DESCRIPTION:
Jane Says Music Video
Jane's Addiction, Nothing Shocking, 1988

Released August 23, 1988
Recorded 1987-1988
Genre Folk rock
Label Warner Bros.
Writer Eric Avery, Perry Farrell
Producer Dave Jerden, Perry Farrell

"Jane Says" is a song by alternative rock group Jane's Addiction. It was first released in "live" format on the group's 1987 debut album, Jane's Addiction. It was re-recorded in the studio for the follow-up album, Nothing's Shocking. The Nothing's Shocking version is the most widely known version of the song, featuring steel drums that are not present on the cut from the self-titled album. Another live version appears on the band's 1997 new/live/out-take compilation Kettle Whistle.

The title refers to lead singer Perry Farrell's ex-housemate, Jane Bainter, who was a heroin addict and the namesake of the band.[1] The song carries drug references such as "kick" (stop using). The fourth verse contains a reference to St. Andrews Street in Los Angeles, CA.

"Jane Says" uses only two chords for most of the song. The original recording from Jane's Addiction features simple bongos and is sung in a lower register than later versions. The version that appears on Nothing's Shocking makes extensive use of steel drums played by Stephen Perkins in place of the original's bongos, giving the song an unmistakable sound. It is one of Jane's Addiction's most famous songs and frequently ends their concerts.