Jenny Don't Be Hasty
Nutini Paolo Lyrics


Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴  Line by Line Meaning ↴

You said you'd marry me if I was twenty three
But I'm one that you can't see if I'm only eighteen
Tell me who makes these rules
Obviously not you
Who are you answering to?

Oh, Jenny don't be hasty
No, don't treat me like a baby
Let me take you where you'll let me
Because leaving just upsets me

And I'll be around again to see these other men
That are more adequate in the age department
And I did not think you cared
There'd be no problems here
But now you're looking at me like you're disgusted
Then I'm definitely waiting for you to smile and change your mind
Then I'll say I'm sorry and I'll wrap my arms 'round your body
I really hope that you forgive in a hurry
And don't just ask me to leave

Oh, Jenny don't be hasty
No, don't treat me like a baby
Let me take you where you'll let me
Because leaving just upsets me

Oh, Jenny you are crazy
First I'm perfect, then I'm lazy
And I was calling you my baby
And all the times that you just left me
And it kills me so

Oh, Jenny don't be hasty
No, don't treat me like a baby
Let me take you where you'll let me
Because leaving just upsets me

Oh, Jenny you are crazy
First I'm perfect, then I'm lazy
And I was calling you my baby
And all the times that you just left me
And it kills me, yeah, oh yeah





You said you'd marry me if I was twenty three
But I'm one that you can't see if I'm only eighteen

Overall Meaning

The lyrics to Paolo Nutini's song "Jenny Don't Be Hasty" present a conversation between the singer and his lover, Jenny, who seems to be older than him. He reveals that she promised to marry him when he turns 23, but now she's disappointed that he's only 18. However, he challenges her about the rules that determine his maturity and asks who she's answering to. He pleads for her not to treat him like a baby and reminds her of the good times they had together. He's ready to make amends and asks for forgiveness, hoping that they can be together again.


The song highlights the theme of age difference and how it affects relationships. Nutini addresses the societal expectations and stereotypes that dictate what age range is suitable for a partner. The song also delves into the complexities of relationships and how misunderstandings can happen, leaving one person hurt and disappointed. The chorus repeats the phrase, "Jenny don't be hasty," as a plea for Jenny to give him another chance and not rush to judgment about his maturity level.


Fact 1: "Jenny Don't Be Hasty" is the second single and song from Paolo Nutini's debut album, These Streets.
Fact 2: The song was a commercial success in the UK, reaching number 16 on the UK Singles Chart.
Fact 3: The music video for the song was directed by Anthony Mandler and features Nutini and a young girl facing each other in a dance battle.
Fact 4: "Jenny Don't Be Hasty" was produced by Ken Nelson, who also produced Coldplay's first five albums.
Fact 5: Nutini co-wrote the song with Jim Duguid, who has worked with artists like Alex Clare and KT Tunstall.
Fact 6: The song features a blend of various genres, including folk, rock, and soul.
Fact 7: "Jenny Don't Be Hasty" was played in the American television show, One Tree Hill.
Fact 8: In Australia, the song was used as the intro music for Channel Seven's coverage of the Australian Open.
Fact 9: The song was also used in a commercial for the video game FIFA 07.
Fact 10: Nutini performed the song on The Ellen DeGeneres Show in 2007.



Chords (capo 1):
Intro: Bm D A G
Verse 1: Bm D A G
Chorus: D A Bm G
Verse 2: Bm D A G
Chorus: D A Bm G
Bridge: Bm D A G
Chorus: D A Bm G
Outro: Bm D A G


Line by Line Meaning

You said you'd marry me if I was twenty three
You made a promise to marry me at the age of 23


But I'm one that you can't see if I'm only eighteen
But you don't see me for who I am, given that I'm only 18 years old


Tell me who makes these rules
I question the authority that sets these standards and regulations


Obviously not you
It's clear that you are not the one in charge of making these rules


Who are you answering to?
Who is responsible for enforcing these rules?


Oh, Jenny don't be hasty
Please do not act impulsively, Jenny


No, don't treat me like a baby
Don't patronize or belittle me


Let me take you where you'll let me
Allow me to take you wherever you're willing to go


Because leaving just upsets me
The thought of you leaving is distressing to me


And I'll be around again to see these other men
I'll be here to see you go after other, more age-appropriate men


That are more adequate in the age department
Men that are more suitable age-wise


And I did not think you cared
I thought you were indifferent to our relationship


There'd be no problems here
I believed there wouldn't be any issues between us


But now you're looking at me like you're disgusted
I can tell from your expression that you're repulsed by me


Then I'm definitely waiting for you to smile and change your mind
I'm hoping you'll smile at me and reconsider our relationship


Then I'll say I'm sorry and I'll wrap my arms 'round your body
If you do change your mind, I'll apologize and hug you tightly


I really hope that you forgive in a hurry
I hope you'll forgive me quickly and without hesitation


And don't just ask me to leave
Please don't simply tell me to go


Oh, Jenny you are crazy
Jenny, I think you're irrational


First I'm perfect, then I'm lazy
At first, you thought I was perfect; now you think I'm lazy


And I was calling you my baby
I used to call you 'baby'


And all the times that you just left me
All the times you've abandoned me


And it kills me so
It hurts me deeply




Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: PAOLO GIOVANNI NUTINI, JIMMY HOGARTH

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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