Graduating in 1984 from the University Of Indiana with a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Political Science, Jeff remained in Bloomington Indiana for 4 more years to study with Jazz great David Baker and to hone his own writing and producing skills while traveling in a 7 piece funk band called “Kilo”.
It didn't take long after moving to New York City in 1988 for Jeff to be noticed. Within 6 weeks he was on the road with Gayson Hugh, a BMG recording artist and 1 month later was asked to Join the Billy Joel band for a new record and tour. Well, the new record was “Stormfront” and the Producer was Mick Jones of Foreigner. Jeff went on to record two records with Billy Joel, Stormfront and River of Dreams, and has toured the world with the Piano Man not to mention having played the first sounds heard of Billy’s last two number one singles, “We Didn't Start the Fire”, and “River Of Dreams”
Since joining Foreigner as a full time member in 1993, Jeff Jacobs has enjoyed success as a writer and producer, as well as recording and touring with such artists as; Julian Lennon, Laura Brannigan, Phil Ramone, Paul Simon, as well as many other artists who you may or may not have heard of.
Still calling Chicago home, Jeff and his wife Claudia have two Daughters, Megan and Emily.
I Will
Jeff Jacobs Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
He's countin' rosebuds
Countin' rosebuds
Foggy pavement through my headlights flashing
Hope I miss her
Hope I miss her
Chain is broken, but the gate's wide open
Can't control her
Can't control her
Music Student with a fear of losin'
Wall street Dreamin'
Stopped believin'
After all our time spent chasing stars
Is it any wonder we forgot who we are
I don't know you
But I will
I will, I will, I will, I will
Staring Contest in a wax museum
Got to love her
Got to love her
Drinkin' water with a house on fire
Mind pollution
Whose illusion?
After all our time spent chasing stars
Is it any wonder we forgot who we are
I don't know you
But I just can't change my mind,
This feelin' it's inside
I never got by anybody but myself
After all our time spent chasing stars
After fifteen rhymes and one guitar
You'll always have me right here in your palm
So is it any wonder I forgot who you are?
I don't know you.
But I will....
The opening lines of Jeff Jacobs's song "I Will" paint a vivid picture of a scene. It's the story of a man who's watching waves singing to a girl on stage while he's counting rosebuds. The imagery is striking, and it shows the way time can pass us by unnoticed while we're caught up in the beauty of the moment. The next line changes the mood completely. Suddenly we are no longer amidst a blissful and serene setting. Instead, we are in a car driving down foggy pavement under headlight's beams while desperately hoping to miss someone. The line serves as a reminder of how quickly things can change, how easily our peaceful moments can turn chaotic. The repetition of "I will" throughout the song further emphasizes the sense of determination that runs throughout the piece.
Line by Line Meaning
Watching waves sing to the girl on stage
Observing the ocean waves singing in the background and the girl performing on stage.
He's countin' rosebuds
He is paying attention to the small details and taking mental notes.
Foggy pavement through my headlights flashing
The headlights are revealing a gloomy road in front of him through the fog.
Hope I miss her
He is unsure and wishes to avoid seeing her.
I will, I will, I will, I will
He reaffirms his dedication.
Chain is broken, but the gate's wide open
The obstacle is no longer present but the opportunity is still open.
Can't control her
He lacks control over the situation.
Music Student with a fear of losin'
A music student who fears losing or failure.
Wall street Dreamin'
Dreaming of Wall Street success.
Stopped believin'
Giving up on believing in the dream.
After all our time spent chasing stars
Spending time in pursuit of unattainable goals.
Is it any wonder we forgot who we are
It is no surprise that they lost sight of their true selves.
I don't know you
Lack of familiarity.
But I will
He is committed to getting to know the person better.
Staring Contest in a wax museum
In a museum display, having a prolonged staring contest.
Got to love her
He admires her qualities.
Drinkin' water with a house on fire
Contrasting priorities; ignoring pressing issues.
Mind pollution
Toxic thinking.
Whose illusion?
Doubting which ideas are authentic.
After fifteen rhymes and one guitar
Achieving his goals through music.
You'll always have me right here in your palm
He will be there for her anytime she needs him.
But I just can't change my mind,
He can't turn back from his commitment.
This feelin' it's inside
Experiencing strong emotions.
I never got by anybody but myself
He acknowledges that he is responsible for his own success.
Contributed by Grace A. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
Jorge Cuello Espinosa
I LOVE YOU BROTHER!!