The old adage โbig things come in … Read Full Bio ↴Jennings: Small Frame, Big Voice:
The old adage โbig things come in small packagesโ has perhaps never been more fitting for an artist than in the case of Jennings, the one-name moniker of New York based siren Mary Jennings.
Standing just a shade over five feet tall, Jennings delivers a robust and heartfelt sound that is anything but small-scale. Her music reflects an enormous strength and drive that... is uniquely hers, combining a deep range of rock and pop influences with an unabashed sense of vintage style that few, if any, could ever pull off. โI believe that the difference between an artist and the average person is a fearless and relentless willingness to expose their quarks, oddities, secrets, and passions for all of the world to see and hear.โ says Mary.
Maryโs surge in musical expression started after the sudden death of her mother in 2001. โThis tragedy rocked me to the core, but there is so much beauty in what it allowed me to do,โ she says. โAll of my emotions came pouring out in the form of melody.โ At the time, her father, a former musician himself, gave her the option to go through therapy or record an album. He knew both would be equally helpful to her, but by recording her music, she would be able to have something to hold on to and share with others for a lifetime.
It was on that first album that Jenningsโ established her creative foundation, crafting music that bonds her to the listener in a genuinely honest and relatable way. That openness, and the raw emotion that she has shared on subsequent records, has attracted praise from fans and press alike. "Jennings' music is sweet, lush, powerful, full of great hooks, intelligent and meaningful to boot! I love it!" said Heather Miller-Rodriguez of 100.1FM KRUU. Platinum award winning producer John Rowe agrees, calling Jenningsโ music โcreative and original... A breath of fresh air!"
Recent years have seen Maryโs musical aspirations starting to take shape. She has worked with Billboard-charting songwriters, toured with national acts and has had a number of her songs placed on popular television shows. While the professional growth and the accolades that have accompanied it are nice, it is still the simple act of connecting with a live audience that she values the most. โLive performances give me such a rush. It is one of the best parts about being a musician. To me, it was what really brings the music to life. To know that you only have a few moments to capture and audience and keep them engaged long enough to fall in love with you and your music is a difficult task, but one that I wouldn't trade for any other profession.โ
Now, that growth continues with the release of Jenningsโ latest album, Collapse, Collide. Itโs a project that reflects an artist, and a woman, who has confidently found her voice over the course of a long, and at times, heart-breaking journey and the beginning of what many have already predicted: a bright and promising future for a truly one-of-a-kind talent.
Distance
Jennings Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
This is the social distance
Spending too much time on social media
I wish I could go back to the time when I was meeting ya
Holding hands, with no plans
Making memories
And now I am just sitting here and I create these melodies
I haven't seen my friends in quite a while
It doesn't make me smile
But I wanna give the world a little update on them
One of my friends got married
One of my friends just bought a new house
This is a lot to carry, I know
One of my best friends became a nurse
And I know that was a lot of work
But I want everyone to know I'm proud of them
This is the social distance that they warned me about
This is just the thing I wish I never found
This is the social distance that they warned me about
This is just the thing I wish I never found
I miss going to bars and drinking til dark like we all had nothing to do
Maybe when this all ends I'll meet everyone out, have a drink or two (hey)
I'll stay 6 feet away and try to help today, to keep those cases down
But I have to admit that I miss all my friends and I really wish they were around
I'm not really too good at puzzles
I tried those
I keep eating too many potatoes
I fry those
There are so many things I tested out that I just can't do
I tried a couple home workouts
That was bad
Then I got fired from my job
That was also bad
There are so many things I tested out that I'd never do
This is the social distance that they warned me about
This is just the thing I wish I never found
This is the social distance that they warned me about
This is just the thing I wish I never found
G-g-got me singing like
This is the social distance
This is the social distance
This is the social distance that they warned me about
This is just the thing I wish I never found
This is the social distance that they warned me about
This is just the thing I wish I never found
G-g-got me singing like
In Jennings's song Distance, the lyrics express the singer's frustration and longing for the past that contrasts with the present due to social distancing. The first two lines repeat the sentiments of the song's title, pointing out the physical and emotional gap created by the pandemic. In the following lines, Jennings reflects on the impact of social media, which fills the void of personal interactions yet exacerbates the yearning for in-person connections. He wishes he could turn back time to when he was meeting his friends and loved ones, holding hands, making memories, and enjoying life in the moment without the current restrictions.
However, now Jennings is relegated to composing tunes as he misses his friends, who he has not seen for a long time. The lyrics reveal his mixed emotions as he expresses his sadness for not being able to see them and how it does not make him smile. He shares news about some of his friends, including their achievements, such as getting married or buying a new house. Furthermore, Jennings expresses how proud he is of his friends, including one who became a nurse, implying appreciation for the sacrifices essential workers make.
Jennings goes on to describe how he misses social gatherings and can't wait to have a drink with his friends in a bar. He knows that he has to be mindful of the recommended six feet distance, but longs for the joy of spending time with friends. He also laments his inability to get used to staying at home, trying different activities like puzzles, home workouts, sometimes failing, ultimately leading to losing his job. The song portrays a mix of emotions, reflecting how Jennings and others feel about social distancing.
Line by Line Meaning
This is the social distance
Referring to the physical distancing necessary to prevent the spread of a contagious disease
Spending too much time on social media
The negative impact of excessive social media use on one's mental health and relationships
I wish I could go back to the time when I was meeting ya
Desiring to return to a time when in-person interactions were the norm and social distancing was not required
Holding hands, with no plans
Enjoying the simple pleasures of physical touch and human connection without the need for structured activities
Making memories
Creating meaningful experiences and connections with others that can last a lifetime
And now I am just sitting here and I create these melodies
Using music as a coping mechanism and creative outlet amidst the isolation and loneliness of social distancing
I haven't seen my friends in quite a while
Feeling the absence of social support and connection during an extended period of physical separation
One of my friends got married
Sharing news and updates about the lives of loved ones despite not being able to physically see them
One of my friends just bought a new house
Finding joy in the successes and milestones of friends, even from a distance
This is a lot to carry, I know
Acknowledging the weight and difficulty of navigating social distancing and the impact it has on mental health
One of my best friends became a nurse
Celebrating the accomplishments and contributions of loved ones who are working on the frontlines of a global health crisis
And I know that was a lot of work
Recognizing the dedication and sacrifice required to work in an essential field during a pandemic
But I want everyone to know I'm proud of them
Expressing appreciation and admiration for the resilience and strength of those who are persevering through challenging times
I miss going to bars and drinking til dark like we all had nothing to do
Longing for the freedom and spontaneity of pre-pandemic social activities and gatherings
Maybe when this all ends I'll meet everyone out, have a drink or two (hey)
Expressing hope and anticipation for a future when social distancing is no longer required and in-person gatherings can resume
I'll stay 6 feet away and try to help today, to keep those cases down
Committing to following public health guidelines in order to protect oneself and others from contracting and spreading the virus
But I have to admit that I miss all my friends and I really wish they were around
Acknowledging the emotional toll of social distancing and the longing for companionship and connection
I'm not really too good at puzzles
Exploring new hobbies and activities during quarantine, even if they are not personally enjoyable or successful
I tried those
Experimenting with different types of activities and hobbies to pass the time during isolation
I keep eating too many potatoes
Facing the challenge of finding ways to stay healthy and active at home, while also indulging in comfort foods
I fry those
Cooking and experimenting with different foods at home during isolation
There are so many things I tested out that I just can't do
Reflecting on the challenges and frustrations of adapting to the new realities of social distancing and quarantine
Then I got fired from my job
Facing the harsh economic consequences of the pandemic, including job loss and financial instability
There are so many things I tested out that I'd never do
Experimenting with new activities and hobbies during quarantine that may not have otherwise been pursued
G-g-got me singing like
Using music as a way to express emotions and cope with the stress and isolation of social distancing
This is the social distance that they warned me about
Reflecting on the surreal nature of a global pandemic and the measures taken to prevent its spread
This is just the thing I wish I never found
Expressing regret and frustration over the disruption and hardships caused by social distancing and quarantine
Lyrics ยฉ DistroKid
Written by: Kyle Jennings
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Rachel
Puts a tear in my eye every time I listen to it. It sounds so nice and I know you all worked so hard on it. Congratulations on such a beautiful song.
Brad Jennings
That means so much to me. Nick has been an irreplaceable part of my life for the past couple years. He's one of the most dedicated and talented producers I've ever gotten to work with! Thanks for the amazing comment!!!
Samia Mughal
Listened to this for the first time, and I'm already in love ๐
Brad Jennings
Thank you so much Samia!!!
Megan Beck
Favorite song ever.
Brad Jennings
That means SO MUCH to me! Thank you!!!
nina fernan
I fucks with this, production game on point ๐๐ฝ๐๐ฝ
Brad Jennings
Thank you so much for watching! Stoked you are vibing with Distance!!!
Heather cole
Love this !!!! I want to dedicate this song to Someone special Iโll always love and miss you
Heather cole
Johnathan we saw the previews this song right before you thought you had to leave this world and you never got to hear the whole thing you would have loved it! I miss you constantly! I love JP