Alexander launched her recording career in 2004. Columbia Records released her debut album Honeysuckle Sweet on March 1, 2005, but she was dropped from the label in 2006.
She joined 18 South in 2010.
Unfulfilled
Jessi Alexander Lyrics
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The clothes need a washin
The baby's a cryin down the hall
Supper was ruined
The dishes still need doin
There aint a damn thing on TV at all
And I got chains
Around my ankles
Around my heart
I see my dreams
Flying out that window
Catching a fast freight train rollin' through the dark
And I'm standing still
Ooooo, unfulfilled
I'm tired of tasting sulfur
Damn, this river water
But lately you know he ain't been too much help, No
He wasn't always this lazy, I guess he'sjust gone crazy
He's probably feeling the same way I feel myself
Like I got chains
Around my ankles
Oh, I get chains
Around my heart
I see my dreams
Just flying out that window
Catching a fast freight train rollin' through the dark
And I'm unfulfilled
Can't you see me
Oooo, unfulfilled
That's right
Oooo, unfulfilled
Ahahahaha
The lace is faded
Another day gets wasted
And I'm wondering
If my mom and daddy
Done it this way
Such a comfortable situation
But it hides a quiet desperation
And I reckon that's the reason why I stay
Oooh, cause I got chains
Around my ankles
Oh, I got chains
Around my heart
And I see my dreams,
Just flying out that window
Catching a fast freight train running through the dark
And I'm unfulfilled
Hmmm,
Oooh, unfulfilled
Can't you see me
Oooh, unfulfilled
Nah, oohh, I'm standing still
The lyrics of Jessi Alexander's song Unfulfilled capture the sense of monotony and dissatisfaction that comes with being stuck in a rut. The mundane tasks of daily life - spoiled milk, dirty laundry, a crying baby, ruined supper - are contrasted with the singer's unfulfilled dreams and desires. The image of chains around the ankles and heart suggests a feeling of being trapped and unable to break free. The repeated mention of dreams flying out the window and catching a fast freight train rolling through the dark emphasizes the urgency and impossibility of the situation. The song's final lines, "Such a comfortable situation / But it hides a quiet desperation / And I reckon that's the reason why I stay" suggest that the singer is aware of their predicament but feels powerless to change it.
Overall, Unfulfilled eloquently captures the sense of being stuck in a rut and the longing for something more. The lyrics are relatable and resonate with anyone who has experienced a sense of dissatisfaction with their life.
Line by Line Meaning
The milk is spoiled
I feel defeated by the mundane tasks that need to be done, but haven't been, like throwing out spoiled milk.
The clothes need a washin
I'm overwhelmed by the never-ending load of laundry, that needs to be done.
The baby's a cryin down the hall
I'm exhausted and feeling helpless as I try to soothe my crying baby.
Supper was ruined
Despite my best efforts, something's gone wrong - dinner is a bust.
The dishes still need doin
I'm in a state of chaos as the never-ending pile of dirty dishes seems to stare me down.
There aint a damn thing on TV at all
I'm feeling bored and unmotivated, searching for any form of entertainment but coming up empty.
And I got chains
Around my ankles
I feel trapped by the many responsibilities and obligations that come with my daily life.
And I got chains
Around my heart
I feel my soul is crushed, and that I'm unable to pursue my dreams or live my life to the fullest.
I see my dreams
Flying out that window
Catching a fast freight train rollin' through the dark
I'm feeling like my dreams are slipping away, flying past me, unattainable, and out of reach.
And I'm standing still
Ooooo, unfulfilled
I'm feeling stuck and unsatisfied, unable to take meaningful steps forward in my life.
I'm tired of tasting sulfur
Damn, this river water
I'm feeling unhappy with my current environment and longing for something greater, as the water that I drink seems less than desirable.
But lately you know he ain't been too much help, No
He wasn't always this lazy, I guess he'sjust gone crazy
He's probably feeling the same way I feel myself
I'm feeling unsupported and disconnected from my partner, who seems to be facing the same struggles and challenges as I am.
Hmmm,
Oooh, unfulfilled
Can't you see me
I'm feeling lost and unrecognized, unable to find meaning or purpose in my life.
The lace is faded
Another day gets wasted
And I'm wondering
If my mom and daddy
Done it this way
I'm feeling jaded and defeated, wondering if this is what my parents experienced and questioning if life is just a cycle of unfulfilling days.
Such a comfortable situation
But it hides a quiet desperation
And I reckon that's the reason why I stay
I'm feeling trapped and uncomfortable with my life, but the predictability and comfort keep me from making meaningful changes.
Nah, oohh, I'm standing still
I'm feeling stuck, unable to move forward, and that time has stood still in my life.
Writer(s): Jessi Leigh Alexander, Austin Cunningham
Contributed by Jayce I. Suggest a correction in the comments below.