Until the End
Norah Jones Lyrics


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You've got a famous last name
But you're not to blame
Baby, I see you for who you are
A one-time apple queen
And a one-time tramp
And an old-time movie star

You're a shell picker of the pickiest kind
But you always find the ones to keep
And in or out of bed
You keep your head wide open
'Cause you don't only dream when you're asleep

Like a child, you remember
But I forget all my dreams

I used to think that someday I'd relax a little
And be more like you
Then I realized how silly that thought was
I needed to stand in my own shoes

And from over here, I can see you cry
Don't even try to pretend
'Cause he's hurt you so many times
Baby, don't go back again

Like a child, you forget
But I remember everything and every sting

And through all the games we'll both stay the same
As we've always been through the fat and the thin




Until the end
Until the end, oh

Overall Meaning

The lyrics of "Until the End" by Norah Jones narrate a story of two people who have been through thick and thin together, and who, despite their differences, have stayed loyal to each other. Jones speaks directly to a friend or a loved one, who she sees as more experienced and wiser than herself. The friend is described as someone who, despite coming from a famous family, is not to blame for it, and Jones empathizes with them, recognizing that they are more than their last name.


The person is also described as a former apple queen, a former tramp, and an old-time movie star. These seemingly contradictory attributes suggest that this individual has lived a full and varied life, and has experienced the highs and the lows that come with it. The lyrics indicate that this person is wise in their own way, with a keen eye for detail, and able to come out on top even when things get difficult. They are a "shell picker," who always seems to find the best one, and who keeps their head wide open to new experiences.


Jones also speaks about her own aspirations to be more like this person, to relax a little and live life with a more carefree attitude. However, she realizes that this is not who she is, and that her own experiences and identity have shaped her into a person of her own. She empathizes with the person she speaks to, recognizing that they've been hurt many times by someone, and urges them not to go back to that situation.


Overall, the lyrics of "Until the End" are about the friendship and loyalty that two people share throughout their lives, even through difficult times. The song emphasizes the importance of living life on one's own terms, and being true to oneself, while also recognizing the value of having someone who understands and supports you along the way.


Line by Line Meaning

You've got a famous last name
You're recognized because of your family name.


But you're not to blame
You're not responsible for what your family name represents.


Baby, I see you for who you are
I see you as an individual and not just as your family name.


A one-time apple queen
You were once popular and successful, like a beauty queen.


And a one-time tramp
You've had your wild moments.


And an old-time movie star
You still have a charm like a classic Hollywood movie star.


You're a shell picker of the pickiest kind
You are selective about the people you keep in your life.


But you always find the ones to keep
You have a talent for choosing the right people for you.


And in or out of bed
In any situation, no matter where or when.


You keep your head wide open
You are open-minded and always willing to learn.


'Cause you don't only dream when you're asleep
You are a visionary and have big aspirations.


Like a child, you remember
You have a good memory, like a child.


But I forget all my dreams
I forget my aspirations and goals.


I used to think that someday I'd relax a little
I had thought that I would become more easygoing at some point.


And be more like you
I wanted to be more like you, carefree and open-minded.


Then I realized how silly that thought was
I realized that trying to be someone else is foolish.


I needed to stand in my own shoes
I had to be true to myself and live my own life.


And from over here, I can see you cry
I can see you're in pain even from a distance.


Don't even try to pretend
Don't hide your true feelings from me.


'Cause he's hurt you so many times
Because he has caused you a lot of pain in the past.


Baby, don't go back again
Don't go back to that person who hurt you again.


Like a child, you forget
You sometimes forget things, like a child.


But I remember everything and every sting
I remember everything, even the painful memories.


And through all the games we'll both stay the same
No matter what happens, we will remain true to ourselves.


As we've always been through the fat and the thin
We've been through both good times and bad, and we've stayed true to ourselves.


Until the end
We will stay loyal and true to each other until the very end.


Until the end, oh
Our bond will last forever.




Lyrics © DistroKid, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd.
Written by: Norah Jones, Lee Alexander

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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Most interesting comments from YouTube:

@HmangaihiRenthlei

You've got a famous last name
But you're not to blame
Baby, I see you for who you are
A one-time apple queen
And a one-time tramp
And an old-time movie star
You're a shell picker of the pickiest kind
But you always find the ones to keep
And in or out of bed
You keep your head wide open
'Cause you don't only dream when you're asleep
Like a child, you remember
But I forget all my dreams
I used to think that someday I'd relax a little
And be more like you
Then I realized how silly that thought was
I needed to stand in my own shoes
And from over here, I can see you cry
Don't even try to pretend
'Cause he's hurt you so many times
Baby, don't go back again
Like a child, you forget
But I remember everything and every sting
And through all the games we'll both stay the same
As we've always been through the fat and the thin
Until the end
Until the end, oh



@AndromedaCripps

Hello! The last line of your comment struck me viscerally and inspired me to write this poem, so I thought I’d share it with you:


Kissed
“Have you ever been kissed by music?”
As the lips brushed up against my cheek,
I felt the notes invigorate,
Inspire my choreography.

But have I ever been kissed by music?
With stretching sunlit chords?
The sound waves stimulate my eyes
To break their levy wards.

But have I ever been kissed by music?
Shivers sprint along my spine,
And sweat pours out in answer
Every hair stands up in reply,

But have I ever been kissed by music?
Yes. The simple melody
Of fragrance set with honey
And chamomile like fresh-brewed tepid tea

And yawning strings that shine
Reflecting bolts of lightning moonrays,
Into apple cider donut glaze
And summer eves like autumn days

And soft, caressing, fuzzy Rhodes tones
Spring mind to lyrics and fingers to keys
Have you ever been kissed by music?
May she kiss you if she please.


-Andy Cripps



All comments from YouTube:

@juliehawkins2512

Nora's lyrics along with her tempo can take a person back to a place in time that you remember exactly where you were and who was with you time and time again she draws you back into an almost forgotten World

@MrMaestroSoda

Even to places where you've never been, but you'd wish you had... not only places, also moments... She's an expert in this... Love and almost hate her for that.

@efremteklemariam5864

True True!!! She is our Billie holiday!! Simple!! She get me going no matter what!!

@MountainPearls

She’s referring to Frank Sinatra songs…so it makes sense.

@kaziimtiazahammad1928

​@@MountainPearlsSister where are you from? Do you really follow the Christianity?? Who is your God???

@mikest468

While listening to her stuff, you can't help but think how much of a beautiful soul she has.

@mehtasid

Of course. She's Ravi Shankar's (the magical sitar player blessed by God) daughter. And her mom Sue Jones is a such a good soul. She's the miracle they created.

@blindoleer

she didn't need fancy clothes or extravagant visuals to create something really magic, perfect and catchy...this girl rocks in a smooth way!!! love it!

@HmangaihiRenthlei

You've got a famous last name
But you're not to blame
Baby, I see you for who you are
A one-time apple queen
And a one-time tramp
And an old-time movie star
You're a shell picker of the pickiest kind
But you always find the ones to keep
And in or out of bed
You keep your head wide open
'Cause you don't only dream when you're asleep
Like a child, you remember
But I forget all my dreams
I used to think that someday I'd relax a little
And be more like you
Then I realized how silly that thought was
I needed to stand in my own shoes
And from over here, I can see you cry
Don't even try to pretend
'Cause he's hurt you so many times
Baby, don't go back again
Like a child, you forget
But I remember everything and every sting
And through all the games we'll both stay the same
As we've always been through the fat and the thin
Until the end
Until the end, oh

@ziyedhamrouni886

4 minutes of close up screen without looking vanish or artificial. She has zero ego. The 100% left is pure strength love and intelligence.

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