Trent's first stage appearance was as a ten-year-old ingenue in the pantomi… Read Full Bio ↴Trent's first stage appearance was as a ten-year-old ingenue in the pantomime Babes In The Wood, but her primary interest was a career in pop music. Her first single, "Pick Up the Pieces," was released in 1962, but it was not until two record labels and three years later that she scored her first hit, "Where Are You Now?" written by Tony Hatch, who at that time was involved in a highly successful professional collaboration with Petula Clark.

Clark disliked Trent, who clearly had romantic designs on the married Hatch, so when the duo began co-writing material for her they initially credited the work to Hatch alone.[citation needed] With "I Couldn't Live Without Your Love" (1966) inspired by their affair, they went public with their relationship. A year later, they were married in Kensington, London.

Although she recorded numerous singles and albums, both as a solo artist and in tandem with her husband, Trent was clearly a better songwriter than singer.[citation needed] (Her cover versions of several of Clark's recordings indicate she had no distinct style or sound to set her apart from the crowd). In addition to their compositions for Clark, over the years she and Hatch wrote a wealth of material for other artists, including Frank Sinatra, Nancy Wilson, Des O'Connor, Shirley Bassey, Vikki Carr, and Dean Martin.

In the late 1960s, Trent returned to the stage with a UK tour of the musical Nell with Hermione Baddeley.

The 1970s saw Hatch and Trent diversify into the world of musical theatre. The first of their projects, The Card, based on Arnold Bennett's novel, with book by Keith Waterhouse and Willis Hall, ran in London's West End with Jim Dale and Millicent Martin in the starring roles. (Coincidentally, Clark had starred in the 1952 film version with Alec Guinness). An original cast album was released in 1975. A rewritten version of the show, starring Peter Duncan and Hayley Mills, played the Regent's Park Open Air Theatre in the 1990s and spawned a new cast album. The second Hatch/Trent musical was Rock Nativity, with book and lyrics by David Wood. Initiated and produced by Cameron Mackintosh, it first played in Newcastle upon Tyne. An updated version of the show toured nationally in 1976, and was broadcast nationally by Scottish TV. A full-length concert version was also recorded at the Cork Opera House for transmission by RTE.

In 1978, the couple left the UK for a four-year residency in Dublin, where they hosted their own TV series Words And Music and It's A Musical World, before moving to Australia in 1982. It was while down under that the couple wrote what might be their most famous composition, the theme tune for the TV soap, Neighbours.

Trent and Hatch separated in 1995, and divorced in 2002.

Following the couple's initial separation, Trent made a hugely successful return to the British stage, touring the country in the musical High Society. After spending several years in semi-retirement, she toured Australia with a series of concerts in April and May 2004.

On 24 November 2005, Trent married Colin Gregory.(From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia)

The Sweetest Sounds
Jackie Trent Lyrics

Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴

What do I really hear
What is in the ear of my mind
Which sounds are true and clear
And which will never be defined
The sweetest sounds I'll ever hear
Are still inside my head
The kindest words I'll ever know
Are waiting to be said

The most and entrancing side of all [should be sight, not side]
Is yet for me to see
And the dearest love in all the world

Is waiting somewhere for me
Is waiting somewhere, somewhere for me

Overall Meaning

In the opening lines of the song, the singer reflects on the subjective nature of perception. The question "What do I really hear?" suggests a contemplation of the inner workings of one's mind and the interpretation of the sounds that surround us. It delves into the idea that reality and truth can be elusive, as what we hear may not always be accurately understood or defined. The ambiguity of certain sounds and the uncertainties of perception are highlighted, inviting listeners to ponder the complexities of human consciousness.

As the lyrics progress, there is a shift towards a more introspective tone, focusing on the internal world of emotions and thoughts. The concept of the "sweetest sounds" being within one's own mind suggests a sense of personal resonance and significance. It implies that true beauty and meaning can be found in the inner sanctum of one's thoughts and feelings, emphasizing the power of introspection and self-awareness. The notion of the "kindest words" waiting to be said implies a sense of hope and anticipation, suggesting that expressions of kindness and love have the potential to bring fulfillment and emotional richness to life.

The mention of the "most entrancing sight" and the "dearest love" adds a layer of longing and aspiration to the lyrics. The anticipation of experiencing profound beauty and love in the world highlights a sense of optimism and yearning for deeper connections. The idea that these aspects of life are "waiting somewhere" conveys a sense of destiny and inevitability, suggesting that profound experiences and connections are meant to be discovered and embraced. The repetition of the phrase "Is waiting somewhere, somewhere for me" reinforces the idea of hopeful expectation and the belief in the existence of profound love and beauty yet to be encountered.

Overall, Jackie Trent's "The Sweetest Sounds" delves into themes of introspection, perception, hope, and longing. The lyrics encourage listeners to reflect on the nuances of human experience, the power of inner thoughts and emotions, and the possibilities of profound connections awaiting discovery. Through its contemplative tone and poetic imagery, the song captures the universal emotions of longing, anticipation, and optimism, inviting listeners to ponder the mysteries of existence and the potential for deep emotional fulfillment that lies ahead.

Line by Line Meaning

What do I really hear
What am I truly listening to and understanding?

What is in the ear of my mind
What thoughts and emotions am I processing mentally?

Which sounds are true and clear
Which experiences and feelings are genuine and understandable?

And which will never be defined
And which may always remain uncertain or ambiguous?

The sweetest sounds I'll ever hear
The most comforting and uplifting sounds I will experience

Are still inside my head
Are still within my thoughts and imagination

The kindest words I'll ever know
The most compassionate and supportive words I will ever hear

Are waiting to be said
Are yet to be expressed or shared

The most and entrancing side of all
The most captivating and enchanting aspect overall

Is yet for me to see
I have yet to discover and experience it fully

And the dearest love in all the world
And the most cherished love in existence