Rooted in wistful remembrances, Jesi Jones’ heartbreaking ballad “Neverland” is a sobering tribute to a loved one battling a terminal illness. “Neverland” emerges as a highlight on the Nashville singer-songwriter’s latest reflective piano pop release Ohio.
As she pleads for her friend to hold on, Jones grapples with grief, fear and faith. With Jones’ achingly pure voice set against a backdrop of lush strings, the song’s narrator vainly searches for an explanation for her friend’s condition: “Why can’t you stay/There’s got to be a reason,” she cries. There are not any late miracles in sight; both Jones and her friend realize that what has already been set in motion will ultimately come to pass. However, when Jones movingly sings of meeting her friend again in a place of renewed innocence and wonder, a bit of the audience’s own faith is restored.
Ohio is the follow-up to Jones’ 2010 EP Full Circle. A free download of the album’s title track is available on Soundcloud.
Thanks to Stacy Lantz for the recommendation.
