“YOU ARE THE WARRIOR YOU’VE BEEN WAITING FOR”
Photo by Marina of LifeFusion Photography
BOSTON | FEBRUARY 11, 2022 Singer-Songwriter Jodi Heights releases the Indie-Pop single “White Knight” on Friday, February 11th. With her conservatory trained vocals and mastery of piano performance, Jodi takes the listener on an intense ride into musical storytelling, reminiscent of Sarah McLachlan and Sara Bareilles. Beginning with the drumbeat of an incoming army, the intensity builds with lyrics such as ‘Have you forgotten that you’re a warrior?” Heights warns her listener that there is, in fact, no “White Knight” coming to save you. You have to put your armor on and fight your own battle.
The song was inspired by a young fan who attended one of Jodi’s live concerts, drew a picture of a dragon, and asked her to write a song about it. The result is this rallying cry to lost courage that is both fierce and vulnerable.
Lyrically, “White Knight” describes those moments in life when something dangerous has appeared on the horizon. You keep hoping someone will come to defend for you, until you realize you have the inner strength and wisdom to protect yourself.
There’s not a white knight coming to save you
No hero riding to the rescue
Have you forgotten that you’re a warrior?
Pick up your sword and shield
The battle isn’t over ‘til it’s over
“This song may have been inspired by fan art, but as I wrote, it reminded me of my own inner strength in the face of challenges. Sometimes, life can feel like a battle, whether it’s an unexpected illness or the sudden loss of a person we love. There may be friends who walk alongside to support us, but no one can go through it in our place.
The first verse of “White Knight” sets the dark scene: the enemy is coming, and you’re sharpening your sword and mustering up your courage. The second verse is where the dragon appears. I avoided the narrative of slaying the dragon, since I didn’t think that would go over too well with my young fan. Instead, the dragon represents strength, hidden wisdom, and instinctual power. The beast within gives you the bravery to face the impossible.
I decided to leave the story open ended. We never see the fight. We don’t know if the warrior wins or not, just as the outcome of our own battles is unknown. We have to give it our all for the chance to save our lives.
– Jodi Heights
“White Knight” is part of Jodi’s second project with Plaid Dog Recording and features some of Boston’s most versatile local artists. This year, she will release her new EP entitled Triptych which focuses on urgent concerns in our modern world: climate change, the pandemic, and the growing wealth gap.
ABOUT: In the sea of singer-songwriters, Jodi Heights stands out with her classically honed technique and her brilliant lyrics that plumb the depths of everyday life. She holds multiple degrees in music, including a Master of Music from the New England Conservatory. Jodi’s debut album, One Year Wiser, was produced at Plaid Dog Recording with engineer Mike Davidson. It was mixed by engineer Erich Talaba (Sara Bareilles – What’s Inside: Songs from Waitress, Kaleidoscope Heart) and was mastered by Adam Ayan (Sarah McLachlan – Wonderland, Fumbling Towards Ecstasy, Mirrorball, Laws of Illusion).
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