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.
Honestly
Boney James Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Don't promise me you'll never leave
Honestly
There's not much that I need
From you, baby
All I need is for you to be here, baby
So
That you won't ever leave (you won't ever have to)
There's no need to buy my love with expensive things
Won't ask you to lie to me
'Bout things that will never be
I just want you here with me
(Right here)
Honestly
Mmm, honestly
Don't promise me you'll never leave
Honestly
That's all I need
I hope you heard me (heard me)
But just in case you didn't I said I didn't need much
From you, from you
I just need you to be here (be here)
Today (today)
With me
Don't promise me tomorrow
'Cause tomorrow may never come, ooh
You don't have to promise me
That you won't ever leave (you won't ever have to)
There's no need to buy my love with expensive things (I don't want it)
Won't ask you to lie to me
'Bout things that will never be (hey)
I just want you here with me, oh whoa
Honestly, whoa oh oh oh
I mean every word I say (oh yes I do, oh baby)
I need you right here, right here today
Just need you to grab my hand
Stay in bed
Listen to my thoughts sometimes
(Tell me that you're mine)
I don't need no promises, baby
I just need you, honestly
Honestly
Honestly
Don't promise me you'll never leave
You don't have to promise me that you won't ever leave (don't tell me things)
There's no need to buy my love with expensive things (no need, no need)
Won't ask you to lie to me (I don't want it)
'Bout things that will never be (never ever be)
I just want you here with me (right here)
Honestly
The song Honestly, by Boney James, is a heartfelt expression of a desire for genuine intimacy and companionship with someone special. The singer is not interested in empty promises, grand gifts, or unrealistic dreams, but simply wants the presence and attention of the person they love. They do not need to be told that they will never be abandoned, as they understand the uncertain nature of life and relationships. Instead, they want to enjoy the here and now, spending time together, sharing thoughts and feelings, being close and connected in the moment. The repetition of the word "honestly" emphasizes the importance of sincerity, trust, and authenticity in building a meaningful relationship.
The lyrics of Honestly reflect a mature and realistic approach to love and commitment, recognizing that true happiness comes from sharing the joys and challenges of life with someone who understands and supports us. The song has a gentle tempo and soothing melody, creating a mood of relaxation and contentment. The use of saxophone and other instruments enhances the emotional depth of the lyrics, conveying a message of tenderness and vulnerability. Ultimately, the song embodies the universal desire to be loved and accepted for who we are, without pretense or expectation.
Line by Line Meaning
Honestly
The singer is emphasizing their sincerity throughout the song
Don't promise me you'll never leave
The singer doesn't want false promises of staying together forever
Honestly
Reinforcing sincerity
There's not much that I need
The artist doesn't require extravagant gifts or material possessions
From you, baby
Clarifying that the artist is directing their message to their lover
All I need is for you to be here, baby
The singer simply wants their lover to be present and committed to the relationship
So
Transition to the next part of the song
You don't promise me
Reinforcing the disinterest in empty promises
That you won't ever leave (you won't ever have to)
Reinforcing that the artist doesn't need guarantees of forever
There's no need to buy my love with expensive things
The artist doesn't want to be won over with material possessions
Won't ask you to lie to me
The singer doesn't want to be deceived
'Bout things that will never be
The artist doesn't want false promises of things that aren't possible
I just want you here with me
The singer reiterates that they simply want their lover to be present
(Right here)
Further emphasizing the desire for physical presence
Honestly
Reinforcing sincerity
Mmm, honestly
Transition to the next part of the song
That's all I need
Reiterating that the artist doesn't need anything extravagant
I hope you heard me (heard me)
The singer is clarifying their message to their lover
But just in case you didn't I said I didn't need much
The singer reiterates that their desires are minimal
From you, from you
Clarifying that the message is directed at their lover
I just need you to be here (be here)
The artist desires their lover's physical presence
Today (today)
Emphasizing that the artist's desire is for the present moment
With me
Clarification of who the singer wants present
Don't promise me tomorrow
The artist doesn't need promises of the future
'Cause tomorrow may never come, ooh
Highlighting the uncertainty of the future
Honestly
Reinforcing the sincerity of the singer's message
You don't have to promise me
Reiterating that the singer doesn't need false promises
That you won't ever leave (you won't ever have to)
Further clarification that the artist doesn't need guarantees
There's no need to buy my love with expensive things (I don't want it)
The artist doesn't want to be won over with material possessions
Won't ask you to lie to me
Again emphasizing that deception is not desired
'Bout things that will never be (hey)
False promises are not what the singer wants
I just want you here with me, oh whoa
Physical presence is reiterated as the main desire
Honestly, whoa oh oh oh
Reinforcing sincerity
I mean every word I say (oh yes I do, oh baby)
The artist emphasizes the truthfulness of their message
I need you right here, right here today
Reiterating the desire for physical presence
Just need you to grab my hand
A symbol of physical connection
Stay in bed
Desiring physical intimacy
Listen to my thoughts sometimes
Desiring emotional intimacy
(Tell me that you're mine)
Desiring verbal affirmation of the relationship
I don't need no promises, baby
Reiterating that false promises are not desired
I just need you, honestly
Sincerity is still the main emphasis
Honestly
Final reinforcement of sincerity
Honestly
The end of the song reaffirms the sincerity of the message
Don't promise me you'll never leave
Reiterating that false promises are not desired
You don't have to promise me that you won't ever leave (don't tell me things)
Further clarification that promises of forever are not needed and may be insincere
There's no need to buy my love with expensive things (no need, no need)
Reiterating that material things do not win the artist over
Won't ask you to lie to me (I don't want it)
False promises or deception are not desired
'Bout things that will never be (never ever be)
Again stating that false promises are unwanted
I just want you here with me (right here)
The desire for present and physical presence is reiterated
Honestly
Final reinforcement of sincerity
Lyrics © Songtrust Ave
Written by: James A Oppenheim, Denise Nicole White, Tim Carmon, Dana Lamarr Johnson
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@mawescott
Takes complete maturity to fully understand this song. Powerful!
@ComellaParker
Absolutely true ... this requires "complete" Maturity and Authenticity!
@marilynsmalls4882
YES STRONG STATEMENT AMEN
@dojuanbrown6665
INDEED!!!
@doretheatucker8060
Exactly complete maturity level..
@princetonking30
Most definitely
@melanieedwardscarter2393
The vibe on this song is Amazing. This song is truly a grown person point of view. love it
@Lolamich
I just discovered this gem. Currently on repeat.
@ruthielyons8823
Me also
@donnaw3542
Yes me to. My friend just said you listen to that all the time. I said it’s for you.