Tori Amos

Lyrics

[Intro]
And Jackie, and Jackie, and Jackie, ha-hmm
And Jackie, and Jackie, and Jackie, hey

[Verse 1]
A Bouvier till her wedding day
Shots rang out, the police came
Mama laid me on the front lawn
And prayed for Jackie’s strength
Feeling old by 21
Never thought my day would come
My bridesmaids getting laid
I pray for Jackie’s strength

[Chorus]
Make me laugh, say you know what you want
You said we were the real thing
So I show you some more and I learn
What black magic can do
Make me laugh, say you know you can turn
Me into the real thing
So I show you some more and I learn

[Verse 2]
Stickers licked on lunch boxes
Worshipping David Cassidy
Yeah, I mooned him once on Donna’s box
She’s still in recovery
Sleepovers Beene’s got some pot
You’re only popular with anorexia
So I turn myself inside out
In hope someone will see, will see
[Chorus]
Make me laugh, say you know what you want
You said we were the real thing
So I show you some more and I learn
What black magic can do
Make me laugh, say you know you can turn
Me into the real thing
So I show you some more and I learn

[Bridge]
And Jackie, and Jackie, and Jackie's strength
And Jackie, and Jackie, and Jackie, hey

[Verse 3]
I got lost on my wedding day
Typical, the police came out
But virgins always get backstage
No matter what they’ve got to say
If you love enough you’ll lie a lot
Guess they did in Camelot
Mama’s waiting on my front lawn
I pray, I pray, I said I pray for Jackie’s strength, strength

[Chorus]
Make me laugh, say you know what you want
You said we were the real thing
So I show you some more and I learn
[Outro]
And Jackie, and Jackie, and Jackie's strength
And Jackie, and Jackie, and Jackie, hey

Jackie's Strength by Tori Amos is a heartfelt and introspective song that showcases Amos' incredible talent as a musician and songwriter. Released in 1998 as the fifth single from her critically acclaimed album "From the Choirgirl Hotel," the song instantly resonated with audiences, becoming one of Amos' most beloved and memorable tracks. With its beautiful melody, poetic lyrics, and emotional depth, Jackie's Strength captures the essence of love, loss, and the enduring power of memories.

About Jackie’s Strength

Jackie's Strength is a deeply personal song that reflects on the significance of friendship and the impact it can have on our lives. As Amos herself explained, the song was inspired by her experiences of moving away from her friend Jackie, who had been a source of strength and inspiration for her. The lyrics depict the bond and reliance between two friends, emphasizing the strength they draw from each other even when they are physically separated.

The song begins with Amos' soulful vocals accompanied by gentle piano chords, creating a contemplative atmosphere that envelops the listener. The introduction sets the tone for the emotional journey that unfolds throughout the song. The lyrics are filled with vivid imagery and poignant metaphors, allowing the audience to connect with the emotions Amos is expressing.

One of the most captivating aspects of Jackie's Strength is the way it seamlessly blends different musical elements. Amos incorporates elements of pop, rock, and classical music, creating a unique and eclectic sound that is distinctly her own. The song's instrumentation features a delicate balance between piano, strings, and subtle electronic elements, adding layers of richness and depth to the music.

Amos' lyrical prowess shines through in Jackie's Strength, showcasing her ability to convey complex emotions in a profound yet accessible manner. The lyrics explore themes of love, resilience, and the bittersweet nature of memories. Lines like "And your love still sings / And your love's a cult" evoke a sense of nostalgia and reflect the enduring power of love and connection.

Furthermore, Jackie's Strength captures a universal sentiment of longing and cherishing the memories of loved ones. The song's message resonates with listeners, reminding them of the importance of holding onto the strength and love that others have bestowed upon them, even when those individuals are no longer physically present.

With its introspective lyrics, haunting melodies, and deeply emotive performances, Jackie's Strength has left an indelible mark on the music world and has solidified its place as one of Tori Amos' most iconic compositions. The song's timeless appeal and raw vulnerability ensure that it continues to connect with audiences on a profound level, even decades after its release.

In essence, Jackie's Strength is a beautifully crafted piece of music that showcases Tori Amos' artistic genius and ability to touch the hearts of listeners. With its powerful themes, mesmerizing melodies, and poignant lyrics, the song stands as a testament to the enduring power of friendship, love, and the strength we find in ourselves and others. Jackie's Strength remains a treasured gem in Amos' discography, forever etched in the hearts of those who have been fortunate enough to experience its evocative beauty.

• Release Date: September 15, 1998
• Artist: Tori Amos