Norah Jones

Lyrics

7 ContributorsThe Prettiest Thing LyricsThe prettiest thing I ever did see
Was lightning from the top of a cloud
Moving through the dark
A million miles an hour with somewhere to be

So why does it seem like a picture
That's hangin' up on someone else's wall?
Lately I just haven't been myself at all
It's heavy on my mind

And I'm dreamin' again
Like I've always been
Way down low
I still know

That the prettiest thing I ever did see
Was dusty as the handle on the door
Rusty as a nail stuck in the old pine floor
It looks like home to me

Now I'm dreamin' again
Like I've always been
Way down low
Thinkin' of the prettiest thing

Dreamin'
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Norah Jones has released numerous musical works throughout her career, but none is quite as captivating as "The Prettiest Thing." This song possesses a unique origin story that was born during an unexpected and captivating moment. Norah Jones wrote this song after flying over the American Midwest, and her plane encountered a thunderstorm. The song's story is perfect, and it captures the essence of the human spirit.

About The Prettiest Thing

The song is perfect proof of how the beauty of art can emerge from unexpected moments; in this case, it was a turbulent flight that inspired Norah Jones. During her flight, she witnessed lightning from the top of a cloud and found beauty in an otherwise scary experience. When interviewed by the Daily Mail, she explained how she conjured up the lyrics: "It was frightening, but also very beautiful. I started singing, ‘The prettiest thing I ever did see was lightning from the top of a cloud…’, which turned into a song on my second album."

"The Prettiest Thing" was recorded with her touring band and produced by Jones with Lee Alexander, her long-time collaborator. The song was released on her second album, "Feels Like Home" in 2004. The song became Jones' second-highest charting single release in the United States, in which it peaked at the twentieth spot on the Hot Adult Top 40 chart. In Canada, the song reached number thirteen on the Adult Contemporary chart and was also met with commercial success overseas.

The song features Jones's signature piano-playing style, and her vocals in the song are effortless yet powerful. From the first note of the song, the listener can feel the passion and energy behind the music. The instrumentation of the track features simple yet effective drums and bass, alongside Norah's masterful piano playing. The song captures the listener's attention and portrays Jones's unique sound, which is soft and sweet, with an unmatched warmth that pierces the heart.

The lyrics of the song are unmatched in terms of beauty and poignancy. The song's story is about the creative process of Norah when she was inspired by different elements, which resulted in the creation of this masterpiece. This song is a work of art, and its beautiful words make it even more beautiful. The song's lyrics capture an unexpected yet magical moment and shows how brilliant ideas can arrive when unanticipated moments occur.

One of the song's strongest points is Norah's voice, and the way she delivers the lyrics with her singing is mesmerizing. Her voice paints pictures with her words, the kind that lingers in the listener's mind long after the song has ended. Norah's vocals are delicate, sensual, and angelic, giving the song a distinct vibe making it a perfect ballad for a slow dance.

The bridge of the song is where it reaches its climax having its biggest impact. The melody, lyrics, and instrumentation blend so seamlessly that it makes "The Prettiest Thing" a truly remarkable piece of music. The lyrics of the song are strong enough to spark anyone's imagination, and it tells the story of something that we can appreciate even amidst being afraid or discouraged. Norah succeeded in converting the beauty of nature into something that people can enjoy and appreciate through this song.

Another characteristic of the song that is worth mentioning is the emotive vibe that it imparts. The song's atmosphere has a way of transporting you to another world filled with calmness, warmth, and happiness. It is an escape from the hectic, stressful daily activities of life and a source of comfort and soothing respite. It touches the soul of the listener and leaves a lasting impact.

The Bottom Line

"The Prettiest Thing" is an extraordinary piece of music that showcases all of Norah Jones's talents, from her beautiful vocals to her masterful piano-playing skills. The song's beauty story and Norah's personal lyrics make it stand out. The song evokes emotions and has the capability of transporting the listener to a different world filled with peacefulness, calmness, and comfort. There is no doubt that this song is a masterpiece that will never go out of style.

• Release Date: February 10, 2004
• Artist: Norah Jones