The track was produced by Robin Millar , Ben Rogan, and Mike Pela, alongside the band's lead singer, Sade Adu. Writers: Sade Adu and Stuart Matthewman . Key Personnel: Vocals: Sade Adu (lead) and Jake Jacas. Saxophone/Guitar: Stuart Matthewman. Bass: Paul Denman.
David Early, Paul Cooke, and Martin Ditchman. Keyboards: Andrew Hale.
The song tells the story of a woman named Jezebel who rises from poverty to a life of glamor through sheer ambition and pride.
"Jezebel" is characterized by its smooth jazz and sophisti-pop influences, featuring a prominent saxophone solo and Sade Adu's signature deep, melodic vocals. It remains a favorite for live performances, with notable recordings from her 2011 tour and San Diego concerts. The track has also been reimagined by various producers in Afro House and Mindloco remixes.
The lyrics "Reach for the top she said / And the sun is gonna shine" emphasize her relentless drive.
Listen to the original studio audio of 'Jezebel' to hear the track's distinctive instrumentation and vocal performance: Sade - Jezebel (Audio) YouTube• Sep 23, 2015
Despite her transformation into a "princess in her new dress," the narrative suggests she "won't try to deny where she came from".