Little Black Book: Jezebel

Iron & Wine: Jezebel

[purchase]

Sam Beam of Iron & Wine is a master of creating an image and a feeling through clever and colorful lyrics and through almost painfully authentic vocal and acoustic performances. Jezebel is a song that brings to mind sin, pain, greed, and lust and couples them with redemption, courage, and beauty. Jezebel "was born to be the woman we could blame". Her blouse is on the ground and the hungry dogs come running, roaming, swearing that they will love her. But Sam Beam, or whoever the narrator is, sees beauty and courage when he looks at her. She is the "only shape he'll pray to". She is the "spark for all he's done".

This theme of redemption and beauty rising out of human imperfection runs through much of Beam's work.

The song itself is simple, but achingly beautiful. Beam's alto vocals are sincere and longing. The repetative four-chords of the main guitar riff are hypnotic and lilting.

In my opinion, this is just a gorgeous song. If you haven't heard it before, turn down the lights, close your eyes and give it a listen.