It’s been 20 years since Norah Jones debuted with her incredible project Come Away With Me, and we at TREMG can’t believe she’s been giving us such amazing work for two decades. From the folksy “Seven Years” to the spunky “Lonestar,” Come Away With Me was the perfect introduction to Norah’s thoughtful artistry.
She’s celebrating the album’s 20th anniversary with a special re-issue of the album, complete with 3 CD and 4 LP sets that include both a remaster of the album and nearly two dozen demos and unheard tracks. It’ll give fans an insight into the project like never before and we can’t wait to hear what Norah’s vault has in store for us. You can preorder the re-issue collection on her website now ahead of its release on April 29th! Join us in our own celebration of her artistry by taking a look at five of our favorite lyrics from the Come Away With Me album.
“My heart is drenched in wine, but you’ll be on my mind forever…”
“Don’t Know Why” kicks off the album on a melancholy note, seeing Norah try to drink away her heartache to no avail. She co-produced the track with Arif Mardin and Jay Newland, with songwriting by Jesse Harris, and we love this poetic take on the typical “I can’t stop drinking about you” mentality some people face post-breakup.
“The sun just slipped its note below my door And I can’t hide beneath my sheets…”
Norah co-produced “Feelin’ The Same Way” with Craig Street and Jay Newland before releasing it as the second single from Come Away With Me. Countless singer-songwriters have described the morning sunrise, but Norah’s version is so well executed. Written by Lee Alexander, “Feelin’ The Same Way” describes feelings that linger no matter how many days go by and the inescapable passing of days is perfectly captured in this lyric.
“I want to walk with you on a cloudy day, in fields where the yellow grass grows knee-high…”
The self-written title track of Come Away With Me offers a sweet dose of escapism, with Norah wanting to spend some relaxing time alone with the subject. In a meadow, they’d be able to get away from whatever is worrying them and focus on their connection together. It’s especially sweet after the first few songs on the album touch on harsher feelings that plague her.
“If I were a painter and could paint a memory, I’d climb inside the swirling skies to be with you…”
Written by Lee Alexander and JC Hopkins, “Painter Song” is one of the most effortlessly romantic tracks on the record. The imagery is on another level with this song, with Norah crooning about wanting to create the perfect world for herself and a lover. Alternatively, some fans believe “Painter Song” is an ode to a lost loved one, with the speaker wanting to “climb inside the swirling skies” to meet them in heaven.
“All the voices that are spinnin’ around me, trying to tell me what to say / Can I fly right behind you, and you can take me away?”
The self-written “Nightingale” ties into the escapism of the album name and title track with a twist. While “Come Away With Me” sees Norah inviting a lover to escape everyday life with her, “Nightingale” offers an alternate perspective where she wants someone she trusts to help her escape the chaos of social pressure. We love the duality here!
Be sure to pre-order the 20th-anniversary edition of Come Away With Me here, and get to know Norah Jones on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and her official website! Which of these lyrics is your favorite? Let us know in the comments below or link up with us on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram!
