Early Mornings with Norah Jones: Finding Calm in the Chaos
How a Simple Song Became the Soundtrack to My Morning Routine
This post might feel a bit different from my usual musings on books and the occasional deep dive into life’s complexities, but lately, I’ve been experimenting with something new. My husband and I have embarked on what we’re calling our “build an empire” plan, which mostly involves waking up earlier and earlier to get a jump on the day. And let me tell you, it’s not easy. The struggle is real, especially for someone who loves the comfort of her cozy bed. But I’ve found a little trick that makes those bleary-eyed mornings a bit more bearable: Don’t Know Why by Norah Jones.
You know that feeling when a song just clicks? When it wraps you in a blanket of nostalgia and warmth? That’s what this song does for me, and I’m pretty sure I’m not the only one. There’s something almost magical about it. It’s like the perfect cup of coffee in musical form—smooth, comforting, and just the right way to start the day. So, naturally, I couldn’t help but do a little case study on why this song has such a universal effect on people.
The moment those gentle piano notes play, I’m instantly transported. No longer am I groggily brewing coffee in my kitchen—suddenly, I’m in a Nancy Meyers film, standing in a sun-drenched Tuscan kitchen filled with warmth and charm. The kind of kitchen where you just know everything is going to be okay because, really, how could it not be with those perfect countertops and rustic wooden shelves? This song taps into that same vibe—a sort of cozy, lived-in feeling that makes you want to curl up and take on the world, one gentle note at a time.
And it’s not just me who feels this way. If you do a quick scroll through TikTok or Instagram, you’ll see it everywhere. People sharing how Don’t Know Why makes them feel like they’ve stepped into an episode of Gilmore Girls(which I’m watching once again). It’s like this collective sigh of relief in song form, a reminder of simpler times when the world felt just a little bit slower, a little bit kinder
What fascinates me is how this song, and others like it, feel like a response to how our lives—and our spaces—have changed. Think about it: we’re constantly surrounded by sleek, minimalist designs. Neutral tones, clean lines, and everything perfectly in place. Don’t get me wrong, I appreciate the beauty of minimalism, but it often feels cold, almost sterile. It’s as if we’ve exchanged the coziness of lived-in homes—filled with knick-knacks, colorful rugs, and all the little touches that make a place feel nostalgic and warm—for something that looks flawless but lacks soul. When I turn this song on, it brings that warmth rushing back, like a reminder of a time when homes felt like homes, not showrooms.
Don’t Know Why brings back that warmth, that color, that feeling of being wrapped in something familiar and safe. It’s a song that invites you to slow down, to take a moment, and to just be. It’s no wonder it’s become such a go-to for people looking to inject a little coziness into their day. In a world that’s increasingly obsessed with perfection, maybe what we’re really craving is a bit of imperfection—a reminder that life doesn’t have to be flawless to be beautiful.
As I navigate these early mornings, trying to build something meaningful one sleepy step at a time, I’ve realized the right soundtrack can transform everything and I’ve even built a playlist to capture that same feeling. If you’re looking for a little warmth to start your day, you can find it here.
Until next time, dear reader, let’s keep writing our own stories—one chapter at a time.
xo Luciana
