His pop/rock music is as eclectic as the places he's lived and the jobs he's held to survive. You name it; he's probably done it! James has worked as a bar mitzvah video editor, sold spa packages, womens clothing, and passed out bottled water at malls to name a few. His debut album, Stray, was written in the basement of a family's home in the suburbs of New York, where he worked as a live-in nanny.
Since starting his career in 2003 the pattern has been consistent, the show has gotten bigger, tighter, and the energy keeps increasing. James was recently a finalist in the Williamsburg 2005 singer/songwriter competition. He has worked with up and coming Yellopop producers, Assaf Spector and Eitan Graff, and now makes his local rounds at NYC premiere venues such as the Knitting Factory, Pianos and Rockwood Music Hall.
Free Love
Derek James Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Angels hide all your children
Save what you can save
There ain't gonna be no survivors
Lay it on thick spread it quick
Better hustle as the clock ticks
In a minute all the fuse is gonna run out... Run out
Or you'll be wishing you were swallowed by a whale
Take a chance, juts a little dance,
Here she comes can you keep it in your...
Free love come and take me
Free love come and save me
Up and down and all around
She'll move that body she'll melt you down
To a puddle of a man stuck looking for his pride
Try to make it as you're caught up in the flame
Lay it on thick spread it quick
Better hustle as the clock ticks
In a minute all the fuse is gonna run out
Look around the fires gives way
Can you make it as you feel yourself say
Free love come and take me
Free love come and save me
Walk to me whoo ooo ooo i been lone today
Walk to me whoo ooo ooo give me all that i crave
Walk to me whoo ooo ooo won't you come and save me
The lyrics of the song "Free Love" by Derek James invoke a sense of urgency as the singer sings about being caught up in some sort of danger, calling out to angels to save the innocent children. The imagery of a flame and the urgent, fast-paced rhythm of the lyrics convey a sense of an impending disaster, as though time is running out. The singer advises the listener to take a chance and dance, warning that if they don't set sail in time they will be trapped and wishing they had never missed their chance. The chorus speaks of "Free Love" coming to take and save the singer, which may refer to finding a sense of freedom from whatever danger the singer is caught up in, or perhaps simply finding love as a source of salvation.
The lyrics are open to interpretation, but it is clear that they convey a sense of danger and urgency. The singer is calling out for help and urging the listener to take action before it's too late. The idea of "Free Love" as a savior adds another layer of meaning to the song, suggesting that love may provide a source of freedom from whatever danger the singer is caught up in. Overall, the lyrics to "Free Love" are a vivid and urgent call to action, with a message that may resonate with listeners who feel trapped or in danger.
Line by Line Meaning
Caught above the flame
Feeling trapped and vulnerable, like being caught above a dangerous flame.
Angels hide all your children
Seeking protection and safety for your loved ones in a hostile environment.
Save what you can save
Acting quickly to salvage what you can in a dire situation.
There ain't gonna be no survivors
Feeling hopeless and resigned to an imminent disaster with no way out.
Lay it on thick spread it quick
Exaggerating or overstating something, perhaps to try to convince someone to act quickly.
Better hustle as the clock ticks
Acting quickly before time runs out.
In a minute all the fuse is gonna run out... Run out
Warning that there is not much time left before something drastic or explosive happens.
Gotta shake your tail, think its time you better set sail
Encouragement to act quickly and decisively, to leave behind what's holding you back and move on.
Or you'll be wishing you were swallowed by a whale
Warning that the consequences of not taking action could be dire or catastrophic.
Take a chance, juts a little dance,
Encouragement to take a risk, to put yourself out there and try something new or different.
Here she comes can you keep it in your...
Suggesting a feeling of attraction or anticipation, perhaps for a potential partner.
Free love come and take me
Desire for a free, uninhibited love that is not constrained by societal expectations or norms.
Free love come and save me
Hope that love can provide a form of salvation or rescue from a difficult or challenging situation.
Up and down and all around
Feeling swept up and overwhelmed, with emotions or circumstances taking you in different directions.
She'll move that body she'll melt you down
Feeling captivated or entranced by someone, who has a powerful, magnetic presence.
To a puddle of a man stuck looking for his pride
Feeling reduced or emasculated by someone's dominance or power, left feeling weak or ashamed.
Try to make it as you're caught up in the flame
Struggling to survive or persevere through a difficult, volatile situation.
Look around the fires gives way
Noticing that the situation is deteriorating, that things are starting to fall apart.
Can you make it as you feel yourself say
Questioning whether you can find the strength or resilience to persist, to keep going despite the odds.
Walk to me whoo ooo ooo i been lone today
Seeking companionship and connection, expressing feelings of loneliness.
Walk to me whoo ooo ooo give me all that i crave
Desiring fulfillment and satisfaction, seeking someone who can provide it.
Walk to me whoo ooo ooo won't you come and save me
Pleading for help or support, hoping that someone can provide comfort or rescue from a distressing situation.
Contributed by Bentley B. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
Felisha White
I LOVE this guy! And this song is amazing! The video was beautifully done, too.
Carolina Santos Read
I had so much fun working on this video! It was one of my first videos, and I'm a big Derek James fan. You guys are awesome! www.carolinasantosread.com