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.

Take The Fall
Brendan James Lyrics

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Forget about Norman
Small town Rockwell
Scenes of simple life
Forget about savings and poignant phrasings,
Cigarettes and schoolyard fights
Let us out now Lord of our speed and fancy
Of our 'can you hear me' now's and our techno loves
Drop us off on 55th and keep us reading Vonnegut

Point out now what we're careless of

My chance in life is worth letting go
Of all the trends they're setting so
Forgive me
If I'm so ordinary with extraordinary reasons to live
It's just like a boy to save his honor and his money
It's just like a girl to feel
It's just like a child to stand and interrupt us all
And say I'll gladly take the fall for you

Now love, love, love, yes
It's all you need
John and Paul Ringo George profess
If I've got love
I can feel I can remember every meal
But like a gift it can be taken all away

My chance in life is worth letting go
Of all the trends they're setting so
Forgive me
If I'm so ordinary with extraordinary reasons to live
It's just like a boy to save his honor and his money
It's just like a girl to feel
It's just like a child to stand and interrupt us all
And say I'll gladly take the fall for you

I'll gladly take the fall for you

Overall Meaning

In "Take The Fall," Brendan James invites listeners to forget about the trivial things in life, and embrace the raw, adventurous side of things. The opening lines suggest leaving behind the nostalgia of small-town life, and focusing on new experiences. The lines, "Drop us off on 55th and keep us reading Vonnegut," points towards a desire for adventure and a break from the mundane. The chorus reinforces this theme with the message that love is all we need and that ordinary humans have extraordinary reasons to live.

Towards the end of the song, James reiterates that he would gladly take the fall for someone he loves. This line creates the impression that James is a loyal friend and is willing to take the blame even for things he did not do to protect his loved ones. The final repetition of "I'll gladly take the fall for you" emphasizes the sentiment of loyalty and the willingness to take risks.

Overall, "Take The Fall" can be interpreted as a call for embracing adventure and love rather than being tied down or limited by societal expectations. It encourages listeners to have the courage to live life on their terms and to support others through their struggles.

Line by Line Meaning

Forget about Norman
Let go of the idea of a perfect, idyllic small town like Norman Rockwell's paintings.

Small town Rockwell
Similar to the previous line, let go of the nostalgic idea of a quaint small town depicted in Rockwell's art.

Scenes of simple life
Let go of the illusion that life is simple and uncomplicated like the scenes in Rockwell's paintings.

Forget about savings and poignant phrasings,
Don't be preoccupied with saving money and clever sayings.

Cigarettes and schoolyard fights
Let go of the vices and petty conflicts of youth.

Let us out now Lord of our speed and fancy
Free us from societal constraints and expectations so we can pursue our passions.

Of our 'can you hear me' now's and our techno loves
Embrace modern communications and technology.

Drop us off on 55th and keep us reading Vonnegut
Let us explore the intellectual and philosophical ideas presented in Kurt Vonnegut's works.

Point out now what we're careless of
Make us aware of what we're neglecting or taking for granted.

My chance in life is worth letting go
Giving up certain things or taking risks is worth the opportunity for fulfillment in life.

Of all the trends they're setting so
Don't feel pressured to follow societal trends or conform to others' expectations.

Forgive me
Apologizing for possibly disappointing or upsetting others by not conforming to societal norms.

If I'm so ordinary with extraordinary reasons to live
One may seem average or unremarkable, but still have incredible reasons to live and follow their dreams.

It's just like a boy to save his honor and his money
Boys are expected to be driven by honor and financial stability.

It's just like a girl to feel
Girls are expected to be emotional and express their feelings.

It's just like a child to stand and interrupt us all
Children can be audacious and unafraid to speak their minds.

And say I'll gladly take the fall for you
Willing to take the blame or face the consequences for the benefit of someone else.

Now love, love, love, yes
Love is essential.

It's all you need
Love is enough for true happiness and fulfillment.

John and Paul Ringo George profess
Referencing the Beatles, who famously sang about the power of love.

If I've got love
Having love is enough.

I can feel I can remember every meal
Love makes life memorable and significant.

But like a gift it can be taken all away
Love, like any other gift, can be fleeting and easily lost.

I'll gladly take the fall for you
Reiterating the willingness to take the blame or face the consequences for someone else's benefit.

Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS

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