“You can write something that'll look really good on paper, but it doesn't contain the right sound. You start to build the consonants around the vowels. There's a place to go ‘ooh’ and there's a place to go ‘daah’. And if you get it wrong, it sounds like crap.”

— Keith Richards on writing lyrics

As a passionate and interested writer and lover of words, I have always approached writing lyrics in a way that aims to tell a story beautifully, fits the music the words serve to complement, and in a way that feels considered. I often start by writing down bullet points of what I want to say, and revise over and over until I find a way to say a certain thing in a way that suits the musical phrase it’s destined to accompany. Sometimes the perfect line will just roll out onto a page as if it was waiting to be matched with that piece of music.

Below are some examples of my original lyrics, including lyrics set to a famous - and wonderful - jazz standard.

  • ~ Written with a weary heart, in early 2020 ~

    Do you remember what you said, that night that we first met?

    And I know you felt it too; a little lust, some more of me and you.

    But darling, do you still want me in the morning?

    I used to say I didn’t know, but oh man it’s my camouflage that suits you so.

    Is it yes or is it no? Eyes spark up when the light is low.

    And darling, do you still want me in the morning?

    In the morning, head’s clear but you’re not there. Am I a fool? Cause I see you everywhere. In the morning, it’s not fair, don’t leave me hanging there. So darling, darling, do you still want me in the morning?

    So this is all I know for now. Is there a way we can make it work somehow?

    You’re on my mind, am I wasting time? So tell me, tell me, do you still want me in the morning?

    ©️ Jess Deacon 2020

  • ~ Original lyrics written to the jazz standard by Herbie Hancock ~

    Driftin’ away, knowin’ I’ll find, thoughts of you stayin’, bright in my mind.

    I see your face lookin’ back at mine. Having this feeling is kinda divine.

    Look at me now, not like before. When we’re together, memories and more.

    I feel there’s no hesitation, I feel that my heart will wait, for you, and for the dream of love.

    My love is here, my love will stay.

    And I want to tell you all about why you should stay here too.

    Cause when we’re together, we stand and look across the blue, across the blue.

    Those are the moments, the dolphins they dance, when I have no choice but to feel happy that I found my way to you.

    Dreams are no longer distant, and it’s all going to my head, but there’s no place I’d rather be instead.

    Lost in a whirlpool of lust and desire, and you my darling are the one who lights my fire.

    Oh you, and for the dream of love.

    My love is here, my love will stay.

    ©️ lyrics Jess Deacon 2020

  • ~ Written in 2018 while reflecting on a lost relationship ~

    You and I we are sometimes, what I would like, to say is something more. I wanted something more.

    Watching, waiting, hoping when. Fingers lightly on my skin, would make me smile.

    It’s painted on, our love is gone, we’ve lost the fight.

    You and I go by the by from time to time, and still we wonder why. Still we wonder why.

    Watching, waiting, settled in. Heated words as they walk in. But still we smile.

    It’s painted on, our love is gone, we’ve lost the fight.

    You and I we’re still apart in days gone by. And still we wonder why, still we wonder why.

    Wanting, waiting, that was then. Thoughts of you are slowly wearing thin. The light goes dim.

    It’s painted on, our love is gone, we’ve lost the fight.

    ©️ Jess Deacon 2018