Jewel is the daughter of Nedra Carroll, an artist and personal manager, and Atz Kilcher, an elementary school music teacher, folk singer and social worker. Her mother of Irish descent and her father is of Swiss-German origin. She is the cousin of actress Q'Orianka Kilcher. She spent most of her young life in Homer, Alaska, United States, living with her father. The home she grew up in did not have indoor plumbing; it had a simple outhouse instead. She and her father sometimes earned a living by singing in bars and taverns. It was from these experiences she learned to yodel, a quality demonstrated in many of her songs. Her father was a Mormon, but they stopped attending the church shortly before she turned eight. Yule Kilcher, her grandfather, was a state senator involved in drafting Alaska's constitution for its admission into a state from a territory in 1959.
During high school, Jewel was known to spell her name "Jule" or "Juel," but she attributes this to simply playing with her name.
Jewel learned to play the guitar while at the Interlochen Arts Academy in Interlochen, Michigan, United States where she majored in operatic voice. She started writing songs at the age of seventeen.
For a time, she was poverty-stricken and lived in her van while traveling about the country doing street performances and small gigs. She gained some recognition by singing at the Innerchange Coffeehouse and Java Joe's in San Diego, California, United States. Her friend Steve Poltz's band, The Rugburns, played at the same venues. Jewel later collaborated with Poltz on some of her songs, including "You Were Meant For Me" (He also appeared in the second, best-known, video for this song). The Rugburns opened for Jewel on her Tiny Lights tour in 1997. Poltz appeared in Jewel's band on the Spirit World Tour 1999 playing guitar.
In 1993, Michael Balzary (better known by the stage name – Flea) of the rock band Red Hot Chili Peppers met Jewel after he saw her perform at a local cafe. He went back to her van where she was living, where she sang a few of her songs to him. He described her singing voice as being "beautiful" and "breathtaking".
Jewel was discovered by Inga Vainshtein in August 1993, when a musician from a local San Diego band, Rust, whom Vainshtein was managing at the time, called to tell her about a girl surfer who sang at a local coffee shop on Thursdays. Vainshtein drove to Innerchange coffee shop with a rep from Atlantic Records, and after the show they called Danny Goldberg, the head of Atlantic Records west coast operations, and asked him to pay for Jewel's demo. Vainshtein eventually became Jewel's manager, and was instrumental in creating a major bidding war, which led to Jewel's deal with Atlantic Records. She cut her debut album, Pieces of You, when she was nineteen and it was released in 1995. Jewel recorded "Pieces of You" in a studio on Neil Young's ranch, and was backed by his band, The Stray Gators, who played on Neil Young's "Harvest" and "Harvest Moon" albums. Part of the album was cut live at the Innerchange Coffeehouse in San Diego where she had risen to local fame. The album stayed on the Billboard 200 for an impressive two years, reaching number four at its peak. The album spawned the Top 10 hits "You Were Meant for Me", "Who Will Save Your Soul" and "Foolish Games". The album was a huge success and eventually sold over 12 million copies in the United States. alone, more than all of her subsequent albums put together.
Due to her successes, she was chosen to sing the American national anthem at the opening of the Super Bowl in January 1998 in San Diego. She was introduced as "San Diego's own Jewel!" However, she was criticized for lip-syncing the anthem to a pre-recording. This was especially noticeable due to her missing her cue and not mouthing the first words.
In November 1998, Jewel released her second album, Spirit. The album peaked at #3 on the Billboard 200 and sold over 4 million copies in the United States. The songs "Hands" and "Down So Long" hit the Top 10. Other singles followed, a new version of "Jupiter (Swallow The Moon)", "What's Simple Is True", the theme song to her upcoming movie, and the charity single "Life Uncommon".
A year later, In November 1999, Jewel released Joy: A Holiday Collection. The album sold over a million copies and peaked at #32 on the Billboard 200. She released a cover of "Joy to the World" from the album.
In November 2001, the album This Way was released. The album peaked at #9 on the Billboard 200 and sold over 1 million copies in the United States, standing as her most critically acclaimed album to date. Jewel hit the Top 10 with the song "Standing Still" and the Top 40 with the song "Break Me". Other singles released were "This Way" and "Serve The Ego", the latter giving Jewel her first number one club hit.
In 2003, Jewel released the album 0304. She writes in the liner notes, "I wanted to make a record that was a modern interpretation of big band music. A record that was lyric driven, like Cole Porter, that also had a lot of swing. And a lot of it is thanks to Lester, because when I told him I wanted to make a record that combined dance, urban, and folk music, he didn't look at me like I was crazy." While some fans considered 0304 an innovative album that held to the tradition of her previous albums, others felt that it was too much of a departure from the style of her previous albums. Following the limited success of "Serve the Ego", Jewel moved to a more pop-oriented sound with the release of the single "Intuition". The song, which strays from her usual folk style with simple guitar instrumentation, starts off with a French accordion and experiments with pop beats using synthesizers. The song was successful, reaching #5 on the Billboard Adult Top 40. However, a number of Jewel's fans criticized her for abandoning her traditional folk style in exchange for a new pop sound. Accusations of "selling out" for personal gain, among other things, were made. Despite the different sound style, the song is lyrically similar to her previous work. It has a number of references to culture, including mentioning celebrities such as pop star Jennifer Lopez, model Kate Moss, magazines, film culture and commercialism.
On May 2, 2006, Jewel released her sixth album, Goodbye Alice In Wonderland. The album received mixed reviews, but still managed to debut at #8 on the Billboard Albums Chart. The album sold 82,000 copies in its first week out. The lead single "Again and Again" has had moderate success on Adult Top 40 Radio, peaking at #16. The second single, "Good Day", was released to radio in late June but failed to gain any traction on the radio airplay charts. Later, a video for "Stephenville, TX", her next single, has been seen on Yahoo! Launch.
As of December 2006, the album barely sold 270,000 copies. It is notable in that it is the only Jewel album not to achieve Gold certification, even though it has been hailed as arguably one of her best albums. As one music critic, Timothy Duggan, notes: "This album showcases Jewel's unique talent as a lyricist, alongside a definite growth in her musicianship. It is what 'Pieces of You' might have been had Jewel had the musical knowledge then that she has now. A very satisfying work, all in all". Rolling Stone however, called the album "overdone and undercooked" with a rating of 2 stars out of 5.
In early February 2007, Jewel recorded a duet with Jason Michael Carroll, "No Good in Goodbye (With Jewel)", that was featured on Carroll's debut CD, "Waitin' in the Country". She also made a promotional appearance on the T in Boston for the Verizon Yellow Pages, playing songs on a moving subway car and then doing an hour-long acoustic concert in South Station for a large crowd of adoring fans. In an interview with the Boston Globe, Jewel confirmed that she is no longer affiliated with a record label, confirming rumors that Atlantic Records failed to renew her contract after the lackluster sales of her then-latest album. She also hinted that she would like to do a country album next. She is working with John Rich of Big & Rich fame. He says that she is "probably one of the greatest American singer-songwriters we have had". He also said that "every label in Nashville" is talking to her now.
In November 2007, Jewel was signed to Valory Records, a newly formed division of the independent Big Machine Records label. Her first country album, Perfectly Clear, is currently scheduled for release on June 3, 2008; its lead single, Stronger Woman was released to country radio on January 17, 2008, and has entered the Top 20 on the Billboard Hot Country Songs charts. As of the April 26, 2008 country charts, the single was #13 on the charts, which is its peak position thus far.
She will tour with Brad Paisley, Chuck Wicks, and Julianne Hough on Paisley's 2008 tour.
Official site: www.jeweljk.com
2. Jewel is also japanese heavy metal band. Activity (1984-1989, 2000-2001).
3. Jewel is also a raw black metal band from Canada.
Grateful
Jewel Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
When I can't find my song
When darkness is all I see
There is a remedy
It's all the little things that make the world go round
It's all the little things that are almost powerful
There's no politician, no sky too dark
The sun gonna shine
And in this heart of mine
The sun gonna shine
And in this heart of mine
The sun gonna shine, ooh ooh, it's true
'Cause I can always be grateful
When the loudest sound
Is your own life crashing down
And when your friends, when your friends, they don't come around
There's one true thing I've found
It's all the little things, the bells that ring
The green green grass and the birds that sing
I'm gonna choose the bright side to see
And no one, no one, no one can take that from me
'Cause the sun gonna shine
And in this heart of mine
The sun gonna shine
And in this heart of mine
The sun's gonna shine, ooh ooh, it's true
But I can always be grateful
So bring it on, bring it on, bring it on, bring it on now
Bring it on, bring it on, bring it on, bring it on, bring it on, bring it on now
Sing it on, sing it on, sing it on, sing it on now
I'm singing on, I'm singing on
Singing on
'Cause the sun gonna shine
And in this heart of mine
The sun's gonna shine
And in this heart of mine
The sun's gonna shine, ooh ooh, it's true
'Cause I can always be grateful
The sun gonna shine
And in this heart of mine
The sun gonna shine
And in this heart of mine
The sun's gonna shine, ooh ooh, it's true
But I can always be
Lord I can always be
But I can always be grateful
In Jewel's song "Grateful," the lyrics depict a sense of hope and resilience in the face of adversity. The song acknowledges the moments when everything seems wrong and there is darkness all around. However, it also highlights that there is a remedy, and that remedy lies in gratitude.
The lyrics emphasize the power of the little things that make the world go round, those seemingly insignificant details that can have a profound impact on our lives. These little things, such as the bells that ring, the green grass, and the birds that sing, have the ability to bring joy and positivity even in the darkest times.
Jewel expresses the belief that no external circumstances or people can take away the love and gratitude that resides in her heart. Even when life is crashing down and friends may not be around, she has found one true thing that sustains her, and that is choosing to see the bright side and being grateful. This attitude enables her to find hope and allows her heart to shine even amidst the challenges and struggles.
The repetition of the phrase "the sun gonna shine" reinforces the optimism and belief in a brighter future. It symbolizes the metaphorical light that shines within her heart, signifying positivity and resilience. Ultimately, the song conveys the message that gratitude is an empowering force that can guide us through difficult times and help us maintain a sense of hope and joy.
Line by Line Meaning
When everything's wrong
During times of difficulties and challenges
When I can't find my song
When I feel lost and disconnected from my purpose
When darkness is all I see
When I am surrounded by negativity and despair
There is a remedy
There is a solution or source of healing
It's all the little things that make the world go round
The small, seemingly insignificant things that bring joy and meaning to life
It's all the little things that are almost powerful
Despite their size, these little things possess great strength and impact
There's no politician, no sky too dark
No authority figure or situation is powerful enough to extinguish my love and positivity
No one, no one can take the love from my heart
No individual or circumstance can rob me of my capacity for love and compassion
The sun gonna shine
Hope and positivity will prevail
And in this heart of mine
In the depths of my emotions and soul
The sun gonna shine, ooh ooh, it's true
Without a doubt, the sun will shine and bring brightness
'Cause I can always be grateful
I have the ability to maintain gratitude and appreciation
When the loudest sound
During moments of chaos and noise
Is your own life crashing down
When one's personal circumstances are falling apart
And when your friends, when your friends, they don't come around
When one's support system appears to be absent or lacking
There's one true thing I've found
I have discovered one reliable and genuine truth
It's all the little things, the bells that ring
The small, delightful occurrences and symbols of joy
The green green grass and the birds that sing
The beauty of nature and its harmonious sounds
I'm gonna choose the bright side to see
I will consciously opt for a positive perspective
And no one, no one, no one can take that from me
No person or circumstance can deprive me of my chosen outlook
So bring it on, bring it on, bring it on, bring it on now
I am ready and willing to face any challenges that come my way
Sing it on, sing it on, sing it on, sing it on now
I will express my joy and positivity through singing
I'm singing on, I'm singing on
I am continuously embracing a positive mindset
But I can always be grateful
I have the ability to maintain gratitude and appreciation
Lord I can always be
With the help of a higher power or spiritual guidance
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: Marv Green, Jewel Kilcher
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
J.R. Sandry
Never in my life did I think that Jewels voice could even get better.. Her lyrics and vocals have always been out of this world but these last few years she has really come into the upper echelon of her own sound and vibe. Simply put (AMAZING)! I started to hear a shift and a much deeper sound and feeling in her lyrics and performances when I watched the video from "Who Will Save Your Soul" Live at Salmonfest 2017. I've had friends give me grief the last 20+ years for being a fan of Jewel and listening to her music but my argument has always been that when music touches your soul it's on another level. Her life philosophy is awesome would really like to sit down and write with her one day!
Byron Cutshaw
Jr Sandry , she left the girl behind and became a Lady.
J.R. Sandry
@Byron Cutshaw Very well put!
mike yancik
so what if ya like Jewel and yer a Megadeth or Kind Diamond fan!!!that's why there's all genres of music!!
J.R. Sandry
@mike yancik Completely agree, though some people are ignorant to opinion and options.
Sarah Louise
Ivea been listening to her since i was 12 im 31 and soo soo grateful to have had her music in my childhood and your right her voice has gotten deeper she sounds so good now too
Mark Hoffmann
Jewel simply never disappoints.
Luiza Fischer Abramides
WHAT.A.VOICE Giving me chills since 95 💙🙏🏻
R S
No one sings like her. Must be why I always come back to her music. I was a child when her first album came out, like 5 years old, and she was my first and only favorite musician of all time. She heavily influenced my character and personality traits through her poetic and philosophical nature. I just stopped listening when she began her country era, I'm not a country fan and I really didn't enjoy it as much as I do her early work.
Brian Smith
She’s got that little bit of whiskey in her voice just to let ya know she’s from Alaska.
Don’t know who’s gonna save your soul ... but ... she saved mine!