Duterte is the daughter of Filipino immigrants and grew up playing trumpet. She had originally planned to attend a conservatory program for jazz but instead decided to focus on songwriting. After enrolling in community college and studying music production and recording, she began recording in her bedroom studio and self-released music under the moniker Jay Som.
Duterte performs all the music on her records herself and records in her own makeshift studio in her bedroom. Following the success of Turn Into, Duterte has opened for Peter Bjorn and John, Mitski and Japanese Breakfast and been featured on Pitchfork, NPR and Rookie Magazine.
In November, 2015, Duterte released nine tracks on her Bandcamp page under the name Untitled. Despite the fact that these recordings were intended as demos, they began to receive attention online, eventually being re-released twice as Turn Into, first under Top Shelf and then Polyvinyl in 2016.[3] The album received acclaim from critics, including an 8.2 rating from Pitchfork.
The next Jay Som album, Everybody Works, was released March 10, 2017 under Polyvinyl and Double Denim Records. It was preceded by the song "1 Billion Dogs" in February.
Simple
Jay Som Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
And you circled around once again
Oh, you created a simple world for two
Oh, I'll figure it out all for you
For you
For you
For you
I think about (Think about, think about)
I think about the undertow
Come too close, so powerful
Against the air (you think about)
Your way to rest (in undertow)
You'll listen more (come to a close)
We'll talk less (so powerful)
You'll listen more
We'll talk less
You'll listen more
In "Simple," Jay Som reflects on a complicated relationship dynamic and the struggle to find understanding and communication within it. The opening lines, "Couldn't believe what you did, And you circled around once again," convey a sense of disbelief and frustration towards the actions of the other person. Despite this, the singer recognizes the simplicity that exists when they are together, creating a world for just the two of them. The lyrics, "Oh, you created a simple world for two, Oh, I'll figure it out all for you," suggest a willingness to navigate the complexities of the relationship and find solutions for the sake of their connection.
The repetition of the phrase "For you" emphasizes the singer's dedication and commitment to the other person, highlighting their willingness to make sacrifices and understand them better.
The second part of the song delves into introspection and contemplation. The lines, "I think about the undertow, Come too close, so powerful," evoke a sense of being drawn in by the intensity of the relationship, akin to a strong undertow pulling the singer deeper into their emotions. There is a struggle to find balance between being engulfed by overwhelming emotions and finding solace and rest within the turbulence.
The subsequent lines, "Against the air, Your way to rest, You'll listen more, We'll talk less," hint at the need for better communication and understanding between both parties. It suggests that by listening more and talking less, they can create a more harmonious and balanced relationship.
Overall, "Simple" explores the complexities and contradictions within a relationship, acknowledging the difficulties while striving to find simplicity and understanding for the sake of love.
Line by Line Meaning
Couldn't believe what you did
I was astonished by your actions
And you circled around once again
And you repeated the same behavior again
Oh, you created a simple world for two
Oh, you crafted a straightforward reality for just the two of us
Oh, I'll figure it out all for you
Oh, I'll sort everything out for your sake
For you
For your benefit
For you
For your sake
For you
For your advantage
I think about (Think about, think about)
I ponder upon (Ponder upon, ponder upon)
I think about the undertow
I contemplate the strong current beneath the surface
Come too close, so powerful
Approaching too near, it exerts great force
Against the air (you think about)
Resisting the resistance of the atmosphere (you contemplate)
Your way to rest (in undertow)
Your method to find solace (in the strong current)
You'll listen more (come to a close)
You'll pay closer attention
We'll talk less (so powerful)
We'll communicate less (due to its overwhelming nature)
You'll listen more
You'll give more heed
Lyrics © SC PUBLISHING DBA SECRETLY CANADIAN PUB.
Written by: Melina Mae Cortez Duterte
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
90.9 The Bridge
A little more mellow than what I'm used to hearing from Jay Som, but I like! Very groovy.
Vnarves
This is real nice. Cool Adult Swim acknowledged this too!
Jan Divis
Very calm and peaceful <3
Jasper Willems
just a perfect song
gxnisxs
I love this band lol
VGBNDGRL
This song reminds me so much of 1979 by the smashing pumpkins. as if that song were slooooowed down, it would sound something like this one LOL. one of my faves for sure.
Ingrid .V
I mean... is there something better than Polyvinyl? Nope
soy roos
Ingrid .V topshelf? Sargeant house? Profound lore?
Brent Goodwin
Good music
Art Allred
I wonder what the 26 means? Does anyone know?