Jackson was still in high school when country singer Hank Thompson heard her sing on an Oklahoma City radio show and asked her to record with his band in 1954. She dated Elvis Presley, who encouraged her to step away from the country-tinged gospel she had been performing since childhood and try her hand at rock and roll. She developed her own distinctive voice and performed in a variety of styles, from folksy traditional tunes to country twang and high yodels to throaty, suggestive ballads. She was a prolific singer of songs with wry lyrics such as "Fujiyama Mama," which contained many references to the World War II bombing of Hiroshima and Nagasaki; ironically, it became a #1 hit in Japan. Her biggest hit was 1959's "Let's Have a Party."
Jackson achieved great and continuing success throughout Europe, Asia, and Australia, but has never found the same level of fame in her native United States. She toured with rock and roll pioneers such as Elvis Presley, Jerry Lee Lewis, and Buddy Holly. She has been nominated for two Grammys, and has been awarded the Oklahoma Native Daughter Award. She has been inducted into the Oklahoma Country Music Hall of Fame, the Rockabilly Hall of Fame, the International Hall of Fame, the International Gospel Music Hall of Fame, the Oklahoma Music Hall of Fame, and the German Country Music Hall of Fame, and in 2009 was finally inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame as an Early Influence.
A born-again Christian, Jackson and her husband/manager Wendell Goodman abandoned rock and roll in 1971 and spent the next 25 years performing gospel in churches.
In 1996, Jackson was invited by alt-country singer Rosie Flores to duet with her on an upcoming album. The two were so pleased with the results that Jackson joined Flores on a handful of promotional club dates which were soon extended into a five-week North American tour. Jackson, plesantly surprised to discover that she and her songs were known by a generation of rockabilly fans her grandchildren's age, soon assembled her own band and returned to clubs and festivals, where she continues to perform.
In recent years Jackson has recorded with such artists as The Cramps, Lee Rocker, Dave Alvin, and Elvis Costello. 2006 saw the release of a new Jackson album, I Remember Elvis.
In 2009, it was announced that Jackson would start work on new recordings with Jack White. The resulting album, The Party Ain't Over, was released on January 25, 2011. It included a cover of the Bob Dylan rockabilly song, "Thunder on the Mountain" and the Amy Winehouse song "You Know I'm No Good". On January 20, 2011, she performed with Jack White on The Late Show With David Letterman and again on January 25, 2011, on Conan.
How Important Can It Be
Wanda Jackson Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
That was long before you came to me with a magic of your kiss
So the story got around of an old romance and me
But it happened, oh, so long ago, how important can it be?
Mine was young and the foolish heart seeking love at every turn
I have grown so much wiser now, even foolish heart can learn
Let the past just fade away, why get lost in yesterday?
Mine was young and the foolish heart seeking love at every turn
I have grown so much wiser now, even foolish heart can learn
Let the past just fade away, why get lost in yesterday?
The important thing is here and now and our love is here to stay
These lyrics by Wanda Jackson in the song "How Important Can It Be" describe a common theme in many love songs - the idea that the singer had a past love or relationship, but their current love is the most important thing. The opening lines make reference to the fact that the singer had "tasted other lips," but that was in the past and now she is with someone who has a "magic" kiss. The lyrics suggest that the singer is not bothered that her past relationship has become a rumor or gossip, as it was so long ago.
The next verse highlights the growth and change the singer has experienced in her own heart as she has grown wiser. She encourages herself and her partner to let the past fade away, and focus on their current love that is "here to stay." The overall message of the song is that although the past may have held some importance at one time, it cannot compare to the importance of the present and the love that the singer shares with her partner.
Overall, the lyrics to "How Important Can It Be" convey the idea that true love and commitment are what matter most in a relationship. Although the past may have played a role in the journey to finding this love, it cannot compare to the present and the future that the couple will share together.
Line by Line Meaning
How important can it be that I'd tasted other lips?
I had kissed others before, but that was a while ago.
That was long before you came to me with a magic of your kiss
I had kissed others before I met you, but your kiss was special.
So the story got around of an old romance and me
People heard rumors about my past loves.
But it happened, oh, so long ago, how important can it be?
The past is the past, so why should it matter now?
Mine was young and the foolish heart seeking love at every turn
I was young and naive, always looking for love.
I have grown so much wiser now, even foolish heart can learn
But I've grown and learned from my mistakes.
Let the past just fade away, why get lost in yesterday?
It's best to forget the past and focus on the present.
The important thing is here and now and our love is here to stay
What's important is our love right now, which will last.
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management, CONCORD MUSIC PUBLISHING LLC, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: Bennie Benjamin, George David Weiss
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
cowzerify
I just listened to Joni,Sarah,Teresa and Wanda's version of this song, like 'em all. just a fine timeless song!
Don Hawkins
wanda's version belongs at the top....!
Debra Williams
BEAUTIFUL FULL SONGS. THANKS WANDA
Conrad
REALLY like this version!
Tom Smith
You're welcome!
Rose Coria
mutang butand baland de zum ma madagascar palo alo