Norah Jones

Lyrics

[Verse 1]
She was a young girl
Mama said to her
Your daddy's leaving home today
Think he's gone to stay
We packed up all the bags
And drove out to Anchorage
They got to Anchorage
She checked in to school
She wore white Chucks on her feet
She learned the golden rule
The punches came fast and hard
Lying on her back in the school yard

[Chorus]
Don't be denied, don't be denied
Don't be denied, don't be denied
Don't be denied, don't be denied

[Verse 2]
Well pretty soon she met a friend
She played guitar
Used to sit on the steps at school
And dream of being stars
They started a band
They played all night
[Chorus]
Don't be denied, don't be denied
Don't be denied, don't be denied
Don't be denied, don't be denied

[Verse 3]
Businessmen crowded around
They came to hear the golden sound
There they were on the Sunset Strip
Playing their songs for the highest bid
They played all night
The price was right

[Chorus]
Don't be denied, don't be denied
Don't be denied, don't be denied
Don't be denied, don't be denied

[Verse 4]
All that glitters isn't gold
You know you heard that story told
She's a pauper in a naked disguise
A millionaire through a businessman's eyes
Oh friend of mine
Don't be deniedEmbed

If you're a fan of Norah Jones, there's a good chance you've heard her song "Don't Be Denied" from her album "Featuring." This track is a real standout and showcases everything that Jones is known for - her smooth vocals, beautiful piano playing and poetic lyrics. "Don't Be Denied" is a powerful and emotional song that speaks to anyone who has faced adversity or struggled to achieve their dreams.

About Don’t Be Denied

"Don't Be Denied" is a song that was originally written and performed by Neil Young in 1973. Young's version has a more raw and stripped-down sound, and the lyrics speak to his own experiences as a struggling musician striving for success. Jones' cover is more polished and refined, but still captures the spirit of the original.

The song begins with a haunting piano melody played by Jones, accompanied by a slow and steady drumbeat. The first verse sets the tone and establishes the theme of the song:

I've been cheated, been mistreated, when will I be loved?

I've been put down, I've been pushed 'round, when will I be loved?

These lyrics are universal and relatable - everyone has felt mistreated at some point in their lives. But the chorus is what really brings the emotional impact:

Don't be denied, don't be denied, don't be denied

Oh, when you're down and troubled, don't be denied

This is a message of hope and perseverance - no matter how hard things may seem, don't give up on your dreams. Jones' delivery of these lines is powerful and moving, and the layered harmonies in the background add to the emotional intensity of the song.

The bridge of the song features a soaring guitar solo, adding an element of rock and roll to an otherwise mellow track. This solo is expertly performed by Marc Ribot, who has played with a variety of notable musicians including Tom Waits, Elvis Costello, and Robert Plant.

The song ends with a repeat of the chorus, driving home the message that no matter what obstacles we face in life, we must not be denied.

Throughout "Don't Be Denied," Jones shows off her talents as both a singer and a pianist. Her voice is soft and soothing, yet powerful when it needs to be. She also adds her own unique interpretation to the song, making it her own while still paying homage to the original.

Perplexity and Burstiness

There's a lot to unpack in "Don't Be Denied," from the poignant lyrics to the expert instrumentation. This song has a high level of perplexity - it's not immediately clear what the song is about, and it takes a few listens to really appreciate the nuances of the performance.

But while there's a lot to process, the song is also highly bursty. There are moments of intense emotion throughout the song, such as the soaring guitar solo and the repeated chorus. These bursts of energy keep the listener engaged and create a sense of anticipation for what comes next.

Overview

"Don't Be Denied" is a standout track from Norah Jones' extensive catalog of music. Her cover of Neil Young's classic song is a testament to her talent as a musician and her ability to bring new life to existing material. With its emotional lyrics, stunning instrumentation, and powerful message of hope and perseverance, "Don't Be Denied" is a song that will stay with you long after the final notes have faded away.

• Release Date: October 7, 2016
• Artist: Norah Jones