Meaning of "The Prettiest Thing" by Norah Jones

The lyrics of "The Prettiest Thing" capture a dual sense of wonder and dissatisfaction. The opening lines describe the beauty of lightning, using it as a metaphor for something striking and captivating. However, the subsequent lines convey a sense of longing and feeling disconnected from oneself. The comparison to a picture hanging on someone else's wall suggests a feeling of not fully belonging or experiencing life as it should be. The narrator feels heavy with thoughts and unsettled emotions, and dreams provide a means of escape. The repetition of "dreamin'" at the end of the lyrics reinforces this escapism and the desire to find solace away from reality.

The contrasting imagery of the prettiest thing being something worn and aged, like a dusty handle or a rusty nail, brings a sense of comfort and familiarity. The narrator finds solace and a sense of home in these small and imperfect details. This suggests that beauty can be found in the ordinary and everyday aspects of life, even if they are not conventionally attractive.

On a deeper level, "The Prettiest Thing" can be seen as a reflection on the human experience of yearning for something more. It explores the tension between our longing for beauty, excitement, and fulfillment, while also finding peace in the simplicity and familiarity of our surroundings. The song acknowledges the contradiction between desiring something different yet finding comfort in what is already known.

Dreaming is a recurring motif in the lyrics, emphasizing its significance as a means of escape and fulfillment. The act of dreaming allows the narrator to transcend the limitations of their current reality and imagine a world where they can find the prettiest thing. It serves as a coping mechanism for navigating the complexities of life and finding solace in the imagination.