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.
Missing You
Boney James Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
I've been missing you
I can't help it
I've been missing you
All day I've been
I've been missing you
I can't help it
I've been missing you
I've been missing you
I can't help it
I've been missing you
All day I've been
I've been missing you
I can't help it
I've been missing you
The lyrics of Boney James' "Missing You" express a deep sense of yearning for someone who is not present. The repetition of the phrase "missing you" throughout the song reinforces the weight of this longing. The words "I can't help it" indicate a lack of control over these feelings - they cannot be easily suppressed or dismissed. The use of the past tense "I've been missing you" suggests that this is not a passing feeling, but something that has been persistent over a longer period of time.
The melody and instrumentation of the song support the emotional tone of the lyrics, with Boney James' signature smooth jazz sound evoking a sense of melancholy and tenderness. This is especially true of the mournful saxophone solos that appear throughout the track, which seem to cry out in the singer's absence. Overall, "Missing You" is an evocative and poignant song that captures the pain of separation and longing.
Line by Line Meaning
All day I've been
Throughout the entire day, without pause or interruption, I have been experiencing a particular feeling or emotion.
I've been missing you
This feeling or emotion I have been experiencing is the sadness, longing, or desire caused by your absence from my life.
I can't help it
Despite my efforts, I am unable to control or suppress this feeling of missing you. It is a natural and involuntary response to your absence.
I've been missing you
This repetition of the previous line reinforces the intensity and duration of my feelings, emphasizing that they have not diminished over time.
All day I've been
Once again, I emphasize the duration and constancy of my feelings, which have persisted throughout the entire day without relief.
I've been missing you
This final repetition of the chorus reaffirms the central theme of the song: my overwhelming and persistent feeling of missing you, which dominates my thoughts and emotions.
Contributed by Sophia E. Suggest a correction in the comments below.