SADE – Lyrics, Meaning & Videos
Matthew Perez
Updated on March 16, 2026
Jezebel
SADE – Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴Jezebel wasn't born with a silver spoon in her mouth
She probably had less than every one of us
But when she knew how to walk she knew
How to bring the house down
Can't blame her for her beauty
She wins with her hands down
Jezebel, what a belle
Looks like a princess in her new dressHow did you get that?
Do you really want to know she said
It would seem she's on her way
It's more, more than just a dream
She put on her stockings and shoes
Had nothing to lose, she said it was worth it
Reach for the top
And the sun is gonna shine
Every winter was a war she said
I want to get what's mine
Jezebel, Jezebel
Won't try to deny where she came from
You can see it in her pride
And the raven in her eyes
Try show her a better way
She'll say you don't know what you've been missing
And by the time she blinks you know she won't be listening
Reach for the top she said
And the sun is gonna shine
Every winter was a war she said
I want to get what's mine
Overall Meaning
The song "Jezebel" by Sade is a compelling story of a woman who faces adversity but rises above it to achieve success. The song talks about Jezebel, who was not born privileged, but she has a unique quality that sets her apart from others. She knows how to make an entrance and captivate an audience. Beauty is not the only thing that propels her to greatness, but she has a strength that comes from within.
The song highlights that Jezebel's success is not a fluke, but she has worked hard to get where she is. She has had to fight and struggle every step of the way to reach her goals. Every winter was a war for her, but she did not give up. Even when others tried to show her a better way, she remained focused on her goals and believed in herself.
Furthermore, the lyrics show that Jezebel is proud of where she came from, and she accepts her past. Her experiences have shaped her and given her the power to overcome challenges. Even when offered help, she declines, choosing to work hard and earn her success. The song's overall message is a testament to perseverance and the importance of determination and self-belief in achieving greatness.
Line by Line Meaning
Jezebel wasn't born with a silver spoon in her mouth
Jezebel didn't come from a privileged background
She probably had less than every one of us
Her circumstances were most likely worse than what we have experienced
But when she knew how to walk she knew How to bring the house down
Even as a child, Jezebel was able to captivate and impress those around her
Can't blame her for her beauty She wins with her hands down
Jezebel's natural beauty is one of her many assets that help her succeed
Jezebel, what a belle Looks like a princess in her new dress How did you get that? Do you really want to know she said
Jezebel looks stunning in her new outfit and when asked how she achieved it, she is coy and secretive
It would seem she's on her way It's more, more than just a dream
Jezebel is making great progress towards her goals and it's not just a wishful thinking
She put on her stockings and shoes Had nothing to lose, she said it was worth it
Jezebel took a risk and it paid off, as she felt it was worth it to achieve her goals
Reach for the top And the sun is gonna shine Every winter was a war she said I want to get what's mine
Jezebel is determined to achieve success and she knows that with effort, she can make it happen
Won't try to deny where she came from You can see it in her pride And the raven in her eyes
Jezebel is proud of her roots and her spirit, reflected in her fierce look
Try show her a better way She'll say you don't know what you've been missing And by the time she blinks you know she won't be listening
Jezebel is confident in her methods and will resist attempts to persuade her to change her ways
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Warner/Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: STUART MATTHEWMAN, HELEN ADU
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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