POP SONGS

THORNS
song by Jen Waters
(vocal by Jen Waters)
www.jenwaters.com

VERSE:	
The roses fearfully on thorns did stand.
Beauty and pain grow on the same hand.
Some of the roses fell among the thorns,
Which grew up and choked them in scorn.	
How sad it is to see the petals fall.
Like tears from heaven after all.

REFRAIN:	
Still rejoice because thorns have roses,	
Growing on the same tree.
Still rejoice because thorns have roses. 
One of them is you and me. 

VERSE:	
Thorns steal beauty from the beloved.
Their crimson shade runs like blood. 
It’s enough to make your soul drown,
Until the thorns become a brilliant crown.
What joy to see the dead come to life,
Rising above in the darkest night. 
		
REFRAIN:	
Still rejoice because thorns have roses,	
Growing on the same tree.
Still rejoice because thorns have roses. 
One of them is you and me. 

BRIDGE:	
Smell the scent of roses like perfume.
It abides in the air with flowers in full bloom.

GUITAR SOLO

REFRAIN:	
Still rejoice because thorns have roses,	
Growing on the same tree.
Still rejoice because thorns have roses. 
One of them is you and me. 
	 				
VAMP:		
Let the roses grow until the thorns are no more.
Let the roses grow until the thorns are no more.
Let the roses grow until the thorns are no more.
Let the roses grow until the thorns are no more.		
		
Copyright 2026 Jennifer Waters

Shakespeare’s Sonnet XCIX (99): "The roses fearfully on thorns did stand."
Matthew 13:7: "Other seed fell among thorns, which grew up and choked the plants."

THORNS

CHASING SHADOWS
song by Jen Waters
(vocal by Jen Waters)
www.jenwaters.com

VERSE:   
Your figure eludes me.
Your movements confuse me.
One minute you’re here,
Then you’re gone.

CHORUS:                               
Tell me if I’m only chasing shadows,
Running down another dead end road.
Tell me if I’m only chasing shadows.
I don’t want your face to haunt my soul.
Tell me, tell me, tell me, tell me, tell me,
If I’m only chasing shadows.
 
VERSE:                                   
I still see the outline,
Of yesterday’s sunshine,
But brightness fades,
With each hour.
 
CHORUS:                               
Tell me if I’m only chasing shadows,
Running down another dead end road.
Tell me if I’m only chasing shadows.
I don’t want your face to haunt my soul.
Tell me, tell me, tell me, tell me, tell me,
If I’m only chasing shadows.
 
BRIDGE:                                
I still have time, 
To look for the light,
If I turn back now.
 
CHORUS:                               
Tell me if I’m only chasing shadows,
Running down another dead end road.
Tell me if I’m only chasing shadows.
I don’t want your face to haunt my soul.
Tell me, tell me, tell me, tell me, tell me,
If I’m only chasing shadows.
 
VAMP:                                                
If I’m only chasing shadows.
If I’m only chasing shadows.
If I'm only chasing shadows .
If I'm only chasing shadows, oh, oh, oh, oh.
 
Copyright 2026 Jennifer Waters

CHASING SHADOWS

IF I EVER LOVED SOMEONE
song by Jen Waters
(vocal by Jen Waters)
www.jenwaters.com

VERSE:                                    
I’ve seen too many faces.
I’ve met too many names.
None of them impressed me,
But your essence left me
Wanting more.
 
CHORUS:                                            
If I ever loved someone,
If I ever risked it all,
If I ever gave my heart,
If I ever took the fall,
It would be you, you, you, you, you,
I would choose,
If I ever loved someone.
 
VERSE:                                    
I’ve known my share of hard times.
I’ve lived through dark days,
But you make my world good,
And I’m hoping that this could,
Last forever.
 
CHORUS:                                            
If I ever loved someone,
If I ever risked it all,
If I ever gave my heart,
If I ever took the fall,
It would be you, you, you, you, you,
I would choose,
If I ever loved someone.
 
BRIDGE:
Please consider the proposition
Of you and me.
I can’t help but think about
What might be.
 
CHORUS:                                            
If I ever loved someone,
If I ever risked it all,
If I ever gave my heart,
If I ever took the fall,
It would be you, you, you, you, you,
I would choose,
If I ever loved someone.

TAG:
It’s you, you, you, you, you,
I would choose,
If I ever loved someone.

If I ever loved someone.
If I ever loved someone.

Copyright 2026 Jennifer Waters

IF I EVER LOVED SOMEONE

THE EIGHT BALL
song by Jen Waters
(vocal by Jen Waters)
www.jenwaters.com

VERSE:				
If it’s a game we’re playing,
Then, you better know the rules.
Oh, you can’t pull a fast one,
‘Cause I’ve got too many moves.
I’m coming at an angle,
That you cannot escape.
I have a firm position,
I’m thinking that it’s fate.

CHORUS:			
Baby, you’re behind the eight ball.
You’re cornered; you’re through.
Baby, you’re behind the eight ball.
I’ve got my eyes on you.

VERSE:				
Watch me put it in the pocket.
Don’t want to lose my turn.
I’ve lost my share of matches,
And I have finally learned,
That nobody and nothing,
Is standing in my way.
Forget the other players.
I’m chasing them away.

CHORUS:			
Baby, you’re behind the eight ball.
You’re cornered; you’re through.
Baby, you’re behind the eight ball.
I’ve got my eyes on you.

SECOND CHORUS:		
Baby, you’re behind the eight ball.
You’re finished; it’s true.
Baby, you’re behind the eight ball.
You helped me find my groove.

BRIDGE:			
Don’t want you as my trophy.
I’ll take you as my prize.
The honor of a lifetime,
To win your love as mine. 

CHORUS:			
Baby, you’re behind the eight ball.
You’re cornered; you’re through.
Baby, you’re behind the eight ball.
I’ve got my eyes on you.

SECOND CHORUS:		
Baby, you’re behind the eight ball.
You’re finished; it’s true.
Baby, you’re behind the eight ball.
You helped me find my groove.

GUITAR SOLO

SECOND CHORUS:		
Baby, you’re behind the eight ball.
You’re finished; it’s true.
Baby, you’re behind the eight ball.
I’m so in love with you.

TAG:				
Na, na, na, na, na, na, na, na, na, na, na, na.
Na, na, na, na, na, na, na, na, na, na, na, na, na.
Na, na, na, na, na, na, na, na, na, na, na, na.
Na, na, na, na, na, na, na, na, na, na, na, na, na.
Na, na, na, na, na, na, na, na, na, na, na, na.
Na, na, na, na, na, na, na, na, na, na, na, na, na.
Na, na, na, na, na, na, na, na, na, na, na, na.
Na, na, na, na, na, na, na, na, na, na, na, na, na.

REPEAT TAG
				
Copyright 2026 Jennifer Waters

THE EIGHT BALL

WORRY NOT, MY FRIEND
song by Jen Waters
(vocal by Jen Waters)
www.jenwaters.com

VERSE: 	
Worry not, my friend,
If trouble finds you.
Worry not, my friend,
I’m right beside you.
You’ve got me in your corner.
I’ve always adored you.
Oh, worry not, my friend.

CHORUS:		
Time brings change,
And friends will come and go,
But you are someone,
I will always know.

VERSE:		
Worry not, my friend, 
If you feel weakness. 
Worry not, my friend, 
Your strength will deepen.
I might not have the answers,
But I have understanding.
Oh, worry not, my friend. 

CHORUS:		
Time brings change,
And friends will come and go,
But you are someone,
I will always know.

BRIDGE:		
I will never disappear.
I will always show up. 
Oh, don’t you fear. 
I will give you all my love.

VERSE:		
Worry not, my friend, 
Just take my comfort. 
Worry not, my friend, 
You’ll be triumphant. 
You’ll have beauty for ashes.
This too passes. 
Oh, worry not, my friend.

TAG:			
Worry not, my friend. 
Worry not, my friend.
Worry not, my friend, oh.

Copyright 2026 Jennifer Waters

WORRY NOT,  MY FRIEND

I SEE YOU
song by Jen Waters
(vocal by Jen Waters)
www.jenwaters.com

VERSE:
You're as familiar to me,
As the setting sun,
And the wind that blows,
Through the trees.
You must have smiled my way,
A thousand times before today,
But for the first time,
I see you.

VERSE:
I was always looking,
Over your shoulder,
When I should have,
Looked in your eyes.
A person of strength and grace,
Was staring me right in the face,
But for the first time,

REFRAIN:
I see you, I see you, I see you.

BRIDGE:
You’re as striking as the blossoms,
That bloom in the spring.
You’re as precious as the nectar,
Only honeybees bring.

VERSE:
If you’ll take my heart,
It's yours for the keeping,
It should've been yours,
A long time ago.
Maybe my chance was wasted.
Don’t say love is too late.
Now for the first time,

REFRAIN:
I see you, I see you, I see you.

REFRAIN:
I see you, I see you, I see you
I see you.

Copyright 2026 Jennifer Waters

I SEE YOU

I'll BE YOUR COWGIRL
song by Jen Waters
(vocal by Jen Waters)
www.jenwaters.com

VERSE:		
When the sun drops low on the horizon,
And the tumbleweed rolls by slow, 
If you’re alone and tears start fallin’,
I’ll be your cowgirl.

VERSE:		
I’ll lasso your broken heart to my buckle.
Sing you songs by the campfire glow.
I’ll ride through dust just to find you.
I’ll be your cowgirl.	

CHORUS:	
Coyotes howl in the darkness.
Lonely mesas go on for miles. 
Postcards from the trail are forgotten,
But my love for you still runs wild. 

VERSE:		
The barbed wire will not hurt you,
Or the wind by night that blows.
My cracked boots will be stronger.
I’ll be your cowgirl.

VERSE:		
I’ve thrown out my whiskey bottles. 
I’ve survived like a black crow.	
I tip my hat against the twilight.  
I’ll be your cowgirl.	
		
CHORUS:	
Coyotes howl in the darkness.
Lonely mesas go on for miles. 
Postcards from the trail are forgotten,
But my love for you still runs wild. 

BRIDGE:	
There’s room enough for you on my saddle. 
Just let me hold the reins. 
You can wear my bandana. 
We’ll triumph through the plains. 

CHORUS:	
Coyotes howl in the darkness.
Lonely mesas go on for miles. 
Postcards from the trail are forgotten,
But my love for you still runs wild. 

VERSE:		
You’ll see our silhouette on horseback.
We’ll take the long road home. 
My hands may be rough, but I am gentle.
I’ll be your cowgirl.

VERSE:		
When the stars go dark in the desert, 
And the cattle try to kick and roam,
I’ll hold you close, oh my cowboy.
I’ll be your cowgirl.

TAG:		
Baby, I’ll be your cowgirl.
I’ll be your cowgirl.

Copyright 2026 Jennifer Waters

I'LL BE YOUR COWGIRL

LETTER TO BARCELONA
song by Jen Waters
(vocal by Jen Waters)
www.jenwaters.com

VERSE:				
Barcelona,
You and I are over.
I’m sorry that you’re lonely,
But I can’t help you now.
Barcelona,
You left too much unspoken.
You missed your golden moment.
I’ve moved to higher ground.

CHORUS:			
You had a chance to love me.
You took me for granted.
You made a choice to leave me.
Now you’re empty handed.
You kissed me goodbye.
I have a brand new life.

VERSE:				
Barcelona,
Sun shines on my shoulders,
Cause love and pure devotion,
Are finally what I’ve found.
Barcelona,
I wanted to be open.
So don’t stay ever hopeful,
And don’t come back around.

CHORUS:			
You had a chance to love me.
You took me for granted.
You made a choice to leave me.
Now you’re empty handed.
You kissed me goodbye.
I have a brand new life.

BRIDGE:			
You tried to keep me a secret.
You hid me from important people.
But you and I know the truth,
Heaven tried to shine on you.

CHORUS:			
You had a chance to love me.
You took me for granted.
You made a choice to leave me.
Now you’re empty handed.
You kissed me goodbye.
I have a brand new life.

TAG:				
Barcelona, ooo, Barcelona.
Barcelona, ooo, Barcelona.

Copyright 2026 Jennifer Waters

LETTER TO BARCELONA

HOLD ME ‘TILL I LET YOU GO ♥️
song by Jen Waters
(vocal by Jen Waters)
www.jenwaters.com

VERSE:
Hold me ‘till I let you go.
Hold me ‘till I let you go.
I don’t want to be alone.
Hold me ‘till I let you go.

VERSE:
Hold me ‘till I feel no fear.
Hold me ‘till I feel no fear.
Say you’ll never disappear.
Hold me ‘till I feel no fear.

CHORUS:
You don’t know how much I need you.
You don’t know how scared I am.
I don’t want to ever leave you.
You tell me you love me, and I believe you.

VERSE:
Hold me ‘till I’m strong again.
Hold me ‘till I’m strong again.
When I am weak, be my defense.
Hold me ‘till I’m strong again.

CHORUS:
You don’t know how much I need you.
You don’t know how scared I am.
I don’t want to ever leave you.
You tell me you love me, and I believe you.

BRIDGE:
One day, I hope that I can stand.
Until then, I’ll need your hand.
I’ll let go if I can.

VERSE:
Hold me ‘till I let you go.
Hold me ‘till I let you go.
Walk with me this lonely road.
Hold me ‘till I let you go.

TAG:
Hold me ‘till I let you go.
Hold me ‘till I let you go.

Copyright 2026 Jennifer Waters

HOLD ME 'TILL I LET YOU GO

NOWHERE TO GO BUT UP
song by Jen Waters
(vocal by Jen Waters)
www.jenwaters.com

VERSE:                                 
I’ve been down for so long,
That I’ve tasted the dirt.
I’ve been low for so long,
That it’s starting to hurt.
Oh, oh, oh, oh.
 
CHORUS:                  
There’s nowhere to go but up.
Nowhere to go but higher.
There’s nowhere to go but up.
You gotta be a fighter.
Keep looking up to heaven.
There’s nowhere to go but up.
 
VERSE:                                 
Now I’m looking at things,
With a brand-new approach,
And I’m thinking of things,
Like what matters the most.
Oh, oh, oh, oh.
 
CHORUS:                  
There’s nowhere to go but up.
Nowhere to go but higher.
There’s nowhere to go but up.
You gotta be a fighter.
Keep looking up to heaven.
There’s nowhere to go but up.
 
BRIDGE:                    
Up where the bluebirds are flying,
Up where the airplanes are gliding,
And clouds appear in a swirl.
Up where the angels are singing,
Up where the starlight is bringing,
Light to the dark in the world, oh.
 
CHORUS:                  
There’s nowhere to go but up.
Nowhere to go but higher.
There’s nowhere to go but up.
You gotta be a fighter.
Keep looking up to heaven.
There’s nowhere to go but up.
 
TAG:
Sometimes, we all need reminding.
There’s nowhere to go but up. 

Copyright 2026 Jennifer Waters

NOWHERE TO GO BUT UP

KINDEST TAXICAB IN THE BIG CITY 
song by Jen Waters 
(vocal by Jen Waters)
www.jenwaters.com

VERSE: 
Baby, I’m not pullin' any punches 
You look lost and like you need a friend 
You’ve got ten miles behind you 
And ten thousand more to go until the end 
I’ve got time to lend 

CHORUS: 
‘Cause I’m the kindest taxicab in the big city 
I’m the sweetest clerk at the local DMV 
Roll the windows down, and I’ll take you for a ride 
We can drive all day and speed all night 
I promise to bring you back right on time 
I’m the kindest taxicab in the big city 
Oh yeah 

VERSE: 
Even if we don’t reach our destination 
I’ll take your mind off trouble for a while 
You’re all heart and you’re hurting 
And you really don’t deserve a broken smile 
Please don’t you cry 

CHORUS: 
‘Cause I’m the kindest taxicab in the big city 
I’m the sweetest clerk at the local DMV 
Roll the windows down, and I’ll take you for a ride 
We can drive all day and speed all night 
I promise to bring you back right on time 
I’m the kindest taxicab in the big city 
Oh yeah 

BRIDGE: 
Isn’t everything actually a land of make-believe? 
If we believe hard enough, 
Who knows where the road might lead? 

CHORUS: 
‘Cause I’m the kindest taxicab in the big city 
I’m the sweetest clerk at the local DMV 
Roll the windows down, and I’ll take you for a ride 
We can drive all day and speed all night 
I promise to bring you back right on time 
I’m the kindest taxicab in the big city 

TAG: 
I’m the kindest taxicab in the big city 
I’m the kindest taxicab in the big city 
Oh yeah, oh yeah, oh yeah

Copyright 2012 Jennifer Waters

KINDEST TAXICAB IN THE BIG CITY (featuring Jen Waters)

FINDERS KEEPERS 
song by Sunny Lu, Jen Waters, and Femke Weidema 
(vocal by Jen Waters)
www.jenwaters.com

VERSE: 
20-something years 
But I don’t look a day over 21 
Trust me I’ve been through the ringer 
I’ve been washed out 
And hung to dry 
Countless times, I don’t know why 
But it made me into who I am, a singer

VERSE: 
I sing about the loves I lost 
The pain I felt 
The paths I crossed 
Too many to count on one hand 
So here I am take me or leave me 
Take me just the way I am 
If you find me, you get to keep me 

CHORUS: 
Finders keepers 
Like Salt found Pepper 
Like Cher found Sonny 
Once in a blue moon 
You find what’s special 
Like Tom found Jerry 
Like Sleeping Beauty found the kiss of love

VERSE: 
Am I shy or bold? 
Coy or brash? 
Made of stone? 
Made of glass? 
Fragile or unbreakable? 
I guess I’m all 
I’m all these parts 
I found them through many broken hearts 
If you find them, you get to keep them 

CHORUS: 
Finders keepers 
Like Salt found Pepper 
Like Cher found Sonny 
Once in a blue moon 
You find what’s special 
Like Tom found Jerry 
Like Sleeping Beauty found the kiss of love

BRIDGE: 
You’re losing me if you stop looking 
Then you’ll be weeping me away, away, away 

CHORUS: 
Finders keepers 
Like Salt found Pepper 
Like Cher found Sonny 
Once in a blue moon 
You find what’s special 
Like Tom found Jerry 
Like Sleeping Beauty found the kiss of ...

CHORUS: 
Finders keepers 
Like Salt found Pepper 
Like Cher found Sonny 
Once in a blue moon 
You find what’s special 
Like Tom found Jerry 
Like Sleeping Beauty found the kiss of ... love

TAG: 
Like Sleeping Beauty found the kiss of … love

Copyright 2012 Sunny Lu, Jen Waters, and Femke Weidema

FINDERS KEEPERS (featuring Jen Waters)

EVERY GIRL NEEDS A HANDYMAN
song by Jen Waters
(vocal by Jen Waters)
www.jenwaters.com

VERSE:
Things around my house,
That need to be fixed,
Have been broken for too long,
And I can’t do the trick.
Hammers and nails,
Always fail me.

CHORUS:
Every girl needs a handyman,
To keep her heart from breaking to pieces.
Every girl needs a handyman,
To love her with a powerful genius.
To pick her up, and put her back together when she’s down,
Every girl needs a handyman.

VERSE:
I need an expert now,
Not an amateur scam.
Those dirty-dealing cheats,
That don’t give a damn.
Jack-of-all trades,
Can be shady. 

CHORUS:
Every girl needs a handyman,
To keep her heart from breaking to pieces.
Every girl needs a handyman,
To love her with a powerful genius.
To pick her up, and put her back together when she’s down,
Every girl needs a handyman.

BRIDGE:
To do what she says, when she says it, 
How she says it without question, oh.
To do what she says, when she says it, 
How she says it without question.

GUITAR SOLO

CHORUS:
Every girl needs a handyman,
To keep her heart from breaking to pieces.
Every girl needs a handyman,
To love her with a powerful genius.
To pick her up, and put her back together when she’s down,
Every girl needs a handyman.

TAG:
Every girl needs a handyman.
Every girl needs a handyman.
Every girl needs a handyman.

Copyright 2012 Jennifer Waters

EVERY GIRL NEEDS A HANDYMAN (featuring Jen Waters)

WHIMSY
song by Jen Waters
(vocal by Jen Waters)
www.jenwaters.com

VERSE:		
If embarrassment was an art form
I’d tell you that I love you
‘Cause I’m blushing but strong
I’d rather seem foolish than wrong

PRE-CHORUS:	
You know what helps
Thinking mistakes fear you more
I've never been so sure

CHORUS:		
Whimsy
You and me
Like a feather in a whirlwind
Whimsy
Can't you see?
Like a stringless kite
We’re flying high 
Whimsy

VERSE:		
Tryin’ to do the right thing by the whole world
Is enough to make you crazy
So I’m playing with the sand
That’s between my toes and hands

PRE-CHORUS:	
You know what helps
Thinking perfection can't be found
So my frown stays upside down

CHORUS:		
Whimsy
You and me
Like a feather in a whirlwind
Whimsy
Can't you see?
Like a stringless kite
We’re flying high 
Whimsy

BRIDGE:		
I’m so unaware of teetering on the edge
And I’m just about to jump off the ledge
Oh, oh, oh

CHORUS:		
Whimsy
You and me
Like a feather in a whirlwind
Whimsy
Can't you see?
Like a stringless kite
We’re flying high 
Whimsy

TAG:
Like a stringless kite
We're flying high
Whimsy

Whimsy
Whimsy

Copyright 2013 Jennifer Waters

WHIMSY (featuring Jen Waters)

*Grand Prize Winner in the country category of the Session I-2005 John Lennon Songwriting Contest 
*Featured at ASCAP Songwriter’s Showcase at John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts in May 2006 with host Stephen Schwartz
*Winner of an honorable mention in the country category of the 2006 SongDoor International Songwriting Competition
*Winner of an honorable mention in the 14th Annual Billboard World Songwriting Contest
*Winner of an honorable mention in the 11th Annual Unisong International Songwriting Contest

YELLOW ROSES
song by Jen Waters and Bob Farrell
(vocal by Jen Waters)
www.jenwaters.com

VERSE: 
Bright and early Monday morning
The mailman brought a box
A big bouquet of long stem roses
From the local flower shop
You signed the tiny card inside
So I tore the ribbon free
But the dull disappointing color
Washed away my dreams

CHORUS:	
Don't send me yellow roses
I don't want to be your friend 
Don't send me yellow roses
I like my roses red

VERSE:	
White tells me lasting promise
Pink stakes a claim
Orange shows growing desire
Violet calls my name
But you chose the only color
That means we'll never kiss
Baby I need the crimson petals
To lead me to your lips

CHORUS:	
Don't send me yellow roses
I don't want to be your friend 
Don't send me yellow roses
I like my roses red

BRIDGE:	
Everybody knows the flames of passion burn red
If you want to hold my heart listen to what I said

CHORUS:	
Don't send me yellow roses
I don't want to be your friend 
Don't send me yellow roses
I like my roses red

CHORUS:	
Don't send me yellow roses
I don't want to be your friend 
Don't send me yellow roses
I like my roses red

TAG:	
Don’t send me yellow roses
Don’t send me yellow roses

Copyright 2005 Jennifer Waters & Bob Farrell

YELLOW ROSES (featuring Jen Waters) John Lennon Songwriting Contest Winner

LITTLE BIT OF FAITH
song by Jen Waters
(vocal by Jen Waters)
www.jenwaters.com

VERSE: 
A little bit of faith
Goes a long way
Hear what I say
Hear what I say
A little bit of faith
Goes a long way
Hear what I say 
Hear what I say

CHORUS: 
When the world knocks you down
Child, stand your ground
When you least expect it
Things will turn around

VERSE: 
A little bit of hope
Saves a lost soul
Oh, don’t you know
Oh, don’t you know
A little bit of hope
Saves a lost soul
Oh, don’t you know
Oh, don’t you know

CHORUS: 
When the world knocks you down
Child, stand your ground
When you least expect it
Things will turn around

BRIDGE: 
Put on your dancing shoes
Treat them like marching boots
No more heartache and blues
Spread the good news, oh

VERSE: 
A little bit of love
Is a whole lot
Give all you got
Give all you got
A little bit of love
Is a whole lot
Give all you got
Give all you got

CHORUS: 
When the world knocks you down
Child, stand your ground
When you least expect it
Things will turn around

TAG: 
A little bit of faith
Goes a long way
Hear what I say
Hear what I say

A little bit of faith
Goes a long way
Hear what I say
Hear what I say

Oh, a little bit of faith
Goes a long way
Hear what I say
Hear what I say

Oh, a little bit of faith
Goes a long way
Hear what I say
Hear what I say

Copyright 2013 Jennifer Waters

LITTLE BIT OF FAITH (featuring Jen Waters)

Jen Waters began playing the piano in her parents' Hershey, Pennsylvania, home in the second grade. Although she enjoyed learning classical pieces on the piano, sometimes she would write her own songs instead of practicing her assigned lesson. Thus began her love of writing lyrics and melodies. She wrote her first song in the seventh grade and hasn't stopped since.

During the summer of 1994, Jen attended Berklee College of Music in Boston, Mass. In 1999, she graduated as an S.I. Newhouse Scholar from the School of Public Communications at Syracuse University with a major in magazine journalism and minors in music and in English and textual studies. She took the TV, radio, and film classes in sound production. She also took classes at the Maxwell School of Citizenship and Public Affairs of Syracuse University. During her junior year, she studied abroad for a semester in London, England. Upon graduation, Dean Rosanna Grassi awarded her with the Henry J. Wolff Prize for the graduating senior deemed most proficient in journalism.

She has written for such Pennsylvania publications as HARRISBURG MAGAZINE, THE PATRIOT NEWS, and THE TIMES LEADER. She also wrote for 7 years in the Washington, D.C., media, mostly human-interest stories.

"Yellow Roses," a song Jen co-wrote, became the winner in the country category of the 2005 Session-I John Lennon Songwriting Contest. She has performed at various places such as the ASCAP Showcase at the Kennedy Center with host Stephen Schwartz, Genghis Cohen, Hallenbeck's, Hotel Cafe, the Koffeehouse Sundance Film Festival Chateau, & the Durango Songwriters Expos. Music-industry veteran Judy Stakee has mentored her.

In August 2014, Jen released a 33-song collection through Pen Jen Songs called WHIMSY. She also released ten spoken-word children's stories and poems that she wrote and performed in a collection called WONDERLAND. In April and May 2016, she re-released the WHIMSY songs as WHIMSY FOR ONE and WHIMSY FOR TWO, each with an original Christmas song. In November 2016, she released nine spoken-word Christmas stories that she wrote and performed in a collection called WINTER WONDERLAND. 

She had three releases in 2017. HANDWRITTEN, a 22-minute recording of her grandparents' historical-fiction World War II love story, was released in February. The following month presented PURITY, a 12-song collection with a pop-classical influence. In October, she released IMPOSSIBLE THINGS, ten original spoken-word children's stories and poems. 

In April 2019, she released SIMPLICITY, a 20-song pop collection. By December 2019, she gave the world CURIOUSER AND CURIOUSER, seven original spoken-word children's short stories. In March 2020, she released HOOPS TIME, a 14-minute inspirational basketball story inspired by her father. By December 2020, she finished ENTIRELY BONKERS, seven original spoken-word children's short stories. March 2022, she launched FATE, 17 original pop songs. By May 2023, she presented THE GREAT PUZZLE, eight original spoken-word children's short stories. In November 2023, she released HOLIDAY MUCHNESS, two original Christmas songs. By November 2024, she finished SHELTER, 14 original singer/songwriter songs.  In December 2024, she birthed A CHRISTMAS RABBIT HOLE, five original Christmas songs.  In December 2025, she released THE SINGING CHRISTMAS TREE, a single classic holiday song. In May 2026, she released the 15-song THORNS collection.

She also launched PEN JEN'S INKWELL PODCAST, featuring the children's music and spoken-word stories from her Apple Music releases. Her blog PEN JEN'S INKWELL features her latest children's short stories and poems. 

She founded Pen Jen Productions and created a children's novel/musical series, THE WHIRLWIND CHRONICLES: THE MAGIC MUSIC BOX, THE HORSE GATE, and DREAMS OR DUST. She also wrote KISSES, a musical based on the life of chocolatier Milton S. Hershey. 

She is an ASCAP member and a nominee for the ASCAP Joe Raposo Children's Music Award.

KINDEST TAXICAB IN THE BIG CITY (featuring Jen Waters)

Jen Waters

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