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.
Slow
Jay Som Lyrics
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Show me which way to go Lead me and we'll take it slow Sneaking in your parents bed Laughing 'til our faces turn red
Out of control
This pattern
I'm taking deep breaths
Show me which way to go Lead me and we'll take it slow Sneaking in your parents bed Laughing 'til our faces turn red Sinking 'til I cannot swim
Hold me because I feel so thin
Out of control
I'm taking deep breaths
Take it slow, we'll take it slow (don't come back)
In Jay Som's song "SLOW," the lyrics depict a sense of youthful exploration and liberation. The opening lines suggest a desire for guidance and a willingness to follow someone else's lead, emphasizing the need to take things slowly. This could signify a desire for stability, security, or even a metaphorical journey, where the destination isn't as important as the process itself.
The mention of sneaking into the singer's parents' bed adds a playful and mischievous element to the lyrics. This could symbolize a rebellion against societal norms or an escape from responsibilities and expectations. The act of laughter, turning their faces red, reinforces the carefree and joyful nature of this intimate connection.
The mention of being "out of control" and the repetition of the word "pattern" suggest a sense of uncertainty or being caught in a repetitive cycle. Deep breaths are taken as a way to cope with these feelings, perhaps indicating a need for grounding and self-awareness amid the chaos. This could also imply a sense of seeking balance or control in a relationship or situation that feels overwhelming.
As the song progresses, the line "Sinking 'til I cannot swim" introduces a shift in mood. This metaphorical sinking could imply a feeling of being overwhelmed, approaching a breaking point, or perhaps a surrendering to vulnerability. The desire for someone to hold the singer because they feel "so thin" indicates a need for emotional support and reassurance in the face of their struggles.
The repetition of the chorus and the phrase "take it slow" suggests a reminder to pace themselves and not rush through life. The addition of the parenthetical remark "don't come back" at the end introduces a hint of ambiguity and mystery. It could signify a fear of repeating past mistakes, a warning to the person they are following, or an expression of longing for a moment that cannot be revisited.
Overall, "SLOW" portrays themes of youth, exploration, the search for stability, and the need for emotional support. The lyrics capture the complexities of navigating relationships and the internal struggle to find a sense of control and purpose in a rapidly changing world.
Line by Line Meaning
Show me which way to go
I'm lost and need guidance, show me the right path to take
Lead me and we'll take it slow
Take the lead and let's proceed at a relaxed pace
Sneaking in your parents bed
We're engaging in secret, mischievous activities
Laughing 'til our faces turn red
We're having so much fun that it's making us burst into uncontrollable laughter
Out of control
We're losing our grasp on the situation and things are becoming chaotic
This pattern
This recurring behavior or sequence of events
I'm taking deep breaths
I'm consciously trying to calm myself down and regain composure
Sinking 'til I cannot swim
I'm descending into a state of helplessness and drowning in my emotions
Hold me because I feel so thin
I need your support and comfort because I feel emotionally fragile and vulnerable
Take it slow, we'll take it slow (don't come back)
Let's continue at a leisurely pace and not rush things (without any regrets)
Lyrics © SC PUBLISHING DBA SECRETLY CANADIAN PUB.
Written by: Melina Mae Cortez Duterte
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind