James, born James Oppenheim, grew up in New Rochelle, New York, and studied clarinet at eight, later switching to saxophone. At age 15, his family moved to Los Angeles, where he began playing in a fusion band called Line One that was strong enough to open for Flora Purim and the Yellowjackets. He earned a degree in history from UCLA but became a full-time musician after graduation, doubling on keyboards.
In 1985, James went on the road as a keyboardist with Morris Day. He spent four years with Day and became an in-demand sideman, playing with Randy Crawford, Sheena Easton, the Isley Brothers, Bobby Caldwell, and many others before going solo.
James has received four Grammy nominations, RIAA gold-certified albums, and millions of sales. His unique meld of soul-jazz, R&B, funk, and pop have come to define the sound of 21st-century contemporary jazz. Albums such as 1999's Body Language, 2004's Pure, and 2015's Futuresoul have influenced an entire generation of artists.
In 2020, James released his album Solid, featuring 11 self-penned compositions, including the single "Be Here," with Kenny Lattimore providing vocals. The album debuted at #10 on the Billboard Current Pop Albums Chart.
James remains a prominent figure in the contemporary jazz scene, with his unique sound and influence on the genre solidifying his place in music history.
Hold On Tight
Boney James Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Just as wonderful with both feet on the ground
It's that second time you hear your love song sung
Makes you think perhaps that love, like youth, is wasted on the young
Love's more comfortable the second time you fall
Like a friendly home the second time you call
Who can say what bought us to this miracle we've found?
There are those who'll bet love comes but once, and yet
I'm so glad we met the second time around
Who can say what bought us to this miracle we've found?
There are those who'll bet loves comes but once, and yet
I'm so glad we met the second time around.
The lyrics of Boney James's song Hold On Tight revolve around the idea of being in love a second time and how it can be even better than the first. The singer suggests that love is more comfortable and wonderful when experienced a second time, as it allows the person to appreciate it more fully. The chorus suggests that the singer is grateful to have found love for a second time, despite the belief of some that love only happens once in a lifetime.
The lyrics suggest that the second time around, love is experienced differently than the first. The singer suggests that the first time it may have been wasted on the young, perhaps implying that the passion and intensity of love is not fully appreciated in youth. However, the second time around, love is more comfortable and familiar, like returning to a friendly home. The singer seems to challenge the notion that love only happens once, suggesting that perhaps it can happen again and be even better than before.
Overall, the lyrics of Hold On Tight convey a sense of gratitude for being given a second chance at love. They suggest that the second time around can be even more meaningful and wonderful than the first, and that love is something to be cherished and appreciated fully.
Line by Line Meaning
Love is lovelier the second time around
Love is even more beautiful and precious when you experience it the second time after having learned from previous mistakes.
Just as wonderful with both feet on the ground
You can still experience the same level of joy and excitement in love, even with a realistic and grounded approach.
It's that second time you hear your love song sung
Hearing a love song again with someone new can evoke sweet memories while also creating new ones with a different person.
Makes you think perhaps that love, like youth, is wasted on the young
Experiencing love a second time makes you realize that young people may not fully appreciate it, and it takes life experience and maturity to truly understand its value.
Love's more comfortable the second time you fall
Falling in love a second time may be more comfortable because you may feel more confident in yourself and wiser about relationships.
Like a friendly home the second time you call
When you come back to love for a second time, it feels like a familiar and welcoming place that you can call home.
Who can say what bought us to this miracle we've found?
It's impossible to know what brought you and your partner together, but recognizing the miracle in it can be a beautiful thing.
There are those who'll bet love comes but once, and yet
Some may believe that we only experience true love once in our lives, but that doesn't mean that love can't happen again.
I'm so glad we met the second time around
The artist is grateful for the opportunity to experience love again with someone new.
Who can say what bought us to this miracle we've found?
It's impossible to know what brought you and your partner together, but recognizing the miracle in it can be a beautiful thing.
There are those who'll bet loves comes but once, and yet
Some may believe that we only experience true love once in our lives, but that doesn't mean that love can't happen again.
I'm so glad we met the second time around.
The artist is grateful for the opportunity to experience love again with someone new.
Contributed by Jayden C. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
BriBri
How does this masterpiece get this many thumbs down??? They must not be REAL Smooth Jazz fans.
alicia powe
EXACTLY
keenadler
Love Boney he says more with his sax than a performer using lyrics. Very impressed with his skill and passion. He seems to know exactly what you need to hear when you pop him in the cd player. I pray he continues to lay down tracks this good and better.
Janet High
This song soothes my soul like no other,on repeat daily!
Cornelius Edwards
Shiii smooth.And soothing.Grrat artist ,Boney James. My dude.Sax..xxxxxxing out.
Kimberly Price
Yes soothing to the soul ❤️
Jules Sepillo
that chorus... it didnt need to have lyrics to make me understand the emotion of love coming out of it. This is absolutely incredible.
Anita Kos
Love how calmed and soothing this song is 💋❤️❤️❤️🌹🌹🌹🌹❤️
Sheryl Walker
This is my favorite song off of the cd...heck, it's my favorite song by Boney period. Such a smooth sound to it...LOVE IT!!
Robert Thomas
Boney has it right with each and every note ........ what a classic artist!