Her solo career began in earnest in 2002, when a demo version of the song "Finally Woken" was played on the LA radio station, KCRW. The track became one of the most listener-requested songs at the station, landing her in their top 5 played artists, and all prior to any record label being attached. As a result, she signed to Dave Matthews' ATO Records label.
Along with electronic producer Guy Sigsworth (Björk, Frou Frou), she wrote the song Nothing Fails, which was later reworked by Madonna and appeared on her 2003 album, American Life.
Jem released the moderately successful EP It All Starts Here in autumn 2003, followed by the debut album Finally Woken in March 2004. The first single They became her most successful single to date, peaking at #6 on UK Singles Charts.
Her second album Down to Earth was released on 16 September 2008, preceded by the single It's Amazing.
Jem's music featured on various movies (Closer, Eragon, Sex and the City, Monster-in-Law, The Prince and Me), trailers (Ultraviolet, Closer), ads (Lexus), and TV series (The OC, Six Feet Under, Gossip Girl, Smallville, 90210).
Finally Woken
Jem Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
I've been thinking 'bout things
For a long while
I'm feeling so calm
I've got a big smile
I have a view of the sun
Right over the sea
Life is flowing through me
You see I've finally woken
From a long sleep
I'm ready to jump
To make that blind leap
Coz I now believe
I have the power in me
I've got the faith baby
I can truly be free
Finally woken
Finally woken
Child don't worry it's okay
The sun is out for another day
And I say it'll be alright
[be alright]
Today's the first day of the
Rest of your life
Remember, remember,
Remember this, remember
Child don't worry it's okay
[I've got a big smile, I feel good]
The sun is out for another day
[someone's shining on me]
And I say it'll be alright
[be alright]
Today's the first day of the
Rest of your life
Remember remember
Remember this remember
Child don't worry it's okay
The sun is out for another day
Today's the first day of the
Rest of your life
And I say it'll be alright
[be alright]
Remember, remember,
Remember this, remember
Finally woken
[I've got a big smile/i feel good]
Finally woken
[someone's shining on me]
Finally woken
[I've got a big smile/i feel good]
Finally woken
[someone's shining on me]
And I say it'll be alright, be alright
And I say it'll be alright, be alright
The song "Finally Woken" by Jem is about coming out of a long, deep sleep and realizing that life is worth living fully. The opening lines of the song say that the singer has been thinking about things for a long time and is finally feeling calm and happy with a big smile on her face. She has a view of the sun over the sea and feels like life is flowing through her. The chorus repeats the phrase "finally woken" several times, emphasizing the feeling of waking up from a long sleep.
In the verses, the singer talks about being ready to jump and make a blind leap because she now believes that she has the power in her and can truly be free. She encourages a child not to worry and to remember that the sun is out for another day and that today is the first day of the rest of their life. Again, the chorus repeats the phrase "finally woken" several times, reinforcing the idea of waking up and being ready to take on life.
Overall, the song "Finally Woken" is a hopeful and uplifting anthem about waking up to the possibilities of life and feeling empowered to take on whatever challenges come your way.
Line by Line Meaning
Finally woken, finally woken
After a long sleep, I have finally woken up with newfound power and faith.
I've been thinking 'bout things
For a long while
I'm feeling so calm
I've got a big smile
I have a view of the sun
Right over the sea
And now I can feel
Life is flowing through me
Having spent a long time contemplating, I feel serene and elated with the beauty around me. The sun rises over the sea and fills me with energy and happiness.
Child don't worry it's okay
The sun is out for another day
And I say it'll be alright
[be alright]
Today's the first day of the
Rest of your life
Remember, remember,
Remember this, remember
Don't fret, everything is okay, and a new day awaits with the promise of hope and joy. Each day is a fresh start, so remember to take charge.
Finally woken
[I've got a big smile/i feel good]
Finally woken
[someone's shining on me]
Finally woken
[I've got a big smile/i feel good]
Finally woken
[someone's shining on me]
And I say it'll be alright, be alright
And I say it'll be alright, be alright
I am happy and have a positive outlook on life as if someone is watching over me. Everything will be fine in the end, and I will never forget it.
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group, Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd.
Written by: DANNY GRIFFIN, JEM GRIFFITHS
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind