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.
Sweet Thing
Boney James Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
You are my fire
Though you're not mine
I can't deny ya
Don't you hear me talking baby?
Love me now or I'll go crazy
The lyrics to Boney James's song Sweet Thing convey the feeling of being completely enamored with someone, even if they don't belong to you. The singer acknowledges that the person they are addressing is a source of warmth and passion for them, even though they can't claim them as their own. The repetition of "You are my heat, You are my fire" emphasizes the idea that this person is crucial to their emotional well-being, and that they can't help feeling this way. Despite the fact that the person may be emotionally unavailable, the singer pleads with them to reciprocate their feelings, knowing that if they don't, they may go insane from longing. The chorus of the song is a passionate, soulful cry for love or understanding, which is amplified by the saxophone solo that follows.
Line by Line Meaning
You are my heat
You are the source of my passion and desire
You are my fire
You ignite the flames of my emotions and excitement
Though you're not mine
Even though you don't belong to me, I still feel drawn to you
I can't deny ya
I can't resist your charm and allure
Don't you hear me talking baby?
Can't you tell how much I want you?
Love me now or I'll go crazy
Either love me back or I'll become consumed by my longing for you
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group, Warner/Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: VAN MORRISON
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@tiffanyharris543
I have been believing that God is going to do this for a few years now. Thank you Father. I promise to stay in our secret place during this time of increase. I promise to continue to help grow your kingdom.
@tondaleahwillis-singh6932
Majestic 💕💕💕💕💕💕💕
@lizhair8697
Sweet thing is so cute I feel like that sweet thing is me 😍 love all of Boney's music
@96Dopac
Oh im here too, CATCH UP mane BIG MIXON not the YOUNG one ! BACK AND BETTER! BELIEVE IN GOD HE REAL REAL❗
@IsabelM15486
On repeat!! 🫶🏽💞🎶🎷
@XMAN4708
Super Sweet ❣️ Melodic Smooth Silky
@lizhair8697
Sweet thing I am 😂.Thank you, very enjoyable to be around ❤
@afakasi7429
Made my night listening to this, thank you
@marknaynor-qz6if
Keep it coming jazzey
@shyvonjones6881
Yesssssss