Norah Jones, Don’t Know Why | Bangerz N Bopz 🔥

In the 69^th edition of Bangerz N Bopz 🔥 (2024), we highlight “Don’t Know Why” performed by Norah Jones. 

Bring on the bold, fierce songs! Bangerz N Bopz 🔥 serves up background info and insight into songs of various styles, especially songs that raise eyebrows and stir the pot.  Featured records can be classic or brand new. In the 69^th edition of Bangerz N Bopz 🔥 (2024), we break down “Don’t Know Why” performed by Norah Jones.

Norah Jones was ‘kind of a big deal’ in the aughts.  Her 2002 debut album, Come Away With Me, exploded.  Reaching no. 1 on the Billboard 200 nearly a year after its initial release, Come Away With Me would eventually become the rare diamond album, certified 12 times platinum as of 2021.  Also, the album cleaned up at the 45^th Annual Grammy Awards winning five Grammys including Album of the Year, Record of the Year, Best New Artist, Best Female Pop Vocal Performance, and Best Pop Vocal Album. Two of those Grammys were attributed to the album’s pop hit, “Don’t Know Why” (Record Of The Year and Best Female Pop Vocal Performance).  “Don’t Know Why” spent 31 weeks on the pop charts peaking at no. 30 on the Billboard Hot 100. One of just two entries on the pop charts from the incredibly successful artist, “Don’t Know Why” was certified multiplatinum by the RIAA.

Would Norah Jones qualify as a one-hit-wonder? Technically, yes (only one Top 40 hit on the Billboard Hot 100).  However, despite her lack of success on the Billboard Hot 100, she’s secured gold and platinum singles.  What makes “Don’t Know Why” the sugar honey iced tea is her unique, one-of-a-kind voice, and the chill, cool vibes.  Jesse Harris penned this stellar joint and recorded it first in 1999.  However, the cover by Norah Jones earned the accolades. Jones, Arif Mardin, and Jay Newland produced.  Jones radiantly brings to life lyrics regarding a relationship. “I waited ‘til I saw the sun / I don’t know why I didn’t come / I left you by the house of fun / I don’t know why I didn’t come,” she sings in the first verse.  The house of fun lyric is one of my favorites, seemingly referencing intimacy.  There is a lack of commitment in play. Later, she sings, “Something has to make you run / I don’t know why I didn’t come / I feel as empty as a drum.” Oh, snap! The refrain is another top-notch lyrical moment, where Jones asserts, “My heart is drenched in wine / But you’ll be on my mind forever.” A pop gem from the 2000s, had Norah Jones recorded no other songs, she’d be forever remembered for the utterly sublime “Don’t Know Why”.

Norah Jones // Come Away With Me // Capitol // 2002

Norah Jones, Don’t Know Why: Bangerz N Bopz 🔥 No. 69 (2024) [📷: Brent Faulkner / The Musical Hype; Capitol; cottonbro studio, Harry Shelton, Kool Shooters, Lucas Pazeta, Mavluda Tashbaeva, Teddy Yang, Wesley Souza from Pexels]