Nicki Jaine's stunning stage presence and unforgettable voice make her irre… Read Full Bio ↴Nicki Jaine's stunning stage presence and unforgettable voice make her irresistibly captivating in a Marlene Dietrich kind of way.

A native of New Jersey who has made Pennsylvania her home, Nicki Jaine grew up with a love for music that has lived in her family for generations. Nicki Jaine's Great Grandfather and Great Grandmother were both lively violinists who immigrated to the United States from Hungary, where her Great Grandfather had learned to play the violin from the gypsies. Jaine's Grandmother, a dynamic and beautiful pianist, model and actress, was featured in some of the first television commercials filmed in New York City in the 1940s. Throughout her childhood, Nicki Jaine's Grandmother took her to plays and museums in New York, London and Paris, instilling a deep love and appreciation for the arts in Jaine.

As Nicki Jaine explored her passion for music, she began to feel a very strong connection to the sounds of the 1930s and 1940s. She ardently learned to play songs from this era on the acoustic guitar and began singing in German as well as in English. Absolutely intrigued by the otherworldly sound of the musical saw and the sorrowful intonation of the concertina, Jaine began to play both instruments and in doing so added yet another unforgettable dynamic to her performances. Her music has been said to "…exist in its own universe, one in which Kurt Weill and Nico orbit a shadowy planet like twin moons…" which is as close as words can come to describing such an phenomenon.

[from Nicki Jaine's press kit]

Amsterdam
Nicki Jaine Lyrics

Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴

You've been to amsterdam
And understand history
You understand every book that you've ever read
But you only hear noise when you're talking to me

You've been to amsterdam
And understand symphonies
You know so much trivia

But you don't know me at all

So fly to amsterdam
& Talk about history
& Talk about books you've read
& Never talk to me again

Go visit amsterdam
& Listen to symphonies
& Look back on your life
Skip the part about me

You can stay in amsterdam

Overall Meaning

The song "Amsterdam" by Nicki Jaine is a reflection on a failed relationship, in which the singer feels a deep sense of disconnect with her partner. The lyrics suggest that the partner is well-read and intelligent, having visited Amsterdam and understanding history, symphonies, and trivia. However, despite this knowledge, they are unable to truly connect with the singer. The repetition of the chorus emphasizes the singer's frustration and disappointment with their partner, as they suggest that the partner should simply return to Amsterdam and focus on their books and music rather than attempting to engage with the singer.

The choice of Amsterdam as a setting is significant, as the city is known for its cultural richness and history. By contrasting this with the singer's lack of connection with their partner, Jaine highlights the beauty and complexity of the world that the partner is able to appreciate, but which the singer feels excluded from. The use of imagery in the lyrics, such as "you only hear noise when you're talking to me," creates a sense of isolation and rejection that underscores the emotional weight of the song.

Overall, "Amsterdam" is a poignant reflection on the difficulty of communication and connection in relationships, particularly when one partner feels overshadowed by the other's intellectual and cultural pursuits.

Line by Line Meaning

You've been to amsterdam
You've traveled the world and experienced new things

And understand history
You have a deep knowledge and appreciation for the past

You understand every book that you've ever read
You have a comprehensive understanding of literature

But you only hear noise when you're talking to me
You don't listen to me or understand me as a person

And understand symphonies
You have an appreciation for complex music

You know so much trivia
You have a lot of knowledge about various subjects

But you don't know me at all
Despite all of your knowledge, you lack a true understanding of me

So fly to amsterdam
Leave me alone and go on your own adventure

& Talk about history
Keep exploring history and new knowledge

& Talk about books you've read
Share your knowledge with others

& Never talk to me again
But please don't come back and bother me