Fine
James (1) Lyrics
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In the outback
Keep your throwing arm steady
So I get home
I'm a vampire bat
Out in shanghai
Haven't eaten in four days
I've ordered in a Chinese takeaway
I show more than I hide
I care more than I cry
I'm a phonograph baby
My wires are live
And I'm in crisscross
Fine. I feel fine.
I'm a fortune cookie
Full of cheap advice
I'm a suicide rookie
Blowing last call
Show more than I hide
Care more than I can cry
I'm a phonograph baby
My wires are live
And I'm in crisscross
Fine. I feel fine.
The lyrics to James (1)'s song "Fine" speak about the duality of the artist's personality and how they relate to the world around them. The first verse refers to the artist feeling like a boomerang in the outback - they are out of place, but their purpose is to come back home. The second part of the verse describes the artist feeling hungry and alone, like a vampire bat in Shanghai. They have ordered in Chinese takeaway as a means of survival, but it is not necessarily satisfying. The second verse references the artist's willingness to show their true self and their emotions, despite the societal norms of hiding emotions. They are like a phonograph baby with live wires, in crisscross, meaning they are ready to release their inner thoughts and feelings.
The chorus consists of a simple three-word statement - "fine, I feel fine" - and it is repeated throughout the song. However, it is the verses that give insight into the artist's true emotional state, which may not always align with feeling "fine." The use of metaphors in the lyrics allows for a layered interpretation of the artist's feelings and experiences.
Line by Line Meaning
I'm a boomerang
I'm someone who always comes back, even if I go far away.
In the outback
In the wild, remote areas where things are rough and there aren't many people.
Keep your throwing arm steady
Be consistent and reliable when you send me out, because that's the only way I'll make it back.
So I get home
I want to be back where I came from, and that's why I need you to throw me right.
I'm a vampire bat
I'm nocturnal and I survive by taking from others, but I'm still a living creature that needs to eat.
Out in shanghai
I'm in a bustling, exciting city where things are happening all the time.
Haven't eaten in four days
I'm in a difficult situation where I don't have what I need to survive, even though I'm surrounded by abundance.
I've ordered in a Chinese takeaway
I'm trying to make the best of what I have, even if it's not exactly what I want or need.
I show more than I hide
I'm pretty transparent about who I am and what I'm feeling, even if that makes me vulnerable.
I care more than I cry
I don't always show how much I'm hurting or how much I need help, but that doesn't mean I don't feel deeply.
I'm a phonograph baby
I'm old-school and a bit retro, but I can still make beautiful music.
My wires are live
I'm full of energy and potential, even though I might seem a little fragile.
And I'm in crisscross
My life is a bit chaotic and unpredictable, but that doesn't mean I'm not moving forward.
Fine. I feel fine.
I might be going through some tough times, but I'm okay and I'll get through it because I'm resilient.
I'm a fortune cookie
I might have some wisdom or helpful advice, but it's pretty generic and not necessarily applicable to everyone.
Full of cheap advice
I'm not pretending to have all the answers or be an expert, but I'm still trying to be helpful in my own way.
I'm a suicide rookie
I might be in over my head or trying something dangerous, but I'm still trying because I don't know any better.
Blowing last call
I'm trying to make the most of my time and live fully, even if it means taking risks or living on the edge.
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: TIMOTHY BOOTH, JAMES GLENNIE, DAVID JOHN BAYNTON-POWER, SAUL DAVIES, MARK HUNTER
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
TheWorldsWorstMan
Underrated song. There’s some real gems on this album
Mike Daniels
Such a great, totally underrated song. It always amazed me that James was never bigger here in the U.S. They have so many truly amazing songs, this being one of them.
Stephen A
This is the first song that got me hooked on them on Pandora forever ago and I feel the same. I love James and I'm from the US and actually got to see them live in San Francisco but they are truly one of the best British rock bands ever. But no one I know really listens to them and I'm not sure why, I try to spread the word but IDK why they didn't catch on like U2 or Coldplay.
Zé Faisca
Fine, I feel fine... Love this song!
Rene Perez
BEAUTIFUL
bjtucker5
Underated genius.
Period.
Soapy Soutar
Magnificent nothing else to ask
Sebastian Van Woerkom
This song always reminds me of when I was 18/19 and living in London. For some reason my brain latched on to it and wouldn't let it go for about 3 weeks, so I was just listening to it over and over. I can still see myself riding the DLR through the docklands in the stiff winter jacket I had, the setting sun bouncing off the office buildings, this album art on my Sansa ClipZip's screen.
Andz Milne
One of many wee gems from James
Cheryl Anderton
Fudging love this! :)