Jesse
Carly Simon
Watch: New Singing Lesson Videos Can Make Anyone A Great Singer
Oh mother, say a prayer for me Jesse's back in town, it won't be easy Don't let him near me Don't let him touch me Don't let him please me Jesse, I won't cut fresh flowers for you Jesse, I won't make the wine cold for you Jesse, I won't change the sheets for you I won't put on cologne I won't sit by the phone for you Annie, keep reminding me That he cut out my heart like a paper doll Sally, tell me once again How he set me up just to see me fall Jesse, quick come here I won't tell a soul Not even myself Jesse, that you've come back to me My friends will all say "She's gone again" But how can anyone know what you are to me That I'm in heaven again because you've come back to me Oh Jessie! Jesse, I'll always cut fresh flowers for you Jesse, I'll always make the wine cold for you Jesse, I can easily change my mind about you And put on cologne And sit by the phone for you Jesse, let's open the wine And drink to the heart Which has a will of its own My friends, let's comfort them They're feeling bad They think I've sunk so low Jesse, I'll always cut fresh flowers for you Jesse, I'll always make the wine cold for you Jesse, I will change the sheets for you Put on cologne And I will wait by the phone for you Oh Jesse
Watch: New Singing Lesson Videos Can Make Anyone A Great Singer
Written by: MIKE JR MAINIERI, CARLY SIMON
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group, Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd.
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
25 facts about this song
Song Writing"Jesse" is a song written and performed by Carly Simon, an American singer-songwriter.
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Release DetailsThis song was released as the lead single from her ninth studio album "Come Upstairs" in 1980.
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Chart Performance"Jesse" became a U.S. Billboard Top 20 hit, as it peaked at number 11.
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Popularity among ListenersIt was Simon's second top-ten hit on the Billboard Adult Contemporary chart, where it peaked at number 6.
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Musical Composition"Jesse" exhibits Carly Simon's provocative songwriting style with its blend of rock and pop elements and expressive, emotive lyrics.
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Insightful LyricsThe song tells a cautionary tale of a woman imploring an ex-lover not to return to her as she fears she will succumb to his charms and ruin the progress she has made in her life and self-development.
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Notable PerformanceCarly Simon performed "Jesse" live on "The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson" in 1980 to promote the single and her then-new album.
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Awards and RecognitionDespite its commercial success, "Jesse" did not win any awards, but it is often regarded as one of Carly Simon's most loved and popular singles.
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Musicians CollaborationThis song featured notable musicians such as Andy Newmark on drums, Tony Levin on bass guitar, and Sid Mcginnis on electric guitar.
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Album SuccessEven though "Come Upstairs" was a commercial failure at the time, this single stood out and received heavy radio airplay, which in turn increased Simon's popularity in the 1980s.
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Personal SignificanceDespite the ambiguous song lyrics, the song has often been interpreted as having personal resonances for Simon, but she has not confirmed this.
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Cover VersionsOver the years "Jesse" has been covered by numerous artists, proving its enduring appeal and influence in popular music.
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Song's ImpactThis song marked a transition for Carly Simon from her folk-rock roots into a more pop-rock oriented sound, showing her versatility as an artist.
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Growth as an Artist"Jesse" showcased her ability to reinvent herself while maintaining her lyrical depth and emotional resonance, further establishing Carly's reputation as a leading singer-songwriter of her generation.
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Cultural Influence"Jesse" also served as an influence for other women songwriters who would embark on exploring personal and emotional depths in their lyrics.
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Song Release"Jesse" was released in September 1980 and was featured on Carly Simon's ninth studio album, "Come Upstairs."
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Chart PerformanceThe song was a hit, peaking at #11 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart and #9 on the Billboard Adult Contemporary chart.
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Song MeaningThe song is about the emotional tug-of-war when an old flame comes back into your life. In the song, Carly warns herself not to let Jesse back into her life, but also expresses the undeniable attraction she feels.
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Song LyricsThe lyrics for "Jesse" were written by Carly Simon herself, typical to her usual songwriting approach.
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Award NominationCarly's performance on "Jesse" was so compelling that it led to her being nominated for a Grammy Award for Best Pop Female Vocalist in 1981.
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Cover VersionsOther artists, including Lea Salonga and Barbara Dickson, have covered "Jesse," indicating its popularity and lasting impression.
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Music VideoA music video was released for the song, which was rather unique in the early '80s before MTV brought music videos into the mainstream.
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Documentation"Jesse" is considered by some to be among Simon's best work and is often referenced in articles, books, and documentaries about the singer.
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Live PerformancesCarly Simon rarely performs "Jesse" live. During a 1981 concert at the Martha's Vineyard, she initially refused to sing the song despite audience requests, but eventually gave in.
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IronyThe song warns about not letting Jesse back into her life, yet ironically, getting involved with 'Jesse' again (releasing the song) proved to be a commercially wise decision.
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Citation
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"Jesse Lyrics." Lyrics.com. STANDS4 LLC, 2024. Web. 30 May 2024. <https://www.lyrics.com/lyric/8826864/Carly+Simon/Jesse>.
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