Jane Says

So with this song, I'm about to delve into the realm of addiction. Clearly, when talking about a Jane's Addiction song, it would be appropriate. My all time favorite Jane's Addiction song is the beautiful Jane Says. The song basically illustrates her difficulty kicking a habit, in her case, a drug. Although I can't relate with the need to kick a drug, I always feel extremely connected to these lyrics.

One of the main reasons is because, from my interactions and from the interactions I witness through my friends, I think we all have an addict inside. Our vices come in all shapes and sizes. For me, I find myself drawn to people and feeling an almost pathological need for social outlets. It's almost as though the second someone leaves the room I feel empty and alone. That's part of the reason I do this- an outlet to keep my racing mind busy with writing. Although many people have far more serious vices, I think that the main thing that makes these lyrics so understandable is the need to kick a habit that Jane just can't seem to kick.

From the perspective of an outsider, it's just so frustrating. You can sense the longing in Perry Farrell's voice to help this self-destructive Jane. You can feel Jane's desperation increasing as she promises to kick the habit. It's a vicious, twisted cycle where no one wins. Jane seems like she wants to climb out of her own skin.

The theme that strikes me most is when Jane is speaking of the lack of love in her life. It's so depressing, but I feel like I know exactly how she feels. With being a young girl in this society, you never really know what love is. And you feel like you might, but then once the relationship or fling or whatever it was is over, you can't help but wonder if the other person ever loved you at all. Although Jane's problems most likely stem from abusive relationships with men, a lack of love at home, or whatever else it is that lead her to this masochistic lifestyle. Sometimes I can't help but wonder, if even on a much smaller scale, if all women have a little sadist's in us.

And with that, I leave you to enjoy Jane Says. Whether it be the lyrics, Farrell's unique voice that manifests itself in your mind, or simply the tune, the whole package is sublime.

Jane says

I'm done with Sergio

He treats me like a ragdoll

She hides

The television

Says "i don't owe him nothing,

But if he comes back again

Tell him to wait right here for me or,

Try again tomorrow"

"I'm gonna kick tomorrow..."

"I'm gonna kick tomorrow..."

Jane says

"Have you seen my wig around?

I feel naked without it"

She knows

They all want her to go

But that's ok man

She don't like them anyway

Jane says

"I'm going away to spain when i get my money saved

I'm gonna start tomorrow"

"I'm gonna kick tomorrow..."

"I'm gonna kick tomorrow..."

She gets mad

And she starts to cry

Takes a swing but she can't hit!

She don't mean no harm

She just don't know...

What else to do about it

Jane goes

To the store at eight

She walks up on st. andrews

She waits

And gets her dinner there

She pulls her dinner

From her pocket

Jane says

"I've never been in love - no"

She don't know what it is

She only knows if someone wants her

"I only want 'em if they want me,..."

"I only know they want me..."

Jane says...

Shooting Star

So now I'm officially back in my second year of college, and I have

to admit that I'm just as confused this year as I was last year. You'd expect to have gained some insight or knowledge throughout the first year, but I guess I'm still waiting. I keep waiting for that light bulb to go off and realize- oh! that's why I'm here and that's what I want to pursue! Of course I have to recognize that probably every other college student is feeling similarly, but I guess that my main issue is passion. I found that any passions I had experienced in high school, anything I truly liked to do has been squashed with my college career. Now, this isn't the fault of my school, or the institution of college in general; this boils down to my problem, and the problem that so many students are probably facing as well.

Now passion for me used to stem from my music. I loved playing the piano, sitting down and figuring out songs. I even composed some pieces, although I was never able to put together lyrics. My few attempts consisted of vague statements about the people around me, and they usually ended in rhyme which is never good. Maybe my passion for lyrics stems from the fact that I am utterly unable to come up with any for myself? Regardless of all of this, my point is that I absolutely love music. Now in here lies my dilemma: music is about as unrealistic of a career path as one can choose. I can recognize that I obviously have some talents in the musical realm (thanks in no small part to my father, who possesses more musical talent in his pinky than most people do in their entire bodies). But I'm nothing extraordinary, nothing you-tube worthy. Certainly no Annie Lennox or Carly Simon. So either I could go to Hollywood or somewhere equally "dreamy", attempt to make it, and most likely end up going back to school for a teaching degree or waiting tables.

Clearly the most sensible option is to continue on the route that I am currently headed. Four year university, degree, and get a sensible job that I have absolutely no enthusiasm for. This might sound bleak or pessimistic, but I prefer to see it as a realist perspective. I want to make enough money to eventually settle in to the lifestyle that I want. So that one day I can travel and see the world or have children or do whatever it is that I choose. The fact remains that I want the financial comfort to be able to do that.

So where am I going with this? Well the other day while in my room this lovely tune came on my itunes. Oddly enough, I was weirdly comforted by this song. It made me think back to all of these things that have been plaguing my mind, and brought me a serene sense of peace in my decision making. Despite the glory of being famous and being able to do something that I love each and every day, so much negativity can be brought on from that lifestyle. So many pressures, so much uncertainty, such negative social patterns. It is this song that makes me glad that I attend a four year university, that I take classes, and most importantly that I have the possibility for a fulfilling and normal life.

Sorry to ramble and tangent there, but hey, if you gained any insight, then great. If not, thanks for attending this little internal session. So please, enjoy this beautiful song by Bad Company. And please, if you haven't heard it, listen to it (the same goes for all the songs). I love them all.

Johnny was a schoolboy when he heard his first Beatle song,

'Love me do,' I think it was. From there it didn't take him long.

Got himself a guitar, used to play every night,

Now he's in a rock 'n' roll outfit,

And everything's all right, don't you know?

Johnny told his mama, hey, 'Mama, I'm goin' away. I'm gonna hit the big

time, gonna be a big star someday', Yeah.

Mama came to the door with a teardrop in her eye.

Johnny said, 'Don't cry, mama, smile and wave good-bye'.

Don't you know, yeah yeah, Don't you know that you are a shooting star,

Don't you know, don't you know. Don't you know that you are

a shooting star, And all the world will love you just as long,

As long as you are.

Johnny made a record, Went straight up to number one,

Suddenly everyone loved to hear him sing the song.

Watching the world go by, surprising it goes so fast.

Johnny looked around him and said, 'Well, I made the big time at last'.

Don't you know, don't you know, Don't you know that you are

a shooting star,

Don't you know, oh, yeah, Don't you know that you are

a shooting star, yeah,

And all the world will love you just as long,

As long as you are, a shooting star.

Don't you know that you are a shooting star, Don't you know, yeah,

Don't you know that you are a shooting star, now,

And all the world will love you just as long, As long you are you.

Johnny died one night, died in his bed, Bottle of whiskey,

sleeping tablets by his head. Johnny's life passed him by like a

warm summer day, If you listen to the wind you can still hear him play