Born in Oakdale, New York on Long Island, Monheit began singing professionally while attending Connetquot High School. At 17, she began studying at the Manhattan School of Music in New York City under the tutelage of Peter Eldridge. At the age of 20, as a senior, she won the first runner-up prize at the 1998 Thelonious Monk Institute Vocal Competition. In 1999, she received her Bachelor's degree in music.
Monheit's voice has been compared to that of Ella Fitzgerald, whom she lists as one of her influences. Songs she has recorded range from jazz standards to MGM/RKO musicals of the 1930s-1950s and Brazilian rhythms such as "Começar de novo".
Monheit released her debut album, Never Never Land in October 2000 and it became an instant success. This was followed shortly by her second album, Come Dream With Me (May 2001) and her third, In The Sun (October 2002).
Her fourth album, Live at the Rainbow Room, was released in December 2003. A similarly-titled DVD was released to complement the CD.
Her fifth album, Taking a Chance on Love, was released in September 2004. It debuted at the #1 spot on Billboard's traditional jazz chart and entered Billboard's top 100 pop chart the first week it was released. The album included the song Over the Rainbow, which had been included in her previous release recorded at the Rainbow Room, and also in the soundtrack for the film, Sky Captain and the World of Tomorrow.
The Taking a Chance on Love DVD was released in March 2005 and contains performances from the Brecon Jazz Festival in Wales, UK. Monheit released her sixth album, The Season, in October 2005. Her first holiday-themed album, it debuted in the top 10 on Billboard's jazz chart. Monheit told jazzreview.com that it was inspired by Ella Fitzgerald's holiday album, Ella Wishes You a Swinging Christmas.
The singer recently signed a recording contract with Concord Records. Her most recent album, Surrender, debuted at #1 on Billboard's jazz chart.
I'll Be Around
Jane Monheit Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
No matter how you treat me now.
I'll be around,
From now on...
You're latest love,
Can never last.
And when it's past,
When she's gone.
Goodbye again!
And if you meet a love like mine,
Just now and then
Drop a line,
To say you're feeling fine.
And when
Things go wrong,
Perhaps you'll see,
You're meant for me.
So I'll be around,
When she's gone.
Goodbye again,
And if you meet a love like mine,
Just now and then,
Drop a line,
To say you're feeling fine.
And when
Things go wrongs,
Perhaps you'll say,
You're meant for me.
So, I'll be around,
When she's gone...
In these lyrics, the singer is expressing their unwavering devotion to someone despite how they are currently being treated. They are assuring the person that no matter what happens, they will always be there for them. The singer acknowledges that the person may have a new love interest, but they believe this new relationship will not last and they will still be there when it ends.
The song takes on a melancholic tone as the singer says goodbye and hopes that their former love interest will remember them fondly when they meet someone new. The singer also expresses the hope that the person will eventually realize that they are meant to be together, even when things go wrong.
Overall, the lyrics of "I'll Be Around" speak to the universal experience of heartbreak and the enduring power of love.
Line by Line Meaning
I'll be around
I will still be present and available for you, regardless of how you treat me.
No matter how you treat me now.
Regardless of how you treat me at present, my commitment to being there for you won't waiver.
From now on...
Starting now, I will always be around for you.
You're latest love,
Referring to your most recent romantic partner.
Can never last.
Their relationship with you is doomed to fail.
And when it's past,
After your current relationship comes to an end.
When she's gone.
I will be there for you once your current partner has left your life.
Goodbye again!
Farewell for now, until we meet again.
And if you meet a love like mine,
If you find another person who loves you similarly to the way I do.
Just now and then
Occasionally, from time to time.
Drop a line,
Send me a message.
To say you're feeling fine.
Letting me know that you're doing well and moving on.
And when things go wrong,
If things don't work out in your current relationship,
Perhaps you'll see,
You may come to realize.
You're meant for me.
That you should be with me instead.
So, I'll be around,
Therefore, I will still be there for you.
When she's gone...
Once your current romantic partner is no longer in the picture.
Contributed by Jeremiah D. Suggest a correction in the comments below.