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.
In The Rain
Boney James Lyrics
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It may sound crazy, but I wanna go outside in the rain
I'm crying because of you
Let me go, let me go, let me go
Once the rain starts falling, baby
You won't find a trace
Let me go, let me go, let me go
I wanna go outside in the rain
It may sound crazy, but I wanna go outside in the rain
I wanna go outside in the rain
It may sound crazy, but I wanna go outside in the rain
I wanna go outside in the rain
It may sound crazy, but I wanna go outside in the rain
Boney James’ “In The Rain” is one of the classic R&B ballads. The lyrics are simple but expressive. The song is about a heartbroken individual who is crying because of someone who hurt them, and they want to go outside in the rain to let their tears mix with the raindrops. The rain becomes a metaphor for the individual’s longing to release their emotional pain.
The first two lines of the song make it clear that the singer wants to go outside in the rain. They acknowledge that it may be a crazy idea, but they need to feel the rain on their face. The person is obviously in a lot of emotional pain, which is a result of a broken heart. The rain is seen as a cleansing agent, washing away their sadness and emotional turmoil.
The chorus reinforces the idea of the rain as a metaphor for cleansing. The individual is crying because of the one who hurt them, and they want to be let go so they can experience the freedom that comes with letting go of emotional baggage. Ultimately, the rain seems to be a way for the singer to find inner peace and release the pain that has been weighing them down.
Line by Line Meaning
I wanna go outside in the rain
I want to feel the rain on my skin, even though it might seem illogical
It may sound crazy, but I wanna go outside in the rain
Others may see my desire to stand in the rain as foolish or irrational
I'm crying because of you
My tears are a direct result of the pain and hurt that you have caused me
Let me go, let me go, let me go
I need to be released from the emotional burden that you have imposed on me
Once the rain starts falling, baby
As soon as the rain begins to pour, something will change
You won't find a trace
There will be no evidence of my presence or my tears, as they will all be washed away by the rain
I wanna go outside in the rain
Reiterating my desire to experience the healing power of the rain
It may sound crazy, but I wanna go outside in the rain
Others may not understand, but I know that standing in the rain will help me cope with my pain
I wanna go outside in the rain
Once again expressing my longing to be in the midst of the falling rain
Lyrics © Warner/Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: JAMES PAREDES
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind