Jones settled in LA at the age of nineteen, doing the classic waiting tables stuff until she landed a recording contract with Warners. Her self-titled debut album in 1979 was a big success, as was the single, Chuck E.'s in Love, about her musician friend Chuck E. Weiss. At the 1980 Grammy Awards, she won a Grammy for Best New Artist, and also received four more nominations: for Record of the Year; Best Pop Vocal Performance, Female; Best Rock Vocal Performance, Female; and Song of the Year (for "Chuck E.'s in Love"). While none of her subsequent recordings achieved the same level of commercial success, Jones has continued releasing critically acclaimed albums that have explored a variety of sonic terrain from jazz standards to trip hop influenced works.
Jones' pursuit of jazz standards led to the recording of "The Moon Is Made of Gold" and "Autumn Leaves" for Rob Wasserman's album Duets in 1985. The latter track earned her another Grammy nomination. And in 1990, her duet with Dr. John, a cover of "Makin' Whoopee", earned the artist her second Grammy Award, this time in the category of Best Jazz Vocal Performance, Duo or Group.
At the time of recording her debut album, Jones was in a romantic relationship with Tom Waits; she is the girl draped over the car on the cover of his 1978 album Blue Valentine.
Early in her career, Jones was known for her drinking and substance abuse. She eventually tempered those demons, and came to terms with herself, and her own uncertain spirituality, and has maintained respect of her musical peers.
She's devoted to her talents, beyond music, one of which is raising her teenage daughter, and has even run her own political website and made music critiquing the Bush administration. She is involved in left-wing politics and community activism, partly through her web community, Furniture for the People (http://www.furnitureforthepeople.com/).
A greatest hits collection on Rhino called The Duchess of Coolsville was released in 2005.
In 2007 she signed to New West Records releasing The Sermon On Exposition Blvd, a record exploring lyrical territory inspired by Lee Cantelon's 1991 book The Words, which attempted to translate Christ's teachings into a more accessible contemporary format. Cantelon's friend, Guitarist Peter Atanasoff was instrumental in the creation of the eventual record.
Discography
1979: Rickie Lee Jones – Warner Bros.
1981: Pirates – Warner Bros.
1983: Girl at Her Volcano (EP) – Warner Bros.
1984: The Magazine – Warner Bros.
1989: Flying Cowboys - Geffen
1991: Pop Pop - Geffen
1993: Traffic From Paradise - Geffen
1995: Naked Songs - Reprise
1997: Ghostyhead – Warner Bros.
2000: It's Like This - Artemis
2001: Live at Red Rocks - Artemis
2003: The Evening of My Best Day – V2
2005: Duchess of Coolsville - Rhino
2007: Sermon On Exposition Boulevard - New West
2009: Balm in Gilead
Youngblood
Rickie Lee Jones Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Young Blood is hiding there somewhere
If your looking for something to do
There's always something happening there
Like I and Bragger, we borrowed a coup today
Here come Pepe and she's got a friend in a Chevrolet
But she ain't running, she just walking a little slow,
"They say this city will make you dirty, but you look alright,
you feel real pretty when he's holding you tight"
City will make you mean
But that's the make up on your face
Love will wash you clean in the nights disgrace.
Find a block where your people can find you
Keep a third eye watching behind you
You never know when your making a memory
They will wish they were here together again, someday
Kids looking for something to get into take a look
Two for the movie show
Three in the back row
Hold on tight!
Remember you might have looked like cool twelve
But your fuse felt just like dynamite
City will make you dirty, but you look alright,
you feel real pretty when he's holding you tight
City will make you mean
But that's the make up on your face
Love will wash you clean in the night... dirty dirty dirt dirt...
Take a walk around midnight in the City
Young Blood will find you there somewhere
and if your looking for something to do
There's always something happening there
Something's happening there oooh ooh ooooh
Something's happening there hey hey hey... looky here y'all
The lyrics of the song "Youngblood" by Rickie Lee Jones describe the nightlife in the city, with a focus on the young people who are out looking for excitement and adventure. The singer encourages the listener to take a walk around midnight and explore the city, as there is always something happening. There is a sense of danger and excitement in the air, and the singer warns to keep an eye out for trouble, but also notes that these moments can turn into cherished memories in the future.
The verses contain several images of youth culture in the city, including borrowing a car for the day, meeting up with friends, going to the movies, and feeling the thrill of being young and wild. There is also an acknowledgement of the harshness of the city, with the mention of dirt and meanness, but the singer suggests that love can wash away the grime and restore a sense of purity.
Overall, the song captures the restless energy of youth in the city, with its mixture of danger and possibility, and the fleeting nature of these moments that become part of our memories.
Line by Line Meaning
Take a walk around midnight in the City
Explore the City after the sun sets, when the night is still young.
Young Blood is hiding there somewhere
The vibrant, youthful energy of the City is present but not always easy to find.
If your looking for something to do
The City offers endless possibilities for entertainment and adventure.
There's always something happening there
The City is constantly buzzing with activity and excitement.
Like I and Bragger, we borrowed a coup today
Like other young people, the artist and her friends have cars and use them to explore the City.
Here come Pepe and she's got a friend in a Chevrolet
More friends arrive on the scene driving another car, adding to the sense of energy and possibility.
But she ain't running, she just walking a little slow, and she ain't crying, she's just singin a little low...
Even when times are tough, people in the City keep moving forward and finding joy in small moments.
"They say this city will make you dirty, but you look alright,
Despite the challenges of living in the City, the artist reassures a friend that they still look and feel good.
you feel real pretty when he's holding you tight"
A comforting relationship provides an escape from the harshness of City life.
City will make you mean
The City can be tough and unforgiving, leading people to act harshly or defensively.
But that's the make up on your face
Appearances can be deceiving and people may put on a tough exterior to protect themselves.
Love will wash you clean in the nights disgrace.
Despite the darkness and challenges of the City, love can provide a sense of purity and redemption.
Find a block where your people can find you
Locate a spot where your friends know they can find you and join you in the adventure.
Keep a third eye watching behind you
Stay aware of your surroundings and be alert to any potential dangers or opportunities.
You never know when your making a memory
Every moment in the City can become a treasured memory, so live in the present and enjoy the experience.
They will wish they were here together again, someday
The shared experiences and adventure in the City can create lasting bonds between friends.
Kids looking for something to get into take a look
Young people in the City are always on the lookout for excitement and fun.
Two for the movie show, three in the back row, hold on tight!
A night at the movies with friends can be thrilling and memorable, especially when friends stick together.
Remember you might have looked like cool twelve, but your fuse felt just like dynamite
Appearances can be deceiving, and young people in the City are often dealing with intense emotions and internal struggles.
Take a walk around midnight in the City
The night is still young and full of possibilities, so keep exploring.
Young Blood will find you there somewhere
The vibrant energy of the City is always present, even when it seems elusive.
and if your looking for something to do
There's no shortage of adventure and excitement, so keep your eyes open and stay curious.
There's always something happening there, something's happening there oooh ooh ooooh something's happening there hey hey hey... looky here y'all
The energy and excitement of the City never stops, so buckle up and enjoy the ride!
Lyrics © Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd., CYPMP
Written by: BEATRICE MILLER, MATT PARAD, MICHAEL FRANCIS GONZALEZ, PHOEBE HOLIDAY RYAN
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Felice Marie Berkley
on It Must Be Love
One of my fav. songs..!
Felice Marie Berkley
on Comin' Back To Me
Very pretty song.