Jesse

Carly Simon

About Jesse

"Jesse" is a song written and performed by Carly Simon and produced by Mike Mainieri. The song was the lead single from Simon's ninth studio album, Come Upstairs. The song is told in first-person about the narrator's disdain for her former lover, Jesse, who has just moved back to town. She vows to have nothing to do with him, "Don't let him near me, don't let him touch me, don't let him please me," she sings. She asks her friends to remind her of how he has wronged her, because she fears she'll end up letting her guard down and fall back under his spell. She ends up going back on her promise to herself and the two rekindle their romance. "Jesse, quick come here, I won't tell a soul", "Jesse, that you've come back to me, my friends will all say 'She's gone again'", she sings. She then seeks to comfort her friends because they don't approve. "My friends, let's comfort them, they're feeling bad, they think I've sunk so low," she sings. Simon's then-husband, James Taylor, and their daughter, Sally Taylor, sing backup vocals. The single has a country-pop flair, unlike the rest of the album, which is more rock oriented. 


Year:
1980
4:21
1,056 
#3

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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

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Carly Simon

Carly Elisabeth Simon (born June 25, 1945) is an American singer-songwriter, musician, and children's author. She rose to fame in the 1970s with a string of hit records; her 13 Top 40 hits include "You're So Vain", "Nobody Does It Better", and "Coming Around Again". Her 1988 song "Let the River Run" was the first to win a Grammy Award, an Academy Award, and a Golden Globe Award for a song written and performed by a single artist. She was inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame in 1994. more »

8 fans

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.
Release Details
This song was released as the lead single from her ninth studio album "Come Upstairs" in 1980.
Chart Performance
"Jesse" became a U.S. Billboard Top 20 hit, as it peaked at number 11.
Popularity among Listeners
It was Simon's second top-ten hit on the Billboard Adult Contemporary chart, where it peaked at number 6.
Musical Composition
"Jesse" exhibits Carly Simon's provocative songwriting style with its blend of rock and pop elements and expressive, emotive lyrics.
Insightful Lyrics
The 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.
Notable Performance
Carly Simon performed "Jesse" live on "The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson" in 1980 to promote the single and her then-new album.
Awards and Recognition
Despite 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.
Musicians Collaboration
This song featured notable musicians such as Andy Newmark on drums, Tony Levin on bass guitar, and Sid Mcginnis on electric guitar.
Album Success
Even 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.
Personal Significance
Despite the ambiguous song lyrics, the song has often been interpreted as having personal resonances for Simon, but she has not confirmed this.
Cover Versions
Over the years "Jesse" has been covered by numerous artists, proving its enduring appeal and influence in popular music.
Song's Impact
This 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.
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.
Cultural Influence
"Jesse" also served as an influence for other women songwriters who would embark on exploring personal and emotional depths in their lyrics.
Song Release
"Jesse" was released in September 1980 and was featured on Carly Simon's ninth studio album, "Come Upstairs."
Chart Performance
The song was a hit, peaking at #11 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart and #9 on the Billboard Adult Contemporary chart.
Song Meaning
The 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.
Song Lyrics
The lyrics for "Jesse" were written by Carly Simon herself, typical to her usual songwriting approach.
Award Nomination
Carly'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.
Cover Versions
Other artists, including Lea Salonga and Barbara Dickson, have covered "Jesse," indicating its popularity and lasting impression.
Music Video
A music video was released for the song, which was rather unique in the early '80s before MTV brought music videos into the mainstream.
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.
Live Performances
Carly 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.
Irony
The 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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    Top Hot 100 Songs 1980

    Billboard #11


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