thing I wrote off as false came true,
Another gift of mine with love from me to you.
Stop it now I've been killing myself,
I've been willing myself,
To give back all what he gave,
Another turnstile bare to the bone turning alone.
Hope he's turning in his grave,
I'm hoping to find a new source of information,
I'll step off the line,
I've been searching for some inspiration,
Searching for some inspiration. (fade to end)
The lyrics of Grace Jones's song "Inspiration" are reflective of the singer's search for inspiration, both musically and creatively. The opening lines convey a sense of longing and anticipation for something new and refreshing, while also acknowledging a willingness to step out of one's comfort zone in order to find it. As the song progresses, it becomes clear that the singer is wrestling with a sense of creative frustration, possibly relating to a lack of recognition or response to their work. Despite this, there remains a sense of hope and determination throughout the song, suggesting that even in the midst of struggle there is potential for growth and renewal.
The repeated refrain of "the thing I wrote off as false came true, another gift of mine with love from me to you" can be interpreted in a number of ways. On one level, it may relate to the singer's creative process, suggesting that ideas or approaches that were initially dismissed or rejected may ultimately prove valuable. It may also be read more broadly as a reflection on the transformative power of art and music, and the potential for these forms of expression to connect people and offer solace in difficult times. Ultimately, the song conveys a sense of both vulnerability and resilience, and leaves the listener with a sense of possibility and potential.
Line by Line Meaning
I'm hoping to find a new source of information
I am eager to discover new knowledge.
I'll step off the line
I will venture outside of my comfort zone.
I've been searching for some inspiration
I have been seeking motivation to fuel my creativity.
The thing I wrote off as false came true
I discovered that something I dismissed as impossible was actually achievable.
Another gift of mine with love from me to you
I am dedicating another creation of mine to you as a gesture of love and appreciation.
Don't be intimidated, I don't want to be the first one
Do not be afraid, I am not seeking recognition for being the first to do something.
It's a problem calculated
It is a well-thought-out challenge that I am willing to approach strategically.
Stop it now I've been killing myself
I need to cease overworking and exhausting myself.
I've been willing myself
I have been pushing myself to achieve success.
To give back all what he gave
I aim to return the favor by putting my own unique spin on something someone has provided me with.
Another turnstile bare to the bone turning alone
I am tirelessly creating and expending effort without receiving much support or assistance from others.
Hope he's turning in his grave
I hope that someone who doubted me in the past regrets doing so now that I have succeeded.
My source of satisfaction from laying it on the line
I derive fulfillment from taking risks and living boldly.
You could be the one too
You also have the potential to realize your aspirations and excel.
Searching for some inspiration (fade to end)
I am still on the hunt for inspiration to fuel my creative endeavors.
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management, Universal Music Publishing Group, Songtrust Ave
Written by: BARRY REYNOLDS, GRACE JONES
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@andyj639
Robbie Shakespeare bass player supreme and general reggae great RIP. You will be sorely missed. Condolensces to his family and friends.
@andyfair9546
When I bought this album. ..This was a grower. ..In the years that went ahead. ..This song always stuck in my memory. ...best track on the album. ..probably the best song grace Jones wrote. ..In my book
@kyachdistent1301
And REALLY should have been a single.
@andyfair9546
One of her underrated greats. ..This has emotion
@karlannherndon1137
G R A C E !!!!!!!!! often imitated but never duplicated.🎼🎤🎹❤❤❤🎵
@sommy38
very hard working lady ...should be recognized for it ,,,,love her...love you grace ...big peter from edinburgh
@andyj639
Sumptuous. That bassline just superb
@nothinghumanlovesfor
one of my favorite songs by this wonderful singer
@georgygirl53
Love this...takes me back to the 80s...thanks
@benjaminjoy6542
Fantastic✳️✳️✳️Grace !!!