Standing Still by Jewel

Album: This Way (2001)

Charted: 25

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Songfacts®:

This song, co-written by Rick Nowels, means several things. It's about Jewel's music career standing still. Also, it's about her love life standing still because of her career.

"It's a very poetic song that became a hit," Nowels told Songwriter Universe. "I think people are drawn to lyrical depth and three-dimensional ideas. Jewel is a proper poet."
"Standing Still" was the first single from Jewel's third album, This Way, released in 2001. She was just 27 but had been making music since she was a teenager. Her first album, Pieces Of You, came in 1995 when she was 20. It very slowly found a following and eventually sold over 12 million copies just in America. Her next album, Spirit, came in 1998 and included the hit "Hands." My most measures it was a striking success, but compared with the gaudy sales of her hit-laden debut, it was a disappointment. That feeling that she was being passed by went into "Standing Still." The song did well but Jewel's sound was out of favor in 2001, when dance-pop was all the rage. Still, she retained lots of loyal fans that continued to enjoy her music.
Jewel's boyfriend, rodeo star Ty Murray, appears in the video, which was directed by Darren Grant. While touring to support the album, Jewel took some time off at Murray's ranch in Texas, where she was thrown from a horse and badly injured, breaking a rib and her collar bone. She resumed her tour ahead of schedule, but still missed about a month.

Jewel and Murray got married in 2008 but divorced in 2014.
This song was heavily promoted on the AOL Music channel as the service launched their "Artist Of The Month" feature with Jewel. AOL users downloaded the video over 300,000 times in October 2001, which was a lot back then when bandwidth was limited.
"Standing Still" was featured on the TV series Bates Motel in the 2013 episode "Nice Town You Picked Norma..." It was also used on the 2001 Smallville episode "Cool."
All of Jewel's previous singles were re-worked with new arrangements, vocals, or other edits for radio release. "Standing Still" was her first single that didn't change from the album version.

Comments: 15

Robert from Tyler TexasI was saved from something, and given a second chance. Married for 34 years, a guitarist for 45 years. My wife is called jewels, for julie. Oh yeah I was saved by Jesus and given a choice to come or go home. I chose home. But when I hear jewel the message is clear. Don't go to fast slow down. Stop passing your love ones. They really do want you. Only your pure love, not under the influence of alcohol or drugs. You make your choice and God will insure your gift. Being a musician is passage. Not permission to destroy your time with loved ones. Luv you jewel.
Josh from Tumwater This opening riff is like western classic
I like the intro
Rich Grove from MarylandI agree with Eric Johnson, I thought for sure Springsteen wrote this for her.
Eric Johnson from Louisville, KyHaS anybody noticed that this song sounds like a Bruce Springsteen song? When I first heard it I assumed it was a little-known song from Springstien that she found and covered, or that he wrote it and gave it to her.
Theresa from Murfreesboro, TnTy Murray makes a cameo in the video, love the way Jewel plays guitar.
Hayden from Tka, New ZealandI hate when people bad mouth artists for musical experimentation. I think this song is awesome.
Leah from Brooklyn, NyPersonally, I much prefer Aubrey's Trance tune of the same name that came out a few years ago.
Prayerash from Kuala Lumpur, MalaysiaI forgave her 0304 album since she's back to her old self in Goodbye Alice in Wonderland. I really did try to accept that she was just experimenting around and stuff with her previous album but I can't bear to have another look on those fishnet stockings again. Please, Jewel, don't ever do it to us again.
Ellen from Pittsburgh, PaI love this song. It always makes me think. It has a wonderful emotional quality.

To those who say Jewel has "sold out" or become a lame "pop princess" and other such nonsense, I believe that 0304 is a fantastic album. It makes me a little annoyed when people bad-mouth Jewel for trying out a different style. If they took the time to really listen they would find that her same beautiful voice is singing as profound, creative, and thought-provoking lyrics as ever. It's just a little more up-tempo. If someone is willing to reject her new music just because it's a little different than what they are used to, then it's their loss.
Bethany from Carrier Mills, IlThis is such a beautiful song. the whole "new look" thing she is going for, people are going crazy over it and its not that big of a deal. she even said in an interview that intuition was supposed to be a joke, a funny parody, but no one got it. the messages in her songs are still there, just in a different package, and her next album due in the spring is lo-fi, so people can calm down. i am a thick and thin Jewel fan. almost all of her songs inspire me in some way.
Aj from Cleveland, GaI love this song all the same.
Lola from Street, MdI'm going to agree with both of them. She is that unique folk singer that tries to explain the mysteries of life. One of my favorite songs is "You Were Meant For Me"
Claire from Oak Ridge, TnI as well agree with ak. Jewel claims to be poking fun at high-gloss videos in the "Intuition" music video, but then, she must be a really good actress. When you and your talent are recognized and you're thrust into the industry, it's easy to show off and want to change and fit in.
p.s. i really dig "Who Will Save Your Soul", "Painters," and "Adrian", though "Adrian" is so sad.
Dan from Gdl, MexicoI agree with ak, but at the same time i think that if you cant follow jewel's rythm(not in music, but in life) and really see whats behind her new style... well, thats your problem. At first i used to hate her new music, but as you listen to it, you kind of understand her change... and maybe like it later.. is not all trash... give her a chance...
Ak from Reston, Vaim soooo annoyed. jewel used to be so so so so good a couple of years ago and now suddenly she's all pink and plastic and pop. whatever happened to her just playing the guitar and singing her heart out? i dont like her new style at all. she used to be homeless and her songs reflected that she knew what life is really about. but now she sounds just like some washed-up pop princess. its disgusting. i am still a faithful fan of her old stuff tho. "hands" and "foolish games" and "little sister" are some of my favorites.

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