Rickie Lee Jones blog
  • Tour
  • Rickie Lee in New Orleans
Home » music » April 1
April 1

For some time I have described myself as an empath not knowing there exists a whole bunch of information about ‘empaths’ on the internet. I described myself this was for a couple reasons. The main was is that is seems to be the main thing that I am. I feel what others feel, I take it on, I spin it around and it becomes part of me. But I have another ability gift whatever, and that is Resonation. I can resonate the feelings, and in the resonation people find resolution. My ability to resonate comes from the singing, first, and performing second. The performance is the church. The singing I guess is the vessel.

People come to shows with their feelings wrapped around songs so tightly that they begin to weep. The weep because of the feeling I am transmitting as I sing. They are probably empathetic beings themselves. But they also are feeling the resonating of our sympathetic waves, and in that sympathetic atmosphere healing occurs. I know that the performances are ‘churches’ they are the places people come to celebrate, make a joyful noise, be lifted. What is church if not that? the service is not sold to them this way so they dont feel the pressure to perform. It’s just a concert. But in this setting spirit is powerful because music of course is the language that resonates with the body and mind, it crosses the borders of logic and emotion.

When I write songs, I am writing my life, my story, my higher observations in the simplest verse so that in this Extract the listener can deserve their own meanings from the pictures I offer. It is work I do for myself, but I am aiming at them. I am speaking – to them. I am not singing just to feel the vibration of the sound in my body. I am sending a message out. Also… emotion… we try to fit emotion into the very little library of words we have learned. But there are not words to describe what we feel. Words do not serve us. And so music is much closer to a language, a resonating of the real speaking of emotion.

So its complex. Not complicated, complex. And the use of the melody – well that is a language unto itself. So the story, with the dual language of melody, and then of course the sound of my voice, this all combines to a unique experience and one that continues to unfold, never ends, is still alive and lit up 20, 40 years later. 200, 400 years later. We return to melodies and performances, to symphonies and songs and even voices time and time again. The are intact and yet they also continue to reveal. I use metaphor often, I also allow for poetry, allow my mind to spit out words that might not make sense at first, and as time goes by I realize they were telling me something my logic mind wanted to make logical. I am aware that ‘then why do you run?” is a totally different line when sung the way I sing it in ‘Blinded by the Hunt.’ I can give you the title ‘Blinded by the Hunt’ and you will probably be intrigued… if indeed you have pursued something relentlessly. You will know right away this is a feeling of anticipation – a hunt- and someone who has lost the ability to do what they do by doing what they do. (blinded) Well I don’t like to say that, to explain, I prefer the many explanations people feel as they listen. But that is basically the idea in that song, and it is a universal one. The thing we do undoes us in the end. singers lose their voice, readers lose their eyes, dancers lose their legs. Staring so long at what we want, eventually we cannot see it anymore. It’s a zen lesson.

To get what you want you cannot seek it. Well, you start on the journey and then trust the journey. perhaps you are meant to find a tree on the way, not the house you seek. or… as we all learn, the house you find when you finally find your house is not at all how it felt when you began your journey. The seeking is the trip. But then again, is that just an entertainment for the spirit? are we better not seeking? If You find yourself riding a wonderful wave, hopefully you do not sit out there for hours waiting for it. That is not wave riding, that’s obsession. obsession does not allow for revelation. it ends the journey. it is a demon which causes one to eat oneself. so, you say, I am off for this picture I have, and along the way you meet many amazing things. do you stay there or continue? might it be that the picture is taking place even as you journey?

Control is the tool to grace, for once you find control you can lay down the sword of diligence of guarding against. You can be joyful, kind, generous. Control will bring you back in to your cave if, as an empath, you are in danger from someones energy. too generous. too hopeful for them. If you have a loved one who sucks the life out of you, in a way, baby drinkers, that is, they attach on to your Giving it and cannot related to you any other way, you must be diligent in your control of yourself. you cannot tell them stop sucking. you must take yourself away.

How long you will sit and listen to the complaints and horror stories? What you do when you leave them to restore your balance? You will want to save them, feeling as you do their despair. But you are not Christ, and if Christ should work through you you probably will not know it, they will be saved or not, not by your will, you know this. and if you do know it Christ is about you, you may also notice your own life burning abit. I image that kind of divine healing light sometimes, not always, but sometimes Costs. Few of His wield his light. But maybe its vanity to say we cant. Maybe we all can wield any light we choose.

Now having paid, and continued the hunt, walked and walked, sung and wrote, learned to sleep at night, and to greet the day, you have achieved nirvanas port. If you seek to leave behind the joy and sensation of this plane while still standing on it, you may, but I am not really sure yet what the point of that is. or perhaps I am engaged in this. to enjoy, and only enjoy, to bring light. I know the message of the Buddhist, Hindus is to serve yourself. achieve Your nirvana. by your study your control, create your next life. but I am not sure yet that My Self is the only road to where I can take. when i say this it seems obvious that I am the only road I can take. but my heart, my heart tells me otherwise. Can I take my heart to my road that is made of letting go of me?

I am enjoying the animal life, the insatiable thirst the life seed brings. Life wants to live.

I am thinking it may be possible that demons are. the attach themselves to the physical plane and only need a bit of negativity to begin to bloom. they are hard to destroy and difficult to control. they bring ceaseless self reflection and condemnation, weakness and repetitive thinking. you must lift your head, like the johnny depp and the endless crabs on the shore, you must lift your head of your own valition, imagine there is another shore, and it will call you. But you must be the miraculous moment. That is the only way out of hell. The moment of conception. The moment God says I am that I am. You must weave to that moment become part of it here, you must have your own epiphany and let it permeate the waves of all time, across the board. then it will be as if it were always there leading you out.
Raise your head. turn from the familiar. go into the unknown. face Fear. the fear of your manufacturing. you can manufacture a strength as well. whether it is the strength you borrow from the demonic or the strength of your innocence, for you are innocent, if you love, you are innocent, use what ever you can to envision any room other than the one you are in.

these are ways out of drugs and compulsive behavior, and they are ways into the light and joy. they do not happen over night. but keep walking listen to the sound of your footsteps. shut your mind, if it starts to talk, pulls you like some orgasmic resolution will occur if you keep following these threads, what if,and then, could should, why, but, because all of it… leads no Where and the demons are sucking up your time on earth. your time you would dream, and be healed, and tell your story to the cosmos so it can give you instruction. you must dream. you must shut off your mind. I had to say to myself, outloud, STOP. stop thinking, stop it. and then a few minutes later, STOP. and eventually i trained my mind to shut off.

if medication helps take it. but only you know if you are an addict, and addiction stops growth.
its just the truth of it. I invite empath to come and hear my sing. I invite the troubled to seek ways out of the labyrinth. You must lift your foot and step. Its very hard sometimes. but it will get easier.

love, Rickie lee Jones

Related Posts

  • New Orleans is a pretty spectacular city to call home
    New Orleans is a pretty spectacular city to call homeFebruary 2, 2016
  • Why New Orleans?
    Why New Orleans?March 26, 2015

Popular Posts

  • who are the 25 most influential singers in pop music today?
    who are the 25 most influential singers in pop music today?September 10, 2008
  • new recording
    new recordingJanuary 22, 2009
  • recording… Day 1
    recording… Day 1January 12, 2015
← Why New Orleans?
New Orleans is a pretty spectacular city to call home →

9 Responses to April 1

  • Matt L April 2, 2015

    You are beautiful from afar 🙂 I think all people are complex and spiritually beautiful. I think there are Hindu thoughts to back it, and Christian…and all.

    The only thing lacking is the will. People need to buck up.

    I think you are special, but no more so than many, many, others.

    Peace.

    Reply
  • Jon April 6, 2015

    Congrats on ur new album…Please know there is movement in the force …I hear you and others need to hear you too….”Tell Somebody ” the patriot act is up for a vote next month !!! Your song should be oozing out of every speaker right now :)……Comedian Jon Oliver tells us why we need to care in a way that may get some attention …go to the most recent Last Week Tonight utube (on government surveillance)and send it on …. Namaste … thank you !!!! for being “clear like a hollow bone” for spirit to speak through ⚡️…. P.s. Come back and see us – Asheville NC 🙂

    Reply
  • TJ O'Brien April 17, 2015

    I simply wanted to tell you Rickie how wonderful your music is and how much I appreciate ending my work day, coming home, listening to your voice and wonderful writing. I think Suzy, my beagle feels the same. Her tails seems to wag a little softer when your voice enters the room. It feels great being able to reach out and tell you. You’re a true American treasure and I will always be thankful. Peace to you. Life is beautiful if you appreciate the little things.

    Reply
  • Carmen Gray May 5, 2015

    Well Rickie, I just read your blog and yeah my journey has been a little different from yours but we travel a similar road… I too am a dreamer (always have been)- magical world isn’t it… The mind is an amazing vessel and my dreams tell me all kinds of things… I have met you in 2004, Islington, London with Sean, David and David from the USA after the gig… You are a most gracious light cos you let me put my arms around both you and your daughter Charlotte for Sean to take a picture of the three of us- many thanks for that… I write songs too and verse, always have done but it’s time I actually recorded some of my material as I’m 53 now and music being my drug of choice seems fitting… Life will take you many places, see many faces who fill the spaces… You can achieve some sanity, the realisation of gravity… The force that fills the cavity of space and times reality … The cosmos spirals beyond the stars and I just wonder what we are but when the final curtain falls, I hope there’s some room left for humanity that’s all… Just wrote that for you… Honey PLEASE come back to the UK as soon as… Love Carmen xXx

    Reply
  • Jim June 27, 2015

    what a relief.
    to know you.
    to feel you.
    to hear your wondrous truth, spoken innocently, without fanfare or need for attention.
    perhaps that is why you – like a cat, a pet, a child – receives such steady attention.
    and affection.
    my affection goes out to you.
    light the dark with expression, pure and dangerous.
    peace.

    Reply
  • !hype2010 June 28, 2015

    Hello Rickie –

    I wrote before but they didn’t publish probably because I write too much and say I want to record with you – but I do. We should, but let’s talk about your new record, just got it at Best Buy today! Yes!! Love the C package, looks great, love the lyrics are included. Nice booklet – love the whole thing how it looks! I’m listening now with my glass of wine, I like Jimmy Choos before I got the CD, but as I’m listening wow – I feel that New Orleans flavor. Valtz De Mon Pere (Lover’s Oath) is wonderfully beautiful, and J’ai Connais Pas feels like I’m at a bar listening to you sing live. Fantastic. Blinded By The Hunt, what a nice jam. Loving it. I’m writing as I go – first listen. Oh, my love the ending harmonies. I know with you repeated listens always reward beyond where words can go. Infinity is beautiful, I love the lyrics, ‘every corner of the galaxy, they’re watching, this is where we’ve always been, it will always come again, it hasn’t even happened yet, we’re here and in Infinity.” I Wasn’t Here – I feel the New Orleans flavor, a French energy – I like the string arrangement. “Hello!” Christmas In New Orleans – makes me want to light a fire in the fireplace and put on the Christmas lights, I like this CD – it’s very raw and real but at the same time perfect. I want to be drinking and singing songs with you. Very nice song. Haunted – oh I LOVE this one – sorta a funky slow groove, OH THIS IS A SMASH. Love the harmony vocals – superb. Oh Haunted is a jam. Loving this deep. People this is a great CD – love to see this performed live. Haunted. Rickie has a Mick Jagger swagger vibe – this song has a great vibe. Oh this track is it. LOVE Haunted. Feet On The Ground – so beautiful, love the male vocals with you. This is a beautiful song so deep. I wonder if this is about what I think. This CD is much different than I expected, New Orleans seems to make you more intimate – what a great song. I wonder if my mother felt this way about me. Makes me think about my mom. Juliette – is this your pup, a pic of you and your pup? And here we are at the end. Oh the last song sounds very French. New Orleans flavor. A slight feel of a waltz, beautiful. OH, Rickie. Fans this is a super intimate CD, it’s not like any of her other CDs. Completely unique, but spectacular. One of her most honest albums. Can’t compare with any other, this one stands alone – maybe it’s New Orleans. Thank you Rickie for another great listening experience – now with time it will write it’s songs and melodies on my soul like your work always does. God bless. Fantastic. Great lyrics, great package, great performances. 😀

    Reply
  • Del Buck July 12, 2015

    Hi Rickie. Got the new album but I’m waiting for a ‘special time’ to listen to it – don’t get many of those unfortunately. What I wanted to say was that seeing you play at least once more is on my bucket list, so please come to the UK soon – neither of us are getting any younger (British humour – ha! ha!). Love and thanks for the all the music and performances – for the record, your gig in Islington, London, a few years ago was the best I’ve ever seen by anybody (and I’ve seen them all in my time). Hope to see you soon. Del.

    Reply
  • !hype2010 July 15, 2015

    Hello again –

    Very short……for me. Your new video for Jimmy Choos – WOW!! I think it’s one of your best. It brings new life into an already great song. I love that you are driving with your top hat (you look so sexy and beautiful in this video – especially when you smile) and you shake the tambourine. This video looks so good – love the black and white theme, makes New Orleans look wonderful and love the characters in the video. Makes the lyrics come to life. Fantastic. Love the parade of people with you. One of – if not your best video ever. This is a total win. A+++ I think this will connect – I’m stunned. You look great. Absolutely. God bless. Hope you do more videos for this record. : D

    Reply
  • Wellawiggy October 10, 2015

    Saw you a few years ago at the Tivoli Theater in Chattanooga and was taken aback at your comments regarding the “Christian Church” waylaying itself on others throughout it’s existence. You know, the standard blather about the crusades and all the bad stuff the church has committed. This morning at 4am I’m watching Jools Holland and there you are! Then went to your website and found your blog. Correct me if I am wrong, but you embrace Christ, yet have issues with the folks who are “in the business” of religion. Really neat since Jesus did the same thing. I’ll always go to the default setting I have about Jesus which is one of love. The Holy Spirit to whom he refers permeates this world and I am just beginning to appreciate who He is. Truly in awe of His creation and being part of the “created” I know that I really don’t know much! ha ha

    Reply

Leave a Reply to !hype2010 Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Recent Posts

  • Back in New Orleans
    Back in New Orleans March 27, 2016
  • A Day Off
    A Day Off February 27, 2016
  • Traveling
    Traveling February 18, 2016
  • Nice for Mardi Gras
    Nice for Mardi Gras February 11, 2016
  • Especially at the crosswalk
    Especially at the crosswalk February 9, 2016

Archives

  • March 2016
  • February 2016
  • April 2015
  • March 2015
  • January 2015
  • February 2014
  • July 2012
  • October 2011
  • September 2011
  • December 2009
  • October 2009
  • January 2009
  • September 2008
© Rickie Lee Jones and rickieleejones.com. Unauthorized use and/or duplication of this material without express and written permission from this blog’s author and/or owner is strictly prohibited. Excerpts and links may be used, provided that full and clear credit is given to Rickie Lee Jones and rickieleejones.com with appropriate and specific direction to the original content.

links

  • Online Store CDs
  • RLJ Tourdates
  • Tour
  • Rickie Lee in New Orleans
Copyright © rickieleejones.com. All photos by Rickie Lee Jones. All Rights Reserved.