James Dean
일團있뚠The Eagles Lyrics
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James Dean, you said it all so clean
And I know my life would look alright
If I could see it on the silver screen
You were the low down rebel if there ever was
Even if you had no cause
James dean, you said it all so clean
If I could see it on the silver screen
We'll talk about a low-down bad refrigerator
You were just too cool for school
Sock hop, soda pop, basketball and auto shop
The only thing that got you off was breakin' all the rules
James Dean, James Dean, so hungry and so lean
James Dean, you said it all so clean
And I know my life would look alright
If I could see it on the silver screen
Little James Dean up on the screen
Wonderin' who he might be.
Along came a spyder, picked up a rider
Took him down the road to eternity
James Dean, James Dean, you bought it sight unseen
James Dean, James Dean, you bought it sight unseen
You were too fast to live, too young to die, bye bye
You were too fast to live, too young to die, bye bye
Bye bye too fast to live too young to die
Bye bye too fast to live too young to die
Bye bye too fast to live too young to die
Bye bye too fast to live too young to die
Too fast to live too young to die
Oo-oo-oo-oo too fast to live too young to die
Bye bye too fast to live too young to die
Oh, James Dean too fast to live too young to die
The Eagles' song James Dean is a tribute to the iconic Hollywood actor who passed away at a young age. The song is a celebration of Dean's free, rebellious spirit and how he became a symbol of teenage disillusionment in the 1950s. The first verse of the song opens with "James Dean, James Dean, I know just what you mean" signifying that the singer identifies with Dean's spirit and message. The lyric that follows, "you said it all so clean" refers to Dean's ability to articulate his deeper emotions through his work, which resonated with the audience. The singer then expresses his desire to see his own life on the silver screen, like James Dean's.
The second verse continues to describe Dean's character as a low-down rebel, without any specific cause. He was too cool for school, and the only thing that interested him was breaking the rules. The verse ends with the statement, "If I could see it on the silver screen," once again emphasizing the singer's longing to see his own life’s story fictionalized on screen.
The final verse is more poetic and imagistic. It describes James Dean as a young actor, wondering who he might be. He then goes on a ride with "a spyder," which ultimately leads him down the road to eternity. This final verse ends with the singer repeating the phrase, "too fast to live, too young to die," which became a common phrase associated with James Dean.
Line by Line Meaning
James Dean, James Dean, I know just what you mean
The singer connects with James Dean and understands the message he conveys through his persona and actions.
James Dean, you said it all so clean
James Dean's cool and rebellious demeanor conveyed a clear message and message to those who watched him on screen and in real life.
And I know my life would look alright
If I could see it on the silver screen
The singer believes that if their own life was displayed on a screen in the same way James Dean's was, it too would look appealing and admirable.
You were the low down rebel if there ever was
Even if you had no cause
James Dean had a reputation for being rebellious and going against the norm even if he did not have a specific reason to do so.
We'll talk about a low-down bad refrigerator
You were just too cool for school
Sock hop, soda pop, basketball and auto shop
The only thing that got you off was breakin' all the rules
The artist describes James Dean's rebellious nature by making references to different aspects of his young and cool persona such as his style, interests and behavior.
James Dean, James Dean, so hungry and so lean
James Dean, you said it all so clean
And I know my life would look alright
If I could see it on the silver screen
Repeating earlier lines, the singer continually admires James Dean's style and attitude and finds inspiration in how he conveyed his message.
Little James Dean up on the screen
Wonderin' who he might be.
Along came a spyder, picked up a rider
Took him down the road to eternity
The singer paints a vivid picture of James Dean's legendary persona on screen, and references his death in a car accident, further cementing his legacy in the minds of those who continue to idolize him.
James Dean, James Dean, you bought it sight unseen
James Dean, James Dean, you bought it sight unseen
You were too fast to live, too young to die, bye bye
You were too fast to live, too young to die, bye bye
Bye bye too fast to live too young to die
Bye bye too fast to live too young to die
Bye bye too fast to live too young to die
Bye bye too fast to live too young to die
Too fast to live too young to die
Oo-oo-oo-oo too fast to live too young to die
Bye bye too fast to live too young to die
Oh, James Dean too fast to live too young to die
In these lines, the artist further mourns James Dean's untimely death and reaffirms his status as a symbol for youthful rebellion and freedom.
Lyrics © Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd., Peermusic Publishing
Written by: DON HENLEY, GLENN FREY, JACKSON BROWNE, JOHN DAVID SOUTHER
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
maria boletsis
This was really well done. Great acting especially the guy who portrays James Dean. He's spot on!
Travisoni
James Franco did a decent job but this guy isn't spot on. James Dean was a Real talent.
Daniel Holman
I grew up in the 50s. Yeah, James Dean was larger than life. He was symbolic of alienated teens. He wasn’t acting alienated, I think he really was (that). That’s why he came across as real because he was (real).
ROSEBUD39
Thanks for bringing Jimmy back to life-we all loved him so.
LILIANA PRINA
William Bast's point of view to tell his friendship with the actor is beautiful. It is a beautiful story. It is moving for any actor that dreams of becoming successful.Thanks for sharing your lovely story because it is enjoyable and sensible.
LILIANA PRINA
I was amazed by such a powerful friendship between William Bast and Jim Dean. There is not a need to tell our friends, we love them, there are many ways to say it without saying the words. I am sure Jim Dean knew his friend loved him. Love is implied with so many actions among these two characters. It is a nice and valuable respect and friendship between them, it is clear.
David Overmire
Kudos to Stephen McHattie for doing such a great job portraying Jimmy....
paisleybabee
I remember seeing this movie as a late nite feature on TV. It really touched me. I grew up in the 70s and was not yet aware of Dean. William Bast was all over this and was giving his personal account. I haven't read his book yet. I will someday. I think like many he romantized their connection. Dean we can gather was bisexual but at 24 maybe not inclined to commit to anyone . Both men and women were understandably crazy about him. William wanted a forever love with him. I've read interviews. He was convinced Jimmy would have a full blown relationship with him after Salinas. I have the feeling it wouldn't have gone that way. Dean didn't seem the settling down type. I think Bast was able to accept himself as gay after their brief fling. I think Jimmy had a freewheeling Dyonysian approach to life. He also seemed more romantically into women though I doubt he would get hitched. Who knows though he could have say in his 40s done a 180 like Bowie who I'm sure admired him. Overall he had a haunting early life and overcame his obstacles the best he could. I hope he found all he needed in and beyond this lifetime and I hope the same for William Bast 🌹🦊🐍
Mikkibriteside
My Dad's cousin was friends with James Dean back in the racing days. https://youtu.be/sCsFwXvvHjs He is walking the track with him in this video. They are both in dark jumpsuits. Unfortunately he passed away a few years ago..but he had fond memories of his time with him. When I asked him if he was surprised when he died..he said no. They all knew driving those cars were dangerous.
Jerry assetto
Stephen McHattie played Jake Pasqunal in the mini series "Centennial" and a psychologist in a "Seinfeld" episode. and ironically the character "Dizzy Sheridan, Deans girlfriend, was actress Liz Sheridan who as a senior citizen played Jerry Seinfelds mother. Lots of trivia in this movie