The Meaning of My Morning Jacket’s “I Will Sing You Songs”

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The Meaning of My Morning Jacket’s “I Will Sing You Songs”
Published: November 5, 2023

My Morning Jacket at Firefly Distillery, Charleston, SC, June 2023. Photo by Steve Aycock.

My Morning Jacket has songs that are rockers and songs that are feelers. “I Will Sing You Songs” falls into the feeler category. Nestled in the middle of the group’s iconic 2003 album It Still Moves, which contains several of their most celebrated songs like “One Big Holiday” and “Golden,” “I Will Sing You Songs” is a rumination on the passing of time, life, death, and the power of storytelling.

These motifs are presented with a gentleness that contrasts with, yet complements, the album’s more robust tracks, offering listeners a moment of introspection amidst the vigor.

Readers who are lucky enough to have witnessed Jim James and My Morning Jacket performing this one live know that it taps this introspective vein especially well in the live setting.

My Morning Jacket – “I Will Sing You Songs” (7/29/23)

“I Will Sing You Songs” Lyrics Meaning

The lyrics to “I Will Sing You Songs” are concise, and the feeling conjured is as much about the emotion in Jim James’ vocal delivery as it is about the lyrics themselves.

Let’s highlight the words, and see what exactly is being said here.

I will sing to you of greater things
Money, gold, and diamond rings
Just don’t make it last any longer than it has to

Chorus to “I Will Sing You Songs” by My Morning Jacket.

He will conjure songs that contain stories of riches and treasures, and he recognizes the importance of doing this in as concise a manner as possible. This speaks to the value of only including embellishments that are absolutely necessary to move the plot forward.

Stories of the greater years
Fill your heart and soul with tears
Just don’t make it last any longer than it has to

First verse to “I Will Sing You Songs” by My Morning Jacket.

These lyrics speak to the power that stories have to move us emotionally. Again, he harps on the value of getting in, saying your piece, and getting out.

Another chorus follows before the second and final verse:

Stories of the greater years
What’s in here won’t disappear
Just don’t make it last any longer than it has to

Second verse to “I Will Sing You Songs” by My Morning Jacket.

These are the most important lyrics in the song. Jim James sings of the immortality of stories. While our mortal lives may fade away, the words and visions set to song or storytelling will remain forever.

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“I Will Sing You Songs” is a rumination on the passing of time from a classic modern rock album that is always a welcome addition to a My Morning Jacket setlist. Stream studio version of the track below.

My Morning Jacket – “I Will Sing You Songs” (2003)