Jenny Owen Youngs is an American singer-songwriter from Montclair, New Jers… Read Full Bio ↴Jenny Owen Youngs is an American singer-songwriter from Montclair, New Jersey

After exploring the flute (elementary school) and the tuba (junior high), Jenny finally stepped up to the guitar at the age of fourteen.

She graduated from State University of New York at Purchase with a degree in studio composition.

Her album Batten the Hatches was self-released in 2005. In 2006, a song from that album, Fuck Was I, appeared in the second season premiere of Showtime's Weeds, resulting in Batten the Hatches being re-released on April 10, 2007 with new artwork and an extra track, Drinking Song on the Canadian indie label Nettwerk. "Fuck Was I" was also released on the soundtrack album Weeds: Music from the Original Series, Vol. 2.

In addition to her solo career, she is in the band The Robot Explosion, a side project with fellow musicians and friends Bess Rogers, Andrew Futral, and Saul Simon-MacWilliams. She also takes part in an online podcast through MySpace with Bess Rogers and Andrew Futral, titled 'Once More With Feeling' (named after the musical episode of Buffy The Vampire Slayer).

Youngs released her second album, Transmitter Failure, on May 26, 2009. Youngs' third album An Unwavering Band of Light, was released on February 7, 2012.

She recently toured with Regina Spektor (whose phone message also appears on Voice on Tape) and has opened a few shows for Amanda Palmer.

Youngs covered Have You Forgotten by Mark Kozelek for American Laundromat Records' upcoming charity CD Sing Me To Sleep - Indie Lullabies due out in Spring 2010. Tanya Donelly, Dean & Britta, Say Hi, Julie Peel, Stars, The Real Tuesday Weld, and others are contributing to the project which helps children with cancer and rare blood disorders.

First Person
Jenny Owen Youngs Lyrics

Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴

What's the worst thing that could happen?
We find out that we don't quite fit
But on the flip side, we could be just right
And sure there's the chance
That we'll both end up broken and split
But that's my kinda risk

I'm not trying to make you think

This is some kind of great big deal

I just know exactly how you feel

Overall Meaning

In "First Person," Jenny Owen Youngs is singing about the uncertainty that comes with pursuing a new relationship. The lyrics explore the idea that, when it comes to matters of the heart, there are risks involved. However, in the end, the potential rewards may outweigh those risks. As the singer of the song considers the possibilities of where this new relationship may lead, they can't help but acknowledge the potential for things to not work out. But, even with that knowledge, they are still willing to give it a shot.

The lyric "I'm not trying to make you think/This is some kind of great big deal" speaks to the casual nature of the relationship that the singer is describing. They're not trying to put too much pressure on the situation, even as they acknowledge the risk involved. Ultimately, "First Person" is a song about taking chances, even when you're not sure what the outcome will be.

Line by Line Meaning

What's the worst thing that could happen?
Let's not be afraid of the potential consequences and take the risk.

We find out that we don't quite fit
There is a possibility that we won't be compatible.

But on the flip side, we could be just right
However, there is also the possibility that we might be perfect for each other.

And sure there's the chance
Although, we must acknowledge that there is a risk involved.

That we'll both end up broken and split
The worst-case scenario is that our relationship will end in heartbreak.

But that's my kinda risk
Despite the possibility of things not working out, I am willing to take the risk.

I'm not trying to make you think
I'm not trying to persuade you into anything.

This is some kind of great big deal
This isn't a situation to be stressed about, it's just about getting to know each other.

I just know exactly how you feel
I understand your perspective, and I feel the same way about taking a chance on us.

Lyrics © BMG Rights Management
Written by: JENNIFER OWEN YOUNGS

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind

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