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).
I Always Knew
Jem Lyrics
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But I couldn't be a puppet on a string
I've had my fights, often I've been KO'd
But I've got back up, no I won't give in
And now I know how it works
If you're too nice you lose
I'm gonna make it to the top well let me show you
Don't make me your master baby, you'd be crazy that's for sure
Becoming a bitch is not what I got into music for.
I remember back to a bench in Wales
Where two young boys started mocking me
I looked at them.
Thought I'll show you one day
But I didn't fight or stand up for me.
And that young girl's learn the hard way
If you're too nice you lose.
I'm gonna make it to the top well let me show you
And if I've got to toughen up then that is what I'll do
Don't make me your master baby, you'd be crazy that's for sure
Becoming a bitch is not what I got into music for.
I'll make it crystal clear that I am not going anywhere
As long as there is music, I'll be here.
I'm gonna make it to the top well let me show you
And if I've got to toughen up then that is what I'll do
Don't make me your master baby, you'd be crazy that's for sure
Becoming a bitch is not what I got into music for.
I'm gonna make it to the top well let me show you
And if I've got to toughen up then that is what I'll do
Don't make me your master baby, you'd be crazy that's for sure
Becoming a bitch is not what I got into music for.
The lyrics of “I Always Knew” by Jem depict the struggles she went through while pursuing her music career. The song starts off with Jem expressing her self-belief and confidence that she always knew she would make it to the top, but she could not compromise her integrity or become a puppet on a string of the people controlling her career. Jem also reflects her sufferings and fights that knocked her down, but she never lost her determination to get back up and succeed in the music industry.
In the second verse, Jem recalls a moment of bullying where two young boys mocked her on a bench in Wales. Although she did not fight back, it taught her a valuable lesson that being too nice and not standing up for yourself could lead to losing. This event reinforced her attitude of never giving up and remaining unwavering in her pursuit of success.
The chorus emphasizes Jem's resolve towards taking charge of her life and career by not allowing anyone to become her master, exert control or make her compromise her values. She will not become "a bitch" for anyone's gain, and making it to the top through hard work and toughening up would be the only way forward.
Overall, the song is a testament to the struggles that Jem faced in her climb to success, her belief in herself, and her strong determination to succeed without compromising her values or letting anyone control her.
Line by Line Meaning
I always knew I would one day be here
I have had a strong belief from early on that I would succeed in my music career
But I couldn't be a puppet on a string
I refused to be controlled by anyone else in my pursuit of success
I've had my fights, often I've been KO'd
I have faced many difficult challenges and setbacks in my career
But I've got back up, no I won't give in
But I have always found the strength and resilience to keep going and never give up
And now I know how it works
Through my experiences, I have gained insight into how the music industry operates
If you're too nice you lose
I have learned that being overly kind or passive can be detrimental to success in the music industry
I'm gonna make it to the top well let me show you
I am determined to succeed and prove my talent to others
And if I've got to toughen up then that is what I'll do
I am willing to become more assertive and resilient in order to achieve my goals
Don't make me your master baby, you'd be crazy that's for sure
I don't want anyone else to control me or my music career
Becoming a bitch is not what I got into music for.
I don't want to compromise my values or character in pursuit of success in the music industry
I remember back to a bench in Wales
I have a vivid memory of a specific moment in my past
Where two young boys started mocking me
Where I was faced with bullying and ridicule from others
I looked at them.
I remember having a strong reaction in response to their behavior
Thought I'll show you one day
I had a desire to prove them wrong and succeed despite their negativity
But I didn't fight or stand up for me.
But in that moment, I didn't have the courage to defend myself
And that young girl's learn the hard way
Through my experiences and mistakes, I have learned a valuable lesson
I'll make it crystal clear that I am not going anywhere
I am committed to pursuing my music career and will not give up or disappear
As long as there is music, I'll be here.
Music is my passion and I plan to continue pursuing it for as long as possible
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: JEM GRIFFITHS, LESTER MENDEZ
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind