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.
Less Of Me
Wanda Jackson Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
To the faults of those about me let me praise a little more
Let me be when I am weary just a little bit more cheery
Think a little more of others and a little less of me
Let me be a little braver when temptation makes me waver
Let me strive a little harder to be all that I should be
Let me be a little meeker with the brother that is weaker
Think more of my neighbors and a little less of me
[ ac.guitar ]
Let me be when I am weary just a little bit more cheery
Let me serve a little better those that I am striving for
Let me be a little meeker with the brother that is weaker
Think a little more of others and a little less of me
Let me be a little kinder...
Wanda Jackson's song "Less Of Me" is a powerful reminder to not only think of ourselves, but to also think of others. The opening lines, "Let me be a little kinder, let me be a little blinder, to the faults of those about me" sets the tone for this introspective song. The lyrics continue to urge listeners to praise others more, to be more cheerful, and to be more considerate of those who may be weaker or struggling. These lines are a call to action to not only think less of ourselves but to show empathy and kindness to those around us.
The second verse of the song continues with this theme of selflessness, urging listeners to strive a little harder and serve a little better. The chorus then repeats the opening lines in a powerful reminder of how important it is to put others before ourselves. The overall message of "Less Of Me" is one of humility and empathy, encouraging listeners to think beyond themselves and to focus on the needs of others.
Line by Line Meaning
Let me be a little kinder let me be a little blinder
May I show a little more kindness and not be so critical
To the faults of those about me let me praise a little more
Instead of highlighting the faults of others, let me look for their positive qualities and acknowledge them
Let me be when I am weary just a little bit more cheery
When I am tired and feeling low, let me still try to maintain a positive attitude
Think a little more of others and a little less of me
May I prioritize the needs and well-being of others above my own ego and desires
Let me be a little braver when temptation makes me waver
When faced with temptation and challenges, may I have the courage to do what is right and resist temptation
Let me strive a little harder to be all that I should be
May I work harder to become the best version of myself and fulfill my potential
Let me be a little meeker with the brother that is weaker
When interacting with someone who is vulnerable or in need, may I be more gentle and humble in my approach
Think more of my neighbors and a little less of me
Rather than focusing on my own interests, may I prioritize the well-being of those around me and contribute to the betterment of my community
Let me serve a little better those that I am striving for
When working towards my goals and aspirations, may I also serve and lift up those who are working towards similar goals
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: GLEN CAMPBELL
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
David Ashworth
great songs from a great singer dave