“You Were Meant for Me” by Jewel

Jewel’s “You Were Meant for Me” is based on the singer’s optimism that her ex will one day realize that they were meant to be together. It is evident in the song that the singer has not moved on after getting her heart broken.

She begins the song by referencing her daily routine. She goes about her activities such as eating breakfast, not forgetting her keys, and not leaving the wet towels, despite the breakup, as though she is fine. It is in the chorus that she admits that she is unable to forget her ex-lover and still believes that he loves her.

Jewel goes deeper into her emotions as she indicates her attempts to get rid of the loneliness she feels. She tries to talk with her mother, get a cup of coffee, read the newspaper. However, neither of these things are able to provide the comfort she longs for. This is probably why she asserts that she and her ex were meant for each other.

Her assertions are her innermost desires and not something she would really want to say to her ex. She tries to convince herself that she’ll be okay but in reality she is not doing well at all. She justifies her decision not to get in touch with her ex by saying that many people get their hearts broken, thus trivializing her own pain. The singer remains in her confused state, trying to forget about her ex, yet preserving the notion that he still loves her and will soon realize that they were meant to be.

Writing of “You Were Meant for Me”

Jewel teamed up with Canadian singer/songwriter, Steve Poltz in penning this folk-pop song. She wrote this track during a period in her life when she had no roof over her head, leaving her with no option other than to reside in a car.

Production and Release

Peter Collins and Ben Keith are credited for producing “You Were Meant For Me”. It was released as the 2nd single from the singer’s debut album, entitled Pieces of You. The song is the tenth track on that album. FYI, Jewel’s hit song “Who Will Save Your Soul” was released as the 1st single from this album.

Jewel officially dropped the song on the 12th of November 1996. The tune was released via Atlantic Records. It went on to become one of the label’s most successful singles.

A re-recorded version of this single is included on Jewel’s 2013 compilation album Greatest Hits.

Music Videos

This song is accompanied by two music videos. Its original version was released in 1996. Sean Penn directed that version. The second version, which also came out in 1996, was directed by Lawrence Carroll. Poltz is featured in this version of the track’s music video.

The second version of the song’s video was selected as Best Female Video at the MTV Video Music Awards in 1997.

Chart Performance

The song’s chart rankings in the US and internationally speak volumes of its enormous success. It peaked at #2 on the Hot 100 and #32 in the United Kingdom. On top of that, the song experienced admirable successes in other regions, such as Canada, where it reached #2. It also got to #3 in Australia.

Appearance on TV Shows

“You Were Meant for Me” made appearances on several TV series and shows, including the famous Television series, The Office.

Cover Versions of “You Were Meant for Me”

This tune was covered by Irish girl band, Bellefire in 2004.

Fiona Sit, a Hong Kong singer/actress also recorded her version of this single in 2005.

The 2007 American Idol winner, Jordin Sparks performed an acoustic version of this song in 2007.