In Jane’s Addiction’s “Jane Says,” Jane wants to go away to Spain. The destination is part of the song’s portrait of a troubled woman who dreams of escape and a different life.
The character is based on Jane Bainter, Perry Farrell’s former housemate and the song’s namesake. Bainter lived with Farrell and other musicians in a communal house in Los Angeles, and her difficult circumstances inspired the song’s narrative. The lyrics refer to relationship abuse, drug use, uncertainty, and her desire to get away.
“Jane Says” first appeared in a semi-live form on Jane’s Addiction’s 1987 self-titled album. The better-known studio recording was included on Nothing’s Shocking in 1988 and uses steel drums, an unusual sound that contrasts with the song’s bleak subject matter. The band largely built the track around two chords and a simple, repetitive structure.
The song is sometimes treated as a straightforward travel song, but Spain functions more as a symbol of hope and escape. Bainter later said she did eventually get clean and make it to Spain.