James Blake began his final year at Goldsmiths in September 2009 studying popular music while recording songs in his bedroom. In July 2009, he attended the Latymer School and released his debut single "Air and Lack Thereof" on Hemlock Audio. It was a firm favorite with Gilles Peterson from BBC Radio 1, and Blake was invited to do a special mix on Peterson's worldwide show, which included an exclusive Mount Kimbie track.
Blake released his debut EP The Bells Sketch on 8 March 2010 on Hessle Audio, followed soon after by CMYK on 31 May 2010 and Klavierwerke on 10 October 2010, both on R&S Records. All three EPs were met with significant critical acclaim: BBC's Nick Grimshaw chose CMYK as his Record of the Week, the title track of CMYK was ranked 24th on Frontier Psychiatrist's top 40 songs of the year, and all three of Blake's 2010 EPs were collectively ranked 8th on Pitchfork's top 50 albums of 2010.
On 4 February 2011, Blake released his self-titled debut LP, James Blake, via ATLAS and A&M. Three singles were released for the album: "Limit to Your Love," "The Wilhelm Scream," and "Lindisfarne"/"Unluck". The album was very well-received by critics: on 29 September 2010, BBC's Zane Lowe made "Limit To Your Love" his "Hottest Record in the World," Pitchfork awarded the album Best New Music and ranked it the 12th best album of 2011 on their year-end list, and it was nominated for the 2011 Mercury Prize.
On 7 October 2011, Blake released his fourth EP, Enough Thunder, via ATLAS and A&M. Two singles were released for the EP: "Fall Creek Boys Choir," a collaboration between Blake and Bon Iver, and "A Case of You," a cover of Joni Mitchell. On 12 December 2011, Blake released another EP through R&S, Love What Happened Here.
CMYK
James Blake Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Red coat
Look, I found her
Look, I found her
Red coat
Look, I found her
Red coat
Look, I found her
Look, I found her
Red coat
Look, I found her
Look, I found her (damn!)
Red coat
Look, I found her (damn!)
Look, I found her (damn!)
Red coat
Look, I found her (damn!)
Look, I found her (damn!)
Red coat
Look, I found her (damn!)
Look, I found her (damn!)
Red coat
Look, I found her (damn!)
Look, I found her (damn!)
Red coat
Look, I found her
Look, I found her (damn!)
Red coat
Look, I found her
Look, I found her (damn!)
Red coat
Look, I found her
Look, I found her (damn!)
Red coat
Look, I found her (damn!)
Talk on the phone
But see, I don't know if that's good
Talk on the phone
But see, I don't know if that's good
Talk on the phone
But see, I don't know if that's good
Talk on the phone
But see, I don't know if that's good
Talk on the phone
But see, I don't know if that's good
Talk on the phone
But see, I don't know if that's good
I've been holding back this
Talk on the phone
But see, I don't know if that's good
Talk on the phone
But see, I don't know if that's good
Talk on the phone (look I found her)
But see, I don't know if that's good (red coat, look I found her)
Talk on the phone (look I found her)
But see, I don't know if that's good (red coat, look I found her)
I've been holding back this
Talk on the phone (look I found her)
But see, I don't know if that's good (red coat, look I found her)
Talk on the phone (look I found her)
But see, I don't know if that's good (red coat, look I found her)
I probably shouldn't tell it but
If I, if I let you know
The lyrics to James Blake’s song “CMYK” are quite repetitive and at face value, may not make much sense. The majority of the song is made up of the repeated phrase “Look, I found her (damn!) / Red coat / Look, I found her” which is followed by a brief interlude where Blake questions the effectiveness of talking on the phone. The repeated phrase could be interpreted as Blake calling out to someone he has found, possibly someone he has been searching for. The red coat could be a metaphor for this person as a symbol that helps Blake identify them. However, the song does not provide any context to suggest who this person is, or the significance of their being found.
Alternatively, the repetition of the phrase could be seen as a commentary on the nature of obsession. By repeating the same phrase over and over, the song creates a sense of urgency and fixation which mimics the feeling of obsessive thoughts. The red coat could be seen as an object of this obsession, something that Blake is fixated on finding or possessing. The theme of obsession is further hinted at in the interlude where Blake questions the value of talking on the phone. The lack of clarity on whether this conversation is good or not could suggest that the singer is struggling with the idea of how to communicate with the object of their obsession.
Overall, the lyrics to “CMYK” do not provide any clear resolution to the themes it alludes to. It remains a song that leaves interpretation and meaning to the listener.
Line by Line Meaning
Look, I found her (damn!)
Excitedly discovering the subject they have been searching for
Red coat
A defining characteristic or notable feature of the subject
Look, I found her
Repeating the feeling of discovery and accomplishment
Talk on the phone
Communicating with someone, likely about the subject of interest
But see, I don't know if that's good
Expressing hesitation or uncertainty about the potential outcome of communication
I've been holding back this
Hinting at a revelation or secret that has not yet been shared
If I, if I let you know
Considering the possibility of sharing the revelation with the other party
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group, Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd., RESERVOIR MEDIA MANAGEMENT INC, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: Timothy Mosley, Pharrell Williams, Stephen Garrett, Chad Hugo, James Litherland
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@booaugust
there’s something magical about the way you can hear the echo of his real voice
@ctong2914
they play it faster here than any other time i've seen it and that's why this is the best version. drummer keeps it together and triumphs in the end~
@TheKRenee81
I just love all James Blake music,🙌🏽 PERIOD!
@BlindManBert
Totally agree; those rhythm changes can’t be easy, and he does it deftly. But the thing about this piece (and James Blake in general) is it’s totally transcendent. Defies categorization. Tonight is the first I’m running across James Blake’s live performances.
@Carpettower
Never gets old goddamn
those drums _ 3:32
#jamesblake
@Dozer355
I know. That and when he smiles is every bodies favorite part!
@Shessin09
I absolutely adore them, this is the most amazing thing I have ever heard
@preetdawgskippy
God he’s just perfection. This is so incredible I can’t wait until the pandemic is over and we can go back out in the world and listen to live music!
@kungfusushi
legendary perf. too bad they've gotten sick of this song and don't put as much effort into performing this live anymore.
@antonszandorlavey1797
The cheeky smile James does at 3:38 says it all.