Still, Harvey Danger has attracted U.S. attention due to their critical praise, with the All Music Guide calling the release 'Little By Little' "a smart and compelling pop album". In contrast, the band is little known in Europe, the aforementioned issues compounded since the band focused on selling themselves in America (especially Seattle) and thus made it very difficult for fans to get albums in Europe. The original drummer, Evan Sult, moved to Chicago and now drums in the band Bound Stems. For a short-time, he was replaced by Michael Welke, formerly of the band No. 226.
As a symbol of the group's close connection to its fans, they published their last album as a free download along with other materials. In 2009, they announced on their website they've called it quits. According to them, their decision was mutual, and they felt the band has run its course. The single "Flagpole Sitta" remains popular on various radio stations as well as having notoriety from being the theme song to the popular British comedy program 'Peep Show'.
On March 6, 2016, bass player and founding member, Aaron Huffman, died of respiratory failure.
Cool James
Harvey Danger Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Coast on the silence, lowered expectations out the door
You spend half your life talking, trying to get a pause in edgewise
Swallow poison tongues, oppose your thumbs, believe in nothing
Can I have a nature change? (one bore time.)
Can I have a nature change? (cause the bastard changes.)
Can I have this? See how much time has wasted
Say you'll never trust again (I'll never trust again)
Who has time? You're giving up on ever finding the one you've been waiting for, but--
Can I have a nature change? (one bore time.)
Can I have a nature change? (cause the bastard changes.)
I've got no more time to spend on arguers, devil's advocates.
Or nasty bits, or fits of desperation
Lawrence of Arabia, Sir Alec said to Peter:
"What I owe you is beyond evalutaton."
Extend to me your hand, I'll nibble on your fingers
Bend to me your sweet ear, I'll gnaw it from its hinges
Can I have a nature change? (one more time.)
That's why ladies love cool james (cause the bastard changes)
The lyrics of Harvey Danger's song Cool James address themes of frustration with stagnant conversations and people, opposition to belief and trust, and the desire for personal transformation. The beginning lyrics speak to a desire for a new type of conversation, one that is effortless and enjoyable. The singer wants to move away from constantly having to talk and interrupt others to be heard. The use of the phrase "poison tongues" communicates a sense of toxicity and negativity that the singer wants to abandon. They want to let go of their old ways and embrace new experiences.
The chorus serves as a repeating call to action for a "nature change" or personal transformation. The lyrics "one bore time," imply that the singer wants to escape the monotony of their life, while "cause the bastard changes" suggests that change happens naturally and without explanation. The third stanza evokes a sense of despair and resignation, an admission that the search for a meaningful connection or trust is difficult and often fruitless. The final stanza is a bit more cryptic, with references to famous film characters Lawrence of Arabia and Sir Alec, and a line about nibbling on someone's fingers. Despite the surreal imagery, the plea for change and personal growth remains the throughline of the song.
Line by Line Meaning
Can I have this? Perfect conversation.
Can I engage in this perfect conversation with you?
Coast on the silence, lowered expectations out the door
Let's not expect much and just enjoy the quiet moment.
You spend half your life talking, trying to get a pause in edgewise
You talk about yourself too much without pausing to listen to others.
Swallow poison tongues, oppose your thumbs, believe in nothing
You hold back your true feelings, you're indecisive and you lack a sense of direction.
Can I have a nature change? (one bore time.)
Can I change who I am?
Can I have a nature change? (cause the bastard changes.)
Can I change who I am because we all constantly change?
Can I have this? See how much time has wasted
Can I have this moment now and see how much time I've lost before?
Take a clenched fist, and see how quiet calm replaced it
Relax and see how peace replaces aggression.
Say you'll never trust again (I'll never trust again)
You've given up hope of finding trustworthy people.
Who has time? You're giving up on ever finding the one you've been waiting for, but--
You're running out of time, but don't give up hope.
I've got no more time to spend on arguers, devil's advocates.
I don't have time for people who disagree for the sake of it.
Or nasty bits, or fits of desperation
I don't have time for unpleasantness or people who constantly need help.
Lawrence of Arabia, Sir Alec said to Peter:
A quote from 'Lawrence of Arabia' is being referenced here.
"What I owe you is beyond evalutaton."
A line from 'Lawrence of Arabia' that talks about an unmeasurable debt.
Extend to me your hand, I'll nibble on your fingers
I'll show physical affection even if it's a little unusual.
Bend to me your sweet ear, I'll gnaw it from its hinges
Listen to me and I'll talk your ear off.
Can I have a nature change? (one more time.)
Can I have another chance to change who I am?
That's why ladies love cool james (cause the bastard changes)
The singer's ability to embrace change is attractive to women.
Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
thebigbluesnook
What a cool vibe this tune has.
TheYoshiegg
fun fact: this song came out around the same time as where have all the merrymakers gone
youngwajd
God I love this song. Almost more than Wine, Women, and Song.