Jane

Barenaked Ladies

About Jane

"Jane" is a song by Barenaked Ladies from their 1994 album Maybe You Should Drive. The song was written by Stephen Duffy and Steven Page. The single release included the album version of "Jane", a live version of "What a Good Boy", and the Buck Naked version of "Great Provider". "Jane" reached number three on Canada's RPM Top Singles chart, topped the RPM Adult Contemporary chart for four weeks, and ended 1994 as the country's 17th best-selling single. The song later appeared on their 2001 compilation Disc One: All Their Greatest Hits.  


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The girl works at the store, sweet Jane St. Clair
Was dazzled by her smile while I shopped there
It wasn't long before I lived with her
I sang her songs while she dyed my hair

Jane, divided, but I can't decide which side I'm on
Jane, decided only cowards stay, while traitors run
Jane, Jane

I'd bring her gold and frankincense and myrrh
She thought that I was making fun of her
She made me feel I was fourteen again
That's why she thinks it's cooler if we'd just stay friends
(She thinks it's cooler)

Jane, doesn't think a man could ever be faithful
Jane, isn't giving me a chance to be shameful
Jane, Jane

I wrote a letter, she should have got it yesterday
That life could be better by being together
Is what I cannot explain to Jane

The girl works at the store, sweet Jane St. Clair
(Still dazzled by her smile while I shoplift there)
Still dazzled by her smile while I shoplift there
(The girl works at the store, sweet Jane St. Clair)
No promises as vague as heaven
(No promises as vague as heaven)
No Juliana next to my Evan
(No Juliana next to)

Jane, desired by the people at her school and work
Jane, is tired 'cause every man becomes a lovesick jerk
Jane, Jane (come on)

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Barenaked Ladies

Barenaked Ladies (often abbreviated BNL or occasionally BnL) is a Canadian alternative rock band. The band is currently composed of Jim Creeggan, Kevin Hearn, Ed Robertson, and Tyler Stewart. Barenaked Ladies formed in 1988 in Scarborough, Ontario, then a suburban municipality outside the City of Toronto. They are best known for their hit singles, "One Week", "The Old Apartment", "Pinch Me", "If I Had $1000000", "Brian Wilson"; as well as the theme for the sitcom The Big Bang Theory. They have won multiple Juno Awards and have been nominated for Grammy Awards. They are also known for their light-hearted, comedic performance style. Their live shows are known for humorous banter between songs and improvised raps/songs, both of which are staples at virtually eve… more »

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Written by: Stephen Duffy, Steven Page

Lyrics © BMG Rights Management, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind


21 facts about this song

Album
"Jane" is part of the Barenaked Ladies' third studio album, "Maybe You Should Drive", which was released in 1994.
Songwriters
This song was co-written by Stephen Duffy and Steven Page. Duffy is known for being a member of Duran Duran while Page is an original member of Barenaked Ladies.
Inspiration
The song is reportedly inspired by a real woman named Jane, whom Steven Page had a romantic relationship with during his high school years.
Genre
"Jane" falls under the genre of alternative rock, a style of rock music that emerged from the independent music underground of the 1980s, and became widely popular in the 1990s.
Chart Performance
Despite its popularity, "Jane" did not chart in the United States. However, it reached number 3 on Canada's RPM chart, and it’s Barenaked Ladies' highest charting single in Canada.
Music Video
A music video for the song, directed by Morris Abraham, was released in 1994. The video features the band members involved in a road trip and performing the song alongside the road or on the roof of their bus.
Notable Cover
One of the notable covers of "Jane" is by the Canadian singer-songwriter Matthew Good for his 2007 album, "Hospital Music."
Lyrics
The lyrics of "Jane" stand out for their emotional depth, telling a story of unrequited love, and an inability to leave the past behind.
Unique Sound
The song is characterized by its jangly pop sound, blending acoustic guitars with a catchy chorus, which is typical of Barenaked Ladies' style.
Legacy
Even though it's not Barenaked Ladies' biggest hit, "Jane" remains a fan favorite and a mainstay in their live performances.
Release Date
"Jane" by Barenaked Ladies was released in 1994 on the band's third studio album "Maybe You Should Drive".
Song Writers
The song was co-written by Stephen Duffy and Steven Page. Duffy had previously been a member of the band "The Lilac Time" and has extensive experience in the music industry. Page is one of the founding members of the "Barenaked Ladies".
Track Ranking
"Jane" was the lead single of the album and became one of the band's biggest hits. It reached No. 3 on the Canadian Singles Chart.
Song Inspiration
The lyrics of the song were reportedly inspired by Jane St. Clair, a University of Toronto student and associate of Steven Page's.
Song Meaning
The storyline of "Jane" talks about unrequited love, as the singer admires Jane from afar but she is interested in someone else.
Unique Song Structure
Unlike typical song structures, "Jane" does not include a chorus. It consists of several verses and a bridge.
Live Performances
"Jane" remains a staple in Barenaked Ladies' live performances, with audiences responding well to its familiar melody and heartfelt lyrics.
Album Success
Despite the success of "Jane", the album "Maybe You Should Drive" was less successful commercially compared to the band's first album. However, it still holds a special place in the discography of Barenaked Ladies due to its raw and emotional content.
Music Video
The music video for "Jane" features the band playing in a moving truck, symbolizing the transient nature of relationships.
Reception
The song is revered for its emotive songwriting, with critics praising its compelling narrative and the band's musical ingenuity.
Cover Versions
The song has been covered by many artists, testament to its timeless appeal and universal message.

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