This song 'Jezebel' is from Sade's second album 'Promise' released in 1985. It wasn't a big hit in the charts, like so many of the other songs from that album because it doesn't have the elements you would expect from an 1980s pop song. Sade is essentially a Jazz/Soul singer and this style wasn't mainstream at that time. You probably won't have heard the song unless you have the album in your collection.
I've always loved this song but felt that it needed some vocal harmonies here and there, so I added some. I recorded the backing myself too but as I can't play the sax, I was forced to miss out the huge solos, which shortens the song somewhat...arghh!! I wish I could play the sax!
The lyrics are very emotive. Though the woman who is the subject of the song feels she has some power over her life, she actually has no social standing at all and is pitied by those who know how she makes money. The song is a comment on how even in modern times and in developed countries, so many under-privileged women are forced in to a life of prostitution in order to provide for themselves.
Jezebel wasn't born with a silver spoon in her mouth
She probably had less than every one of us
But when she knew how to walk she knew
How to bring the house down
Can't blame her for her beauty
She wins with her hands down
Jezebel, what a belle
Looks like a princess in her new dress
'How did you get that?'
'Do you really want to know?' she said
It would seem she's on her way
It's more, more than just a dream
She puts on her stockings and shoes
'I've nothing to lose' - she said 'it was worth it'
'Reach for the top
And the sun is gonna shine
Every winter was a war' she said
'I want to get what's mine'
Jezebel, Jezebel
Won't try to deny where she came from
You can see it in her pride
And the raven in her eyes
Try show her a better way
She'll say 'you don't know what you've been missing'
And by the time she blinks you know she won't be listening
'Reach for the top' she said
'And the sun is gonna shine
Every winter was a war' she said
'I want to get what's mine'
