McShee's musical career began as a soloist in British folk clubs in the mid-1960s. After working with guitarist John Renbourn, she co-founded Pentangle.
Pentangle rapidly established itself as one of the earliest exponents of the British folk rock movement. However, they drew audiences from the rock and pop worlds as well as traditionalists. The original band played a mixture of ballads, blues, and jazz, often blending these genres in the same piece.
In 1994, McShee formed a new band named Jacqui McShee's Pentangle which, with a few personnel changes, is still performing today.
In 1995 Jacqui performed as a session singer, along with her husband, drummer Gerry Conway, on the album "Active in The Parish" by the singer-songwriter David Hughes. It was voted the Q magazine "Album of the Year". Hughes is also the author of "The Fairport Tour". In 1998 she teamed up with Ulrich Maske to record "The Frog and the Mouse" and "The Cat and the Fiddle". These two books were designed to help German children to learn to speak English.
Out on GJS Records in 2005, Feoffees' Lands is the third studio project since Passe Avant (1998) and About Thyme (1995). Material includes traditional folk song arrangements, jazz standards and new compositions.
Nobody's Fault But Mine
Jacqui McShee Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Nobody's fault but mine
And if I die and my soul be lost
Nobody's fault but mine
I had a mother who could pray
I had a mother who could pray
And if I die and my soul be lost
Nobody's fault but mine
Nobody's fault but mine
And if I die and my soul be lost
Nobody's fault but mine
I had a mother who could pray
I had a mother who could pray
And if I die and my soul be lost
Nobody's fault but mine
Nobody's fault but mine
Nobody's fault but mine
And if I die and my soul be lost
If I die and my soul be lost
If I die and my soul be lost
Well nobody's fault but mine
The song "Nobody's Fault But Mine" is a gospel blues classic that has been recorded by many artists, including Blind Willie Johnson, Nina Simone, and Led Zeppelin. The song speaks to the idea that one's fate is ultimately one's own responsibility, that the person is accountable for their own actions, good or bad. The refrain "nobody's fault but mine" is repeated four times in each verse and at the end of the song. The singer acknowledges that they have made mistakes and may be lost, but it is not the fault of anyone else.
The second part of the song speaks to the singer's upbringing and influence from their mother who was a praying woman. The repetition of the line "I had a mother who could pray" emphasizes the importance of faith and how it can guide someone through difficult times. It also suggests that the singer's mother was a positive influence on their moral compass, but ultimately the responsibility for one's actions is personal.
The song expresses a message of accountability and taking responsibility for one's own actions, despite external circumstances or influences. It encourages self-reflection and awareness, acknowledging that ultimately, one's fate is in one's own hands.
Line by Line Meaning
Nobody's fault but mine
I am solely responsible for my actions and decisions
And if I die and my soul be lost
In the event of my death and my spiritual state being uncertain
I had a mother who could pray
I was fortunate to have a mother who was devoted to prayer
If I die and my soul be lost
Should my life end without my spiritual state being secure
Well nobody's fault but mine
I am responsible for the choices I make in life, including any negative outcomes
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: NINA SIMONE
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind