2012 saw the release of Locke's debut EP, Skins, which was released via Lesstalk Records in January of that year. This year also saw Locke touring internationally for the first time, playing a string of shows in South East Asia; as well as the year she relocated to her current residence of Melbourne. A collection of demos, her first new material since moving, was released under the name "2013" in January 2013. In 2014, Locke released a collection entitled "Z Sides" of previously-unrecorded songs; which was also distributed independently via a run of 100 handmade CDs. A lo-fi live recording, entitled "Live at the Old Bar," was also released as a free download via Locke's Bandcamp page.
In September 2014, Locke announced a crowdfunding campaign to get her debut studio album, Words That Seem to Slip Away, released on vinyl. The project was successfully funded; and the album was released via Art as Catharsis/Lesstalk in March 2015. The album's lead single, "Change the Sheets," was accompanied by Locke's first-ever solo music video, which was filmed in Sydney.
In 2016, Locke released a new single, "Paper Planes." The single was later revealed to be the first song lifted from Locke's second studio album, Universe. Prior to its release on Pool House Records, two further singles were released in mid-2017: "Better/Bitter" and the album's title track. 2017 also saw Locke join The Smith Street Band as an auxiliary live member; providing guitars and backing vocals. She had previously appeared on the band's 2017 album, More Scared Of You Than You Are Of Me, as a guest vocalist.
Fool
Jess Locke Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Baby's on the way again
Nuclear reaction, better pack your bags soon
Send you on your way again
Never in my bad dreams could I have imagined
The things that people say and do
I'd like to wish you good luck but I wish you'd give up
Is this the best you can do? Oooo
You look like a fool, oooo
Baby's come of age at the centre of the stage
And they're taking up too much space
Say it even louder till everybody's drowned out
Doesn't mean it's any good
Ride above the lightning even though it's frightening
It's really just a better view
Better keep your chin up, looking at the mud
Doesn't make you feel any good
Is this the best you can do? Oooo
You look like a fool, oooo
I'm terrified
I'm terrified of where we are going
I'm terrified
I'm terrified of where we are going
I'm terrified
I'm terrified of where this is going
I'm terrified
I'm terrified
Is this the best you can do? Oooo
You look like a fool, oooo
Is this the best you can do? Oooo
You look like a fool oooo
The lyrics of Jess Locke's "Fool" seem to be a commentary on modern society and the state of the world in general. The opening lines, "Bad circulation, aging population / Baby's on the way again / Nuclear reaction, better pack your bags soon / Send you on your way again" can be interpreted as a metaphor for the current state of the world. The "bad circulation" could represent the lack of progress or movement in societal issues, while the "aging population" refers to the aging and slowing down of society as a whole. The impending birth of a baby could represent the hope for the future, but the idea that a nuclear reaction could send someone "on their way again" suggests that things may not improve.
The lyrics continue with the lines, "Never in my bad dreams could I have imagined / The things that people say and do / I'd like to wish you good luck but I wish you'd give up / I've given everything I could." These lyrics may reflect a feeling of hopelessness and frustration with the current state of the world. The line "I'd like to wish you good luck but I wish you'd give up" could be interpreted as a desire for people to stop perpetuating the problems in the world.
The chorus of the song is a direct address to someone who "looks like a fool." This could be anyone who is contributing to the problems in the world or who is not doing their part to make things better. The repeated line "is this the best you can do?" suggests that the singer believes people should be doing better to work towards a brighter future.
Overall, "Fool" can be read as a commentary on the state of society and a plea for people to work towards a better future.
Line by Line Meaning
Bad circulation, aging population
The population is aging and unhealthy, which can lead to bad circulation and other health problems.
Baby's on the way again
Someone is having a baby again.
Nuclear reaction, better pack your bags soon
Something dangerous is going to happen, so it's best to leave soon.
Send you on your way again
Someone is leaving again.
Never in my bad dreams could I have imagined
I never thought I would see or hear the things that I am experiencing now, even in my worst nightmares.
The things that people say and do
People are doing and saying things that are surprising and unexpected.
I'd like to wish you good luck but I wish you'd give up
I want to be supportive, but I think you should stop what you are doing.
I've given everything I could
I have tried my best, but it doesn't seem to be enough.
Is this the best you can do? Oooo
I am disappointed in what you have done or said.
You look like a fool, oooo
Your behavior or actions are making you look silly or foolish.
Baby's come of age at the centre of the stage
Someone has grown up and is now in the spotlight.
And they're taking up too much space
They are getting too much attention and not leaving enough room for others.
Say it even louder till everybody's drowned out
They are trying to be heard, but it's getting so loud that others can't be heard.
Doesn't mean it's any good
Just because something is loud or noticeable doesn't mean it's good or worthwhile.
Ride above the lightning even though it's frightening
Keep going even though it's scary or unpredictable.
It's really just a better view
Sometimes taking risks can lead to a better perspective or outcome.
Better keep your chin up, looking at the mud
Stay positive even when things seem difficult or discouraging.
Doesn't make you feel any good
Despite staying positive, it's still not a good situation.
I'm terrified
I am extremely scared or worried.
I'm terrified of where we are going
I am scared about the direction or future of something.
I'm terrified of where this is going
I am scared about the future or outcome of something specific.
Writer(s): Chris Rawsthorne, James Morris, Jess Locke
Contributed by Sophia M. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
@under0ceanblvd
repeat after me: underrated
@peterdavidmcphersonakapmac6134
I love the visual poetry your music.
@cameronmenegoni2406
Love your work Jess.
@ClarenceWee
Such a tune; on repeat!
love the leaf blower!
@KrisKhunachak
CERTIFIED BOP
@elinisvind6450
Release Radar on Spotify always keep me up to date with brilliant music like this!
@Javier-dh4yr
I love it!
@adrianoa.d.damian9274
the best!
@dijamduohih2369
Great work, looking forward to hearing the new stuff! Cheers from France!
@adrianoa.d.damian9274
!!!!!!!!!!!!