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Jill Barber — Measures & Scales
Album: Oh Heart
Avg rating:
6.9

Your rating:
Total ratings: 2025









Released: 2007
Length: 5:01
Plays (last 30 days): 1
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He plays piano in a jazz band
And I love him for the man that he could be
I asked him, "If I let you, would you play me?"
Then delighted as he tickled every key

And he could feel the ivory skin beneath his fingertips
And I would watch the notes fall one by one from his lips
And he could snap his fingers to the beat
Of my heart, but he couldn't feel the heat

And I want to be like lovers in an old romantic song
Where the music fades away before the love it can go wrong
But I am just a dreamer wearing sensible shoes
And I still dream in color even though I sing the blues

And he is playing scales up and down me
As we sing our tales of hope in perfect harmony
And measure out our love by the length of a song but
It disappears somewhere when the music is gone

Every song ever written has a final note
And I sign my name below every letter that I wrote
And lovers who part give a final kiss
Now I know it's not the player but the music that I miss

He plays piano in a jazz band
And I love him for the man that he could be
I asked him, "If I let you, would you play me?"
A song that will play forever on

Oh, but I am just a dreamer wearing sensible shoes
And I still dream in color even though I sing the blues
And I want to be like lovers in an old romantic song
Where the music fades away before the love it can go wrong
Comments (146)add comment
 pennstatejimboh wrote:

It's just such a beautiful song...




Trite rubbish
Posted 2 months ago by brimo19    [ Reply ]
What a great song! I really like the lyrics. Poetry!
Posted 6 months ago by alisathegreat    [ Reply ]
Soul: The 8 Most Emotional Moments From The Pixar Movie | Cinemablend
Posted 9 months ago by AvoidingWork    [ Reply ]
 mattenuttall wrote:


Pretty much all Canadian gals sound like this....

To paraphrase Two Weeks Notice, “That’s just silly. Do you know pretty much all Canadian gals?”
Posted 10 months ago by Talus1    [ Reply ]
OMG I could have swore this was a  Cohen song before she started singing
Posted 10 months ago by Rcallinjr    [ Reply ]
 SgtBeefheart wrote:

Anyone hear Marianne Faithful in this?


I can see what you mean - her voice is quite gruff and breathy in places.
Posted 1 year ago by Edweirdo    [ Reply ]
Such a lovely song!  Poetry that puts you in her sensible shoes.  

And he could snap his fingers to the beat
Of my heart, but he couldn't feel the heat
Posted 1 year ago by naomin    [ Reply ]
Sultry, sexy and smooth! :o)
Posted 1 year ago by fredriley    [ Reply ]
It's just such a beautiful song...
Posted 1 year ago by pennstatejimboh    [ Reply ]
 SgtBeefheart wrote:

Anyone hear Marianne Faithful in this?


Are you sure you were listening to this song?  William (and/or Alanna) does play Marianne Faithful tunes on RP.  
Posted 1 year ago by unclehud    [ Reply ]
It would just sound a little different, is all.
Posted 2 years ago by deniseperry    [ Reply ]
Yep. Hear what you mean.
Posted 2 years ago by deniseperry    [ Reply ]
 SgtBeefheart wrote:

Anyone hear Marianne Faithful in this?




No, not even a little.  MF was never this jazzy, more folk-pop.
Posted 2 years ago by joelbb    [ Reply ]
But I am just a dreamer wearing sensible shoes
And I still dream in color even though I sing the blues

- Great lyrics in this song!
Posted 2 years ago by Kajukenbo    [ Reply ]
 mattenuttall wrote:


Pretty much all Canadian gals sound like this....


That settles it, I'm moving to Canada!
Posted 2 years ago by Kajukenbo    [ Reply ]
 coloradojohn wrote:

For me, hearing this gal makes me want to hear Mama Cass -- and that's saying something. She has the voice of a goddess!



Pretty much all Canadian gals sound like this....
Posted 2 years ago by mattenuttall    [ Reply ]
For me, hearing this gal makes me want to hear Mama Cass -- and that's saying something. She has the voice of a goddess!
Posted 3 years ago by coloradojohn    [ Reply ]
I always have an urge to slow dance to this. Alas, no partner. Still, my cat will put up with me dancing her around the kitchen for a while. 
Posted 3 years ago by Catalytic    [ Reply ]
It's been a while since I listened to this, and wow I still love it.
Posted 4 years ago by nevar23    [ Reply ]
I first heard Barber's songs here about ten years ago, and bought two of her CDs as a result.  This song is good, but I feel it's actually the weakest from this album.  "In Perfect Time" or "Nothing on Me" are better.  And "Oh My My" off her Chances album is an amazing tune.
Posted 4 years ago by Chuckaluphagus    [ Reply ]
Anyone hear Marianne Faithful in this?
Posted 4 years ago by SgtBeefheart    [ Reply ]
First time I heard Jill barber and gave her a 9
Posted 4 years ago by jp33442    [ Reply ]
Channeling Leonard
Posted 5 years ago by ThePoose    [ Reply ]
Haven't listened to too much of her stuff but glad this Canadian talent is getting some attention on RP.  This song really caught my attention due to her outstanding vocal ability to go raspy and clean so efficiently and effortlessly.  Going to check out more of her music.
Posted 5 years ago by terryweir    [ Reply ]
I give it 5 for the music + 2 for the album cover art
Posted 5 years ago by sjccroquet    [ Reply ]
 scraig wrote:
I wish my music had more clarinet and accordion in it said no one ever. 3
 

I'm  pretty sure  Woody Herman said it more than once.
Posted 5 years ago by xray38    [ Reply ]
Not a huge fan of Jill Barber's vocal style, but sometimes it just works... Solid 7 from me.
Posted 5 years ago by rhlrstn    [ Reply ]
The chorus of Panic!'s Mona Lisa fits SO GOOD in the pauses. =3
Posted 5 years ago by CrispyDruid    [ Reply ]
I saw her a couple of years ago at the Vogue as part of the Vancouver Jazz Fest, she was great.
Posted 7 years ago by jim1964    [ Reply ]
 scraig wrote:
I wish my music had more clarinet and accordion in it said no one ever. 3

 
hi scraig! first off, how is my "home away from home (that being SB)" doing these days? 

2ndly, I'm not amazed that you have received a few replies to your "no one likes clarinets or accordions" comment.  I'll add another.  My mom played the accordion and the oboe (similar enough to the clarinet, eh?) and well I have a special fondness for both instruments. 

lastly - enjoy the music and LONG LIVE RP!! 


Posted 7 years ago by lizardking    [ Reply ]
 scraig wrote:
I wish my music had more clarinet and accordion in it said no one ever. 3

 
There go klezmer and polka bands whoooosh right out the window! Should we just listen to Journey and Coldplay, scraig?
 
Posted 8 years ago by kcar    [ Reply ]
 MrKite wrote:
I thought this was Sarah Slean..

 
Me too.
Posted 8 years ago by BCarn    [ Reply ]
Ugh!
Posted 9 years ago by jagdriver    [ Reply ]
 scraig wrote:
I wish my music had more clarinet and accordion in it said no one ever. 3

 
I guess you haven't met very many musicians or composers.
Posted 9 years ago by Proclivities    [ Reply ]
 scraig wrote:
I wish my music had more clarinet and accordion in it said no one ever. 3

 

ha!
Posted 10 years ago by KaraokeVox    [ Reply ]
Saw her the other night here in Vancouver, great show. She's quite a likeable performer with a pretty good back up band I thought.
Posted 10 years ago by jim1964    [ Reply ]
I wish my music had more clarinet and accordion in it said no one ever. 3
Posted 11 years ago by scraig    [ Reply ]
 Cynaera wrote:

Oh, geez - you're STILL HERE?  God - don't you have something else to do? Maybe plot the destruction of the world, or dig a cellar where you can torture small animals in complete privacy?

I LOVE that first line, and Ms. Barber's vocals.  It makes me want to watch "Cabaret" or "Victor/Victoria" again. Smoky, sexy, ambiguous, dangerous...  Yep. Love this one.  Stingray, go tell your mommy she wants you...


 
Two things in life - but I forget what they are - Miss you , ma'am


Posted 11 years ago by drivingunit103    [ Reply ]
 fuzzy wrote:

"He plays wannabe music critic on an weehbsite forum"?
 
{#Lol} {#Clap}

This is a wonderfully retro-style song evoking smoky lounges, louche ladies, and is oh so decadent, my dear. And as it's about a jazz player then the opening line seems pretty reasonable to me. 8 from the Nottingham jury.
Posted 12 years ago by fredriley    [ Reply ]
Almost thought this was Sarah Slean... very enjoyable!
Posted 12 years ago by BoFiS    [ Reply ]
 expatlar wrote:
Note to aspiring songwriters: If the first line you come up with is "He plays piano in a jaahzz band",  toss that piece of paper and start over. Please.
 
It is rather important to the rest of the song, I think. 
Posted 12 years ago by oldsaxon    [ Reply ]
Note to aspiring songwriters: If the first line you come up with is "He plays piano in a jaahzz band",  toss that piece of paper and start over. Please.
Posted 12 years ago by ExpatLarry    [ Reply ]
I thought this was Jewel before I looked.  I like it.
Posted 12 years ago by TJS    [ Reply ]
...Edith Piaf......
Posted 12 years ago by wycado    [ Reply ]
If you added some scratches and pops, and varied the speed a touch, this could have been recorded in the 20's or 30's - and considered timeless today.  Love Jill's voice - makes me want to . . .learn to sing!
Posted 12 years ago by bindi    [ Reply ]
Curse my short fingers!!!!!!  

I would so love to learn to play piano.  This song only makes it worse.
 
Posted 12 years ago by Byronape    [ Reply ]
She sounds a lot like another wonderful chanteuse, Jill Tracy: https://www.jilltracy.com/
Posted 12 years ago by ninamo    [ Reply ]
5 to a 7
Posted 12 years ago by ziakut    [ Reply ]
Jill's man actually plays in her band, but not a piano. Not when I've seen 'em anyway, but who knows what they do after curtain close?
Posted 12 years ago by TerryS    [ Reply ]
 Stingray wrote:


"He plays piano in a jazz band..."

common - don't give me bullshit!

 
You're still commenting?

common - don't give me bullshit!

Posted 13 years ago by Byronape    [ Reply ]
shift mark 8 to 9 /very nice/
Posted 13 years ago by Netto    [ Reply ]
I think I've said it before, but this song really, REALLY, makes me want to learn to play the piano.
Posted 13 years ago by Byronape    [ Reply ]
 Cynaera wrote:

Oh, geez - you're STILL HERE?  God - don't you have something else to do? Maybe plot the destruction of the world, or dig a cellar where you can torture small animals in complete privacy?
 
Arf! {#Roflol}

Hey, how do you know that Stingray's not doing these dastardly things, and posting to RP is just a bit of light relief for our resident troll? Even villains plotting world domination have to relax some time, you know :o)
Posted 13 years ago by fredriley    [ Reply ]
I thought this was Sarah Slean..
Posted 13 years ago by MrKite    [ Reply ]
 OHMish wrote:

and let it scratch this record
 
Okay, I get it - but your comment just made me laugh...

Posted 13 years ago by Cynaera    [ Reply ]
Sounds a bit like Marianne Faithfull, no?
Posted 13 years ago by bluedogroad    [ Reply ]
 Stingray wrote:


"He plays piano in a jazz band..."

common - don't give me bullshit!

 
Oh, geez - you're STILL HERE?  God - don't you have something else to do? Maybe plot the destruction of the world, or dig a cellar where you can torture small animals in complete privacy?

I LOVE that first line, and Ms. Barber's vocals.  It makes me want to watch "Cabaret" or "Victor/Victoria" again. Smoky, sexy, ambiguous, dangerous...  Yep. Love this one.  Stingray, go tell your mommy she wants you...

Posted 13 years ago by Cynaera    [ Reply ]
 vivakitty wrote:
This song makes me want to pick up a cat
 
and let it scratch this record
Posted 13 years ago by OHMish    [ Reply ]
It's a great day for clarinet players on RP.  Bill knows his audience {#Guitarist}  But clarinet smilies are sorely lacking.

Posted 13 years ago by Dave_Mack    [ Reply ]
Don't really know what to think about this one, heard it alot lately and am noticing it more. I'll start with a 7.
Posted 13 years ago by Huey    [ Reply ]
Oh heart, oh please.
Posted 13 years ago by gvan    [ Reply ]
Jill's new album comes out in April. {#Good-vibes}
Posted 13 years ago by peter_james_bond    [ Reply ]
Nice song. I enjoy Jill's music.

Posted 13 years ago by pauleywalnuts    [ Reply ]
{#Puke}
Posted 13 years ago by cirruss    [ Reply ]
 vivakitty wrote:
This song makes me want to pick up a cat and dance.
 

"He plays piano in a jazz band..."

common - don't give me bullshit!

Posted 13 years ago by Stingray    [ Reply ]
HAHAHA...!
Edith Barber!

Posted 13 years ago by Stingray    [ Reply ]
What a pretty! And cover, and melody. I like it!
Posted 14 years ago by Netto    [ Reply ]
 vivakitty wrote:
This song makes me want to pick up a cat and dance.
 
I have no idea what this means, but I agree with it. 

Posted 14 years ago by cheesemonger    [ Reply ]
 cayenne wrote:
Jill sings "jazz band" the way my buddy Spaghatta Nadle would, if Spaghatta Nadle sang.
 
I like that alot.
Posted 14 years ago by MojoJojo    [ Reply ]
 rtwingo wrote:
Jill Barber
 

Now that sort of post really gets my goat! Nice pic :o)

Posted 14 years ago by fredriley    [ Reply ]
Saw JB this summer at Mission  Festival with her band and like her lower register voice a lot, upper register - not so much.

Posted 14 years ago by TerryS    [ Reply ]
Jill sings "jazz band" the way my buddy Spaghatta Nadle would, if Spaghatta Nadle sang.
Posted 14 years ago by cayenne    [ Reply ]
 DaveInVA wrote:
Oh Heart was released in 2004, not 2007...
 
Are you certain? Because it seems it's been sucking for much longer.


Posted 14 years ago by zipper    [ Reply ]
Oh Heart was released in 2004, not 2007...
Posted 14 years ago by DaveInSaoMiguel    [ Reply ]
Prefer grand-dad CHRIS! 


Posted 14 years ago by Stingray    [ Reply ]
ziakut wrote:
Here we go again...um...I like this tune, but it's played too often in rotation IMO.
 
I don't agree — 2 or 3 times a week is not too often. The FM stations often play a song 4-6 times a day. Big difference.

Besides, the goal is not to play a complete random (ie, unique) set of songs. I have this theory that you have a slot in your head for a song to get stuck into, and if you're lucky a song you've heard more than once in the past week from Radio Paradise or so will get stuck there.  Not a bad thing when it's a good song! 
Posted 14 years ago by Nerubo    [ Reply ]
Here we go again...um...I like this tune, but it's played too often in rotation IMO.
Posted 14 years ago by ziakut    [ Reply ]
Tired of this...just...plain...tired.
Posted 14 years ago by Forest267    [ Reply ]
She has similar voice as Katie Melua.
Posted 14 years ago by otaznick    [ Reply ]
 lmic wrote:
So, hey Bill, how about a little of the Piaf?

 
A little Edith Piaf goes a very long way.

Posted 14 years ago by Proclivities    [ Reply ]
Well, if nothing else, she knows how to squeeze all the juice out of an extended metaphor. Great song, though. 
Posted 14 years ago by FlatCat    [ Reply ]
 vivakitty wrote:
This song makes me want to pick up a cat and dance.
 
I have no Jill Barber.  Til now since I bought the CD.  It better be good.


Posted 14 years ago by cohifi    [ Reply ]
This song makes me want to pick up a cat and dance.
Posted 14 years ago by vivakitty    [ Reply ]
...like a kitsch postcard!
Go home!
Posted 14 years ago by Stingray    [ Reply ]
 Cirnix wrote:
not a horrible song but its corny and i dont dig her voice
 
thanks for sharing....

Posted 14 years ago by jkhandy    [ Reply ]

Jill Barber II by ~morgie-e
©2004-2010 ~morgie-e

I :heart: Jill Barber. I went to see In Flight Safety last friday at the Paramount and the show rocked, but I had no idea prior to going that Jill was going to be playing! So it was a pleasant surprise. She is talented and wonderful... ^^;

Technically: no manip to scanned image, which is 7x10 inches printed on 11x14 paper. :D



Posted 14 years ago by calypsus_1    [ Reply ]
Her website is pretty intresting and you can listen to all of her albums on it.  I'm a fan.
Posted 14 years ago by Byronape    [ Reply ]
{#Music}
Posted 14 years ago by peter_james_bond    [ Reply ]
not a horrible song but its corny and i dont dig her voice
Posted 14 years ago by Cirnix    [ Reply ]
 lmic wrote:
So, hey Bill, how about a little of the Piaf?

 
Hear! Hear!  A little of 'la Piaf' would be appreciated, Milord...  {#Smile}
Posted 14 years ago by macadavy    [ Reply ]
{#Jump}
Posted 14 years ago by wildrudi    [ Reply ]
She has a lovely way of working a song... her control of voice and the phrasing is nice...
Slips up next to me as I am so-very-busy doing something important...and makes me listen to what she has for me
Like only a good friend or lover can do...

I am more amazed at her abilities given her bio... Thanks for introducing us

Posted 14 years ago by AndyJ    [ Reply ]
Such a sad sad song....
Posted 14 years ago by Felix_The_Cat    [ Reply ]
Jill Barber

Fits perfectly after Pearl Jam...
{#Beat}
Posted 14 years ago by rtwingo    [ Reply ]

Posted 14 years ago by michaelgmitchell    [ Reply ]
You can keep this one.....and they think Katie Meula is bad....
Posted 14 years ago by Shesdifferent    [ Reply ]
 colt4x5 wrote:
edith piaf called. she wants her song back.
 
 RobK wrote:

What an original thought to have.

 
what a thoughtful putdown to post

Posted 14 years ago by coy    [ Reply ]
 colt4x5 wrote:
edith piaf called. she wants her song back.
 
What an original thought to have.

Posted 14 years ago by RobK    [ Reply ]
 christf9 wrote:
"Now i know it's not the player, but the music that i missed," what better way to describe lovers and Love? Jill Barber is a poetress bonafide.
 
{#High-five} Right On. ""All the world's a stage, And all the men and women merely players..." The Bard from As You Like It.

Posted 14 years ago by peter_james_bond    [ Reply ]
3 {#Arrow} 2 {#Sad}
Posted 14 years ago by dedawson    [ Reply ]
edith piaf called. she wants her song back.
Posted 14 years ago by colt4x5    [ Reply ]
 namp wrote:
Super...
 
Works for me! {#Sunny}
Posted 15 years ago by peter_james_bond    [ Reply ]
 zipper wrote:
{#Headache}

:cringe:
 

Works for me!{#Puke}
Posted 15 years ago by sirdroseph    [ Reply ]
{#Headache}

:cringe:
Posted 15 years ago by zipper    [ Reply ]
"Now i know it's no the the player, but the music that i missed," what better way to describe lovers and Love? Jill Barber is a poetress bonafide.
Posted 15 years ago by christf9    [ Reply ]
Super...
Posted 15 years ago by namp    [ Reply ]
Wonderful song from a terrific little album. {#Music}
Posted 15 years ago by peter_james_bond    [ Reply ]
blech
Posted 15 years ago by eprokopowicz    [ Reply ]
 EssexTex wrote:
The bird's nice
 
  Yep,,if you don't mean the one" singin."

Posted 15 years ago by HazzeSwede    [ Reply ]
Wouldn't "dreary" dirge be a bit redundant? (still I like the term)
Posted 15 years ago by Dog_Ear    [ Reply ]
So, hey Bill, how about a little of the Piaf?

Posted 15 years ago by lmic    [ Reply ]
With a whiff of Piaf as well...

 lmic wrote:
 Proclivities wrote:
I  enjoyed the Kurt Weill/Bertolt Brecht feel to that song.  Nicely done.
 

 


Posted 15 years ago by MiketheKnife    [ Reply ]
 Proclivities wrote:
I  enjoyed the Kurt Weill/Bertolt Brecht feel to that song.  Nicely done.
 

Posted 15 years ago by lmic    [ Reply ]
 tpa29970 wrote:
This song was amusing-enough the first 67 times.  But on each subsequent listen I hear more and more elements of "dreary dirge."   Not that there's anything wrong with dreary dirges.  But in moderation, please.
 
I was searching for a good phrase.  'dreary dirge' pretty well says it.

Posted 15 years ago by dedawson    [ Reply ]
What agem! Never heard her or the song before. Thanks.
Posted 15 years ago by beastly    [ Reply ]

A friend of mine just had a few interviews with Mettler Toledo.  I hope this is some kind of good luck.


Posted 15 years ago by Jack_Jefferson    [ Reply ]
The bird's nice
Posted 15 years ago by EssexTex    [ Reply ]
This mini- album, it has 6 songs, is rock solid. She's put out a couple albums since that are also good but I don't think she's bettered this one yet. A highly recommended introduction to Jill.
Posted 15 years ago by peter_james_bond    [ Reply ]
Nice segue from Hank. Way to go Bill!{#Clap}
Posted 15 years ago by crockydile    [ Reply ]
Totally. I thought it was her.

 Droidac wrote:
Reminds me a lot of Sarah Slean....
 


Posted 15 years ago by mrselfdestruct    [ Reply ]