Grant performed as a musician for a time in her early teens, but stopped due to a bout of stage fright, and did not return to performing until her early 20s when she played some shows with Heavy Blinkers. She then released an independent EP, Jenn Grant and Goodbye Twentieth Century, in 2005.
She collaborated on her debut album, Orchestra for the Moon, with such artists as Ron Sexsmith, Heavy Blinkers, Matt Mays and Jill Barber, and later toured Germany and Canada in support of the album, including as an opening act for The Weakerthans.
She later began recording her second album, Echoes, on a farm in rural Ontario in 2008. The album was produced by Jonathan Goldsmith and engineered by Walter Sobczak at The Studio at Puck's Farm. Her voice was also featured in the song "We Made a Pact" by Hey Rosetta on their 2008 album Into Your Lungs (and around in your heart and on through your blood). Echoes was released in 2009.
In 2010 and 2011, she collaborated with Buck 65 on several tracks, including "Paper Airplane", "Cold Steel Drum", "Days Go By" and a cover of Leonard Cohen/'s "Who By Fire", on his 20 Odd Years series of EPs. Late in 2010, she also released a four-song EP, Songs for Siigoun, which featured a cover of John Denver's "Annie's Song".
She released her third full-length album, Honeymoon Punch, in early 2011. Her fourth album, The Beautiful Wild, followed in 2012, and her fifth album, Compostela, was released on October 21, 2014.
She continues to paint, including designing some of her own album covers.
Working Girl
Jenn Grant Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Biding my tongue 'til I can't breathe
It's the season
I'm packing my dresses up at night
When all the greats we love have died
Give me a reason
When everyone that you love and you know
You get going, go
Get going, go
Get going, going, go
The full moon rises up and I know.
The souls of kings and princes go
It's the season
I read it in the news today
The whole world cried for everything we believed in.
When everyone that you love and you know
Pushes like the wind and says, go
Get going, go
Get going, go
Get going, going, go
You're running up that hill, and your lambs are all but still
Your heron bird hears every word and he carries you until
The olive trees and oranges we seed
You're flying high like the raven who cries
And she's searching just like me
You get going, go
Get going, go
Get going, going, go
In the first verse of "Working Girl," the lyrics express a sense of anticipation and holding one's breath in a manner similar to a symphony. The singer is holding back their words and emotions until they almost can't breathe, indicating a feeling of tension and restraint. The mention of packing dresses at night signifies a preparation for something new or different in their life, potentially suggesting a turning point or transition.
The second part of the verse introduces the concept of the "season," which could refer to a metaphorical season in their life or a literal changing of seasons. The mention of the greats dying and longing for a reason implies a reflection on the passing of time and mortality, perhaps questioning the purpose or meaning of life.
The chorus reinforces the idea that when everyone the singer loves and knows is urging them to move forward, they should listen and heed their encouragement. It implies a push to take action and not stay stagnant, as symbolized by the repetition of "Get going, go." This repetition gives a sense of urgency and determination.
In the second verse, the singer connects the rising full moon with the passing of kings and princes, further emphasizing the theme of mortality and transitions. The reference to reading the news and the world crying for what they believed in suggests disappointment or a realization that things are not as they seemed. This could also allude to societal or personal upheaval, provoking a need for change.
The chorus repeats the message of taking action and moving forward, regardless of any obstacles or doubts. The added repetition of "going, going, go" intensifies the importance of not hesitating and seizing opportunities.
The final verse introduces metaphors and imagery that convey a sense of struggle and resilience. The singer is portrayed as running up a hill with their lambs (a symbol of innocence or vulnerability) seemingly motionless. However, their heron bird, a symbol of guidance and protection, hears their every word and carries them along. This suggests that even in the face of adversity, they are supported and uplifted.
The mention of olive trees and oranges being cultivated could represent growth, nourishment, and the cultivation of a fruitful future. The raven's cries and constant searching parallel the singer's own search for meaning and fulfillment. This implies that they are not alone in their quest and are part of a larger journey.
The final repetition of the chorus emphasizes the perseverance and determination to keep moving forward, despite any challenges or uncertainties that may arise. It serves as a reminder to embrace change and progress, motivated by the encouragement of loved ones and personal conviction.
Line by Line Meaning
I'm holding my breath like a symphony
I'm anxiously waiting, keeping my emotions in check, like a perfectly orchestrated symphony.
Biding my tongue 'til I can't breathe
Suppressing my thoughts and opinions until I feel suffocated.
It's the season
This is the time, the right moment for change or transformation.
I'm packing my dresses up at night
I'm preparing to leave and move on, symbolized by putting away my feminine attire.
When all the greats we love have died
When our beloved icons and inspirations have passed away.
Give me a reason
Provide me with a justification or motive.
When everyone that you love and you know pushes like the wind and says, go
When all the people you care about encourage and support you to take action, urging you forward like a strong gust of wind.
You get going, go
You start moving, taking action.
The full moon rises up and I know
As the full moon appears, I recognize the significance or symbolism attached to it.
The souls of kings and princes go
The spirits or legacies of powerful and influential individuals depart.
I read it in the news today
I learned about this event from reading the news recently.
The whole world cried for everything we believed in
People from all around the globe expressed deep sorrow for the principles and ideals we held dear.
You're running up that hill, and your lambs are all but still
You are exerting great effort to overcome obstacles, while those you are responsible for protecting are motionless and passive.
Your heron bird hears every word and he carries you until
Your watchful and supportive companion, represented by the heron bird, listens attentively to your every word and provides assistance until you reach your destination.
The olive trees and oranges we seed
The fruitful results of our efforts, symbolized by the olive trees and oranges we cultivate and nurture.
You're flying high like the raven who cries
You are experiencing great success and soaring high, reminiscent of the raven's majestic flight, accompanied by its lamenting cry.
And she's searching just like me
Likewise, the raven is seeking something meaningful or significant, similar to my own journey.
Lyrics © Peermusic Publishing
Written by: Jennifer Winnifred Grant
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Trevor Karty
Thank you