Jane
Ken Williams Lyrics
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As you place the don't disturb sign on the door
You lost your place in line again, what a pity
You never seem to want to dance anymore
It's a long way down
On this roller coaster
The last chance streetcar
And you're on it
I hear you're counting sheep again, Mary Jane
What's the point of trying to dream anymore
I hear you're losing weight again, Mary Jane
Do you ever wonder who you're losing it for
Well it's full speed, baby
In the wrong direction
There's a few more bruises
If that's the way
You insist on heading
Please be honest, Mary Jane
Are you happy
Please don't censor your tears
You're the sweet crusader
And you're on your way
You're the last great innocent
And that's why I love you
So take this moment, Mary Jane, and be selfish
Worry not about the cars that go by
'Cause all that matters, Mary Jane, is your freedom
So keep warm my dear, keep dry
Tell me
Tell me
What's the matter, Mary Jane?
Tell me
Tell me
Please be honest, Mary Jane
Tell me
"Jane" by Ken Williams is a poignant song that delves into the emotional struggles and inner turmoil of a character named Mary Jane. The lyrics express empathy and concern for Mary Jane's hardships and attempts to understand the reasons behind her current state.
The song begins by acknowledging Mary Jane's difficult day and her need for privacy as she places a "do not disturb" sign on the door. The line, "You lost your place in line again, what a pity, you never seem to want to dance anymore," suggests that Mary Jane has become disenchanted and disengaged with life. It implies that she has lost her motivation or passion for the activities that once brought her joy.
The chorus introduces the metaphor of a roller coaster, symbolizing the ups and downs of Mary Jane's life. The mention of the "last chance streetcar" going off the track suggests that she has hit a low point, feeling lost and directionless. The lyrics emphasize that she is currently on this downward spiral and unable to break free from it, highlighting the severity of her situation.
The second verse reveals that Mary Jane is unable to find solace even in her dreams. The line, "What's the point of trying to dream anymore," suggests a sense of hopelessness and an absence of motivation to envision a better future. Her struggles are further emphasized with the mention of her losing weight, making one wonder who or what she is sacrificing her well-being for. This line implies that she may be neglecting herself or going through a difficult phase that takes a toll on her physical health.
The bridge of the song acts as a plea for honesty from Mary Jane. It begs her to share her true feelings and not to suppress her tears. The lyrics acknowledge her as a resilient and determined individual, referring to her as a "sweet crusader" and "last great innocent", which highlights the admiration and love the singer has for her. The song concludes with a reminder for Mary Jane to seize the present moment and prioritize her own happiness, reassuring her that what truly matters is her personal freedom and well-being.
In summary, "Jane" explores the challenges and emotional distress faced by Mary Jane. Through its thought-provoking lyrics, the song captures her feelings of disillusionment, loss, and a yearning for freedom. It encourages her to embrace her own needs and desires, reminding her that her happiness and self-care should be prioritized above all else.
Line by Line Meaning
What's the matter, Mary Jane? You had a hard day
What troubles you, Mary Jane? Did you have a difficult day?
As you place the don't disturb sign on the door
As you indicate not to be disturbed by hanging a sign on the door
You lost your place in line again, what a pity
You once again didn't maintain your position in a sequence, what a shame
You never seem to want to dance anymore
It appears that you no longer have the desire to dance
It's a long way down
On this roller coaster
The journey on this roller coaster is quite lengthy
The last chance streetcar
Went off the track
And you're on it
The final opportunity to change course veered off the intended path, and you find yourself on that ride
I hear you're counting sheep again, Mary Jane
I've heard that you're again trying to fall asleep by counting sheep, Mary Jane
What's the point of trying to dream anymore
What purpose does attempting to dream serve anymore?
I hear you're losing weight again, Mary Jane
I've heard that you're once again shedding pounds, Mary Jane
Do you ever wonder who you're losing it for
Do you ever question for whom or for what reason you're losing weight?
Well it's full speed, baby
In the wrong direction
Well, my dear, it's moving quickly in the incorrect path
There's a few more bruises
If that's the way
You insist on heading
There will be a few additional injuries if you persist on continuing in that direction
Please be honest, Mary Jane
Are you happy
Please, Mary Jane, be sincere and tell me if you're content
Please don't censor your tears
Please don't hold back your tears or hide them
You're the sweet crusader
And you're on your way
You're the kind-hearted fighter for what you believe in, and you're making progress
You're the last great innocent
And that's why I love you
You're the final truly pure person, and that's the reason I love you
So take this moment, Mary Jane, and be selfish
Therefore, seize this instant, Mary Jane, and prioritize your own needs
Worry not about the cars that go by
Don't concern yourself with the passing vehicles
'Cause all that matters, Mary Jane, is your freedom
Because, Mary Jane, all that truly matters is your personal liberty
So keep warm my dear, keep dry
Therefore, my dear, ensure you stay warm and protected from the elements
Tell me
Tell me
What's the matter, Mary Jane?
Inform me, communicate with me, what is troubling you, Mary Jane?
Tell me
Tell me
Please be honest, Mary Jane
Inform me, communicate with me, please be sincere, Mary Jane
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group, CONCORD MUSIC PUBLISHING LLC, Peermusic Publishing
Written by: Glen Ballard, Alanis Nadine Morissette
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind