Her singing talent has lent itself to a wide range of genres, although earlier works, such as 'Angel With a Lariat' and 'Absolute Torch and Twang' (the last of which won her a Grammy Award for Best Female Country Vocal Performance) were predominantly country, with hints of jazz and salsa. Later works, including Ingénue and All You Can Eat, were more pop-ish in execution. No matter the genre, all left her talent undeniable. She has since garnered four grammys and many other awards, and was even made an officer of the Order of Canada in 1996, Canada's highest civilian honour.
Jericho
k.d. lang Lyrics
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That's a promise that I made to love
When it was new, "just like Jericho" I said
"Let the walls come tumbling down"
Said it like I finally found the way
To keep the good feelings alive
I said it like it was something to strive for
And approve your self-expression, 'cause I need that, funny, too
I need your confidence, baby
And the gift of your extra time
In return I'll give you mine, sweet darling
It's a rich exchange, seems to me
It's a warm arrangement
Anyone will tell you
Just how hard it is to make and keep a friend
Now, maybe they'll short-sell you
Or maybe it's you
Judas, in the end
When you just can no longer pretend
That you're getting what you need
Or you're giving off anything for them to grow and feed on
I'll try to keep myself open up to you
It gets easier and easier to do
Just like Jericho
Let the walls come tumbling down now
Fallin' on the ground
And all the dogs go running free
The wild and the gentle dogs
Kenneled in me
These lyrics are an intimate declaration of commitment to a relationship, promising to keep oneself open, honest and vulnerable to the loved one. The metaphor of the walls of Jericho falling is used to signify the singer's willingness to let go of their defenses and allow their partner in fully. The singer acknowledges the challenges of maintaining a friendship or relationship, referencing the idea that either party might ultimately betray the other - like Judas betraying Jesus - but still chooses to make the effort to connect and communicate authentically, in the hopes of finding a deep and meaningful connection. The last stanza repeats the image of Jericho's walls falling down, emphasizing the importance of letting go of walls and letting love flow freely.
Line by Line Meaning
I'll try to keep myself open up to you
I'll remain emotionally available to you
That's a promise that I made to love
It's a vow I made when I fell in love
When it was new, 'just like Jericho' I said
Early on, like Jericho's walls, my defenses came down
'Let the walls come tumbling down'
I was willing to let go of self-protection
Said it like I finally found the way
I spoke with a sense of revelation
To keep the good feelings alive
To keep our love from fading
I said it like it was something to strive for
I saw it as a worthwhile endeavor
And approve your self-expression, 'cause I need that, funny, too
I support your individuality because it's beneficial for me as well
I need your confidence, baby
I rely on your self-assurance
And the gift of your extra time
I appreciate all the time you spend with me
In return I'll give you mine, sweet darling
I'll reciprocate your affection
It's a rich exchange, seems to me
It's a mutually beneficial interaction
It's a warm arrangement
Our relationship is imbued with warmth and affection
Anyone will tell you
It's widely known
Just how hard it is to make and keep a friend
Maintaining friendships can be challenging
Now, maybe they'll short-sell you
Perhaps they'll disappoint you
Or maybe it's you
Or perhaps it's due to your actions
Judas, in the end
Betrayal comes to mind
When you just can no longer pretend
When pretending or faking it is no longer feasible
That you're getting what you need
That your needs are being met
Or you're giving off anything for them to grow and feed on
Or you're contributing to their emotional nourishment.
It gets easier and easier to do
It seems more natural over time
Fallin' on the ground
The walls are coming down
And all the dogs go running free
Our raw, instinctive aspects are liberated
The wild and the gentle dogs
Both our untamed and meek facets
Kenneled in me
Are no longer confined within me
Lyrics © Downtown Music Publishing, RESERVOIR MEDIA MANAGEMENT INC
Written by: Joni Mitchell
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind