Joe Cocker - Jamaica Say You Will

   

About The Song

(Watch the video below)

"Jamaica Say You Will" is a soulful ballad originally written and performed by Jackson Browne, but it found new life in the hands of Joe Cocker. Cocker's rendition, featured on his 1974 album "I Can Stand a Little Rain," showcases his unique vocal style and emotional depth, transforming the song into a heartfelt plea for love and redemption.

Cocker's version of "Jamaica Say You Will" opens with a haunting piano melody, setting the stage for his soulful vocals to take center stage. From the first line, it's clear that Cocker's interpretation brings a new intensity and rawness to the song, infusing it with a sense of longing and vulnerability that is uniquely his own.

The lyrics of "Jamaica Say You Will" tell the story of a man yearning for a second chance at love, pleading with his partner to join him in Jamaica where they can start anew. It's a tale of hope and redemption, as the narrator grapples with his past mistakes and looks to the future with optimism and determination.

Throughout the song, Cocker's vocals are filled with emotion, his gravelly voice conveying the pain and longing of the lyrics with remarkable clarity and sincerity. With each verse, he draws the listener deeper into the narrative, evoking a sense of empathy and understanding for the protagonist's plight.

Musically, "Jamaica Say You Will" is a masterclass in soulful balladry, with Cocker's powerful vocals complemented by a lush arrangement that includes strings, horns, and gospel-inspired backing vocals. The song builds to a powerful climax, with Cocker's impassioned delivery reaching a crescendo that is both stirring and cathartic.

One of the most memorable aspects of Cocker's rendition of "Jamaica Say You Will" is its ability to transcend genre boundaries and speak to listeners from all walks of life. While the song is rooted in the traditions of soul and R&B, its themes of love, loss, and redemption are universal, resonating with anyone who has ever experienced the pain of heartbreak or the hope of a fresh start.

In many ways, "Jamaica Say You Will" is emblematic of Cocker's ability to connect with audiences on a deeply emotional level. Throughout his career, he earned a reputation as one of the greatest interpreters of song, with a knack for infusing even the most familiar material with new life and meaning.

In conclusion, Joe Cocker's rendition of "Jamaica Say You Will" is a testament to his enduring talent and artistic vision. With his soulful vocals and heartfelt delivery, he brings a new depth and intensity to the song, transforming it into a timeless classic that continues to resonate with listeners to this day. Whether performing live on stage or recording in the studio, Cocker's passion and authenticity shine through in every note, cementing his legacy as one of the greatest vocalists of his generation.

 

Video

Lydrics

Jamaica was the lovely one, I played her wellAs we lay in the tall grass where the shadows fellHiding from the children so they wouldn't tellWe would stay there 'til her sister rang the evening bellHmmm
Daughter of a captain on the rolling seasShe would stare across the water from the treesLast time he was home he held her on his kneesSaid the next time they would sail just where they pleased
Jamaica, say you will help me findA way to fill these empty hoursSay you willCome again tomorrow
Jamaica was the lovely one, I loved her trueShe was a comfort and a mercy through and throughHiding from this world together, next thing I knewWe had brought her things down to the bayWhat could I do?
Jamaica, say that we'll findA way to fill these lifeless sailsSay you willYou're my ship to find the sea, woah(Oh, oh)
Jamaica, say you will (say you will)Help me find (help me find)A way to fill these lifeless sailsWe will sail untilOur waters have run dry (oh)
Jamaica, say you willHelp me find the way you fill these empty sailsAnd then we'll sail untilOur waters have run dry(Oh, Jamaica say)