I think much like another song “Anti-Matter” (that's also on the same album as this song), this one is also is inspired by a horrifying van crash the band experienced on Nov 3, 2022. This, much like the other track, sounds like it's an extension what they shared while huddled in the wreckage, as they helped frontman Garrett Russell stem the bleeding from his head wound while he was under the temporary effects of a concussion. The track speaks of where the mind goes at the most desperate & desolate of times, when it just about slips away to all but disconnect itself, and the aftermath.
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
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)
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
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)
Add your thoughts
Log in now to tell us what you think this song means.
Don’t have an account? Create an account with SongMeanings to post comments, submit lyrics, and more. It’s super easy, we promise!
More Featured Meanings
Dreamwalker
Silent Planet
Silent Planet
Mountain Song
Jane's Addiction
Jane's Addiction
Jane's Addiction vocalist Perry Farrell gives Adam Reader some heartfelt insight into Jane’s Addiction's hard rock manifesto "Mountain Song", which was the second single from their revolutionary album Nothing's Shocking. Mountain song was first recorded in 1986 and appeared on the soundtrack to the film Dudes starring Jon Cryer. The version on Nothing's Shocking was re-recorded in 1988.
"'Mountain Song' was actually about... I hate to say it but... drugs. Climbing this mountain and getting as high as you can, and then coming down that mountain," reveals Farrell. "What it feels to descend from the mountain top... not easy at all. The ascension is tough but exhilarating. Getting down is... it's a real bummer. Drugs is not for everybody obviously. For me, I wanted to experience the heights, and the lows come along with it."
"There's a part - 'Cash in now honey, cash in Miss Smith.' Miss Smith is my Mother; our last name was Smith. Cashing in when she cashed in her life. So... she decided that, to her... at that time, she was desperate. Life wasn't worth it for her, that was her opinion. Some people think, never take your life, and some people find that their life isn't worth living. She was in love with my Dad, and my Dad was not faithful to her, and it broke her heart. She was very desperate and she did something that I know she regrets."
When We Were Young
Blink-182
Blink-182
This is a sequel to 2001's "Reckless Abandon", and features the band looking back on their clumsy youth fondly.
Just A Little Lovin'
Dusty Springfield
Dusty Springfield
I don't think it's necessarily about sex. It's about wanting to start the day with some love and affection. Maybe a warm cuddle. I'm not alone in interpreting it that way! For example:
"'Just a Little Lovin’ is a timeless country song originally recorded by Eddy Arnold in 1954. The song, written by Eddie Miller and Jimmy Campbell, explores the delicate nuances of love and showcases Arnold’s emotive vocals. It delves into the universal theme of love and how even the smallest gesture of affection can have a profound impact on our lives." https://oldtimemusic.com/the-meaning-behind-the-song-just-a-little-lovin-by-eddy-arnold/
Head > Heels
Ed Sheeran
Ed Sheeran
“Head > Heels” is a track that aims to capture what it feels like to experience romance that exceeds expectations. Ed Sheeran dedicates his album outro to a lover who has blessed him with a unique experience that he seeks to describe through the song’s nuanced lyrics.
My all-time favorite song by my all-time favorite band. It's one of those songs that every girl in the world is like "That is all about me". Jane is the free spirit that every man wants and no man can keep. She makes them bitter but not unhappy, even if she does think they're jerks. :)
And for those too lazy to check out the link-- that's Julianna Hatfield and Evan Dando, her long-time boyfriend. At the time he wrote this song with Stephen Duffy, Steven Page had a mad crush on Julianna Hatfield; he has jokingly said in interviews that he put her in the song as a desperate attempt to get her attention. :)
Just listening to this song today, as a matter of fact.
I think the gist of the song is to be found in these lines:
The girl works at the store, sweet Jane St. Clair Still dazzled by her smile while I shoplift there
This is the best possible example of a reason for Jane's wariness of men and their proclamations of love. Her story, told by a guy who says he loves her and complains of her lack of trust in men, and yet has no problem shoplifting from HER place of employment.
Ironic, of course. That's the reason (well, one of them anyway) why I love the song.
I love this song. This guy is in love with a girl who has been burned by past relationships. I love the part where he talks about being dazzled by her smile....it makes her seem in a way seem innocent. Even though she smiles at him inside she knows she is going to get hurt.
points up that's an interesting fact. i always thought it was actually about a girl named jane. wow. cool song.
this song isnt about a street corner. that's where it gets the name "jane st. clair." as for jane, she's a girl who loves being admired by men but doesnt want to waste her time with any of them. this guy is saying "you never even gave me a chance." great song.
"Jaaaaaaaane"
gets stuck in my head EVERY TIME!
2nd Best BNL song after Pinch me!
I have a dear friend, someone I love and cherish very much. Someone I always had wanted to have a relationship with, for many years, and when I hear this song I immediately think of her. Beautiful song, and the melody is fantastic.
Lovely catchy song. I hate to sound ignorant - but I'm so good at it ;) Who are Juliana and Evan? I've always wondered what that referred to...
it isn't a street corner as said after the lyrics. its about a girl who everyone wants, but plays with all they guys and doesn't take any them