Brendan James is a New York-based singer-songwriter originally from Derry, … Read Full Bio ↴Brendan James is a New York-based singer-songwriter originally from Derry, New Hampshire. In the fall of 2007, Brendan self-released his EP The Ballroom Break-In produced by Mikal Blue, who has recorded with Colbie Caillat. The album charted on iTunes Top 100. The Ballroom Break-In is symbolic of the days when he first moved to New York -- he could not afford practice space so he would sneak into hotel ballrooms to practice on their pianos. After the success of his EP, James was signed to Decca Records. Brendan released his debut full-length album, The Day is Brave, through Universal/Decca Records on June 3, 2008, in the United States, and on June 17, 2008 in Canada. It was also produced by Mikal Blue. It debuted on the Top 10 Billboard Heatseeker Charts, with Newsweek, Entertainment Weekly, and celebrity blogger Perez Hilton all praising his debut effort and was ranked as the tenth most selling folk-rock album on iTunes. "Hero's Song," appeared on the soundtrack album Body of War: Songs that Inspired an Iraq War Veteran. "The Sun Will Rise" appeared in the ABC drama Private Practice in 2007, and the episode "The Bone That Blew" in the FOX series Bones. Brendan's self-titled second studio album produced by Warren Huart was released on September 7, 2010.
On March 19, 2013, Brendan James announced a Kickstarter campaign to raise money to promote his new album. James raised $33,948, surpassing his goal, during the three week campaign. The album, titled "Simplify", was released on August 6, 2013.

Manchester
Brendan James Lyrics

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Plains and painted trees, the long south willow street
A raging river turning.
Feelings never change, the names remain the same, and children go on learning.

Like all the town she fights, she prays she'll do it right.
With nature's sounds to guide her safely through the night.

All of Manchester together to carry on the weight that is life, that has changed over night

Let the good lend their hand and the old teach the young.
This is all of Manchester together to carry us on

Shades of red and white in the blinking of an eye, the blues not far behind.
Free to live for the price of the cold November night,
A chill that never dies

Like all the town she fights, she prays she'll do it right.
With nature's sounds to guide her safely through the night.

All of Manchester together to carry on the weight that is life, that has changed over night
Let the good lend their hand and the old teach the young.
This is all of Manchester together to carry us on

All of Manchester

Father Roger speaks, he brings us to our knees
Oh it's beautiful

All of Manchester together to carry on the weight that is life, that has changed over night

Let the good lend their hand and the old teach the young.
This is all of Manchester together to carry us on

Overall Meaning

Brendan James's song Manchester portrays the resilience and strength of the city of Manchester in the face of natural disasters and life's hardships. The song opens with vivid imagery of the city's landscape - plains, painted trees, and a raging river - which reflects the natural beauty of the city. Despite the ever-changing world, the feelings and names remain the same, and the children continue to learn. The second verse highlights the resolute character of the city, how it fights and prays to do right. The lyrics convey that even in the darkest and coldest November night, the city of Manchester remains free to live, but with a chill that never dies.

The chorus emphasizes the unity of the city, calling for all of Manchester to come together to carry on the weight of life that has changed overnight. The good must lend their hand, and the old must teach the young. The final verse contains religious undertones, wherein Father Roger speaks and brings them to their knees, making the city residents appreciate the beauty of the city and the moment.

Line by Line Meaning

Plains and painted trees, the long south willow street
The scenery of Manchester is described through the plains, trees, and streets.

A raging river turning.
The river in Manchester is powerful and dynamic, always changing.

Feelings never change, the names remain the same, and children go on learning.
Despite changes in life, some things remain constant like emotions, names, and the pursuit of knowledge.

Like all the town she fights, she prays she'll do it right.
Manchester is a place of hardworking individuals who hope to make a positive impact.

With nature's sounds to guide her safely through the night.
Amidst the hustle and bustle of life, Manchester finds solace in the calming sounds of nature.

All of Manchester together to carry on the weight that is life, that has changed over night
Manchester is a community that comes together to support each other through difficult times, even when life throws unexpected changes.

Let the good lend their hand and the old teach the young.
People of all ages in Manchester have a role to play in helping their community thrive, with younger generations learning from the wisdom of the elderly.

Shades of red and white in the blinking of an eye, the blues not far behind.
Life in Manchester can change quickly and unpredictably, symbolized by the sudden shift in colors from red and white to blue.

Free to live for the price of the cold November night, A chill that never dies
Freedom and the ability to live life come at the cost of enduring the perpetual chill of the November night in Manchester.

Father Roger speaks, he brings us to our knees, Oh it's beautiful
A religious figure in Manchester has a powerful impact on the community, inspiring awe and beauty.

All of Manchester together to carry on the weight that is life, that has changed over night
The people of Manchester remain resilient, coming together to support each other through difficult times even as life changes in unexpected ways.

This is all of Manchester together to carry us on
Manchester will continue to move forward, united as a community through its triumphs and tribulations alike.

Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group, Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd.
Written by: BRENDAN JAMES, TONY BRUNO, WALLY GAGEL

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind

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