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.
Shake It Up
Boney James Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
No chocolate covered candy hearts to give away
No first of spring, no song to sing
In fact, here's just another ordinary day
Just called to say I love you
I just called to say how much I care
I just called to say I love you
No April rain, no flowers' bloom
No wedding Saturday within the month of June
But what it is is something true
Made up of these three words that I must say to you
Just called to say I love you
I just called to say how much I care
I just called to say I love you
And I mean it from the bottom of my heart
No summer's high, no warm July
No harvest moon to light one tender August night
No autumn breeze, no falling leaves
Not even time for birds to fly to southern skies
Just called to say I love you
I just called to say how much I care
I just called to say I love you
And I mean it from the bottom of my heart
No Libra sun, no Halloween
No giving thanks for all the Christmas joy you bring
But what it is, tho' old, so new
To fill your heart like no three words could ever do
Just called to say I love you
I just called to say how much I care
I just called to say I love you
And I mean it from the bottom of my heart
The lyrics of Boney James's "Shake It Up" speak of the absence of specific occasions and events that are traditionally celebrated and signify special moments in a year. Instead, it highlights the significance of the simple act of expressing love and care to someone, even in the absence of these grand occurrences. The mention of different months and seasons emphasizes how the absence of these occasions can make a day or a month seem ordinary or dull. However, the repetition of the line "I just called to say I love you" emphasizes the importance and power of expressing love and care, regardless of the day or the occasion.
The song's message of expressing love and care is timeless and universal, making it relatable to anyone who has experienced the need to convey these emotions. It speaks to the listener in a personal way, reminding them of the value of simple acts of affection. The structure of the song is simple, with a repetitive chorus and verses that tell a story, showcasing the power of simplicity.
Overall, "Shake It Up" offers a refreshing perspective on love and relationships. It encourages us to celebrate the love we have in our lives every day, rather than waiting for grand moments or occasions. The song is a reminder of how simple words and gestures can hold immense power in strengthening relationships and conveying our feelings to others.
Line by Line Meaning
No New Years Day to celebrate
There's no special occasion to mark the start of the year.
No chocolate covered candy hearts to give away
There's no festive fanfare and sweet treats to mark Valentine's Day.
No first of spring, no song to sing
There's no springtime renewal or songs of joy to mark the end of winter.
In fact, here's just another ordinary day
This day is nothing special, just like any other day.
Just called to say I love you
I'm here to tell you that I love you.
I just called to say how much I care
I'm here to tell you how much I care about you.
And I mean it from the bottom of my heart
I wholeheartedly mean it and want you to know that.
No April rain, no flowers' bloom
There's no fresh start with spring or the beauty of blooming flowers.
No wedding Saturday within the month of June
There's no traditional time for romance with weddings in the month of June.
But what it is is something true
However, what I'm about to say is genuine and heartfelt.
Made up of these three words that I must say to you
These three simple but powerful words are necessary for me to express to you.
No summer's high, no warm July
There's no summer sunshine or warmth, and no July heatwave to enjoy.
No harvest moon to light one tender August night
There's no moonlit harvest to look forward to, no romantic nights in August.
No autumn breeze, no falling leaves
There's no crisp autumn breeze or the beauty of falling leaves to enjoy.
Not even time for birds to fly to southern skies
The birds don't even have enough time to fly south for the winter.
No Libra sun, no Halloween
There's no sun sign for Libra or Halloween to celebrate with its spooky fun.
No giving thanks for all the Christmas joy you bring
There's no Thanksgiving to give thanks or even celebrate the joy of Christmas.
But what it is, tho' old, so new
Despite being well-known, what I'm about to say is still fresh and new.
To fill your heart like no three words could ever do
These three words can fill your heart in ways that nothing else can.
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group, KAREN SCHAUBEN PUBLISHING ADMINISTRATION, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: Carl Burnett, James Alan Oppenheim, Paul Brown, Rick Braun
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind