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.
Measurements
James Blake Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Testing sounds
For the deaf and the forest cold
Trees in clouds
Testing doubts
Trying hard not to be too bold
Telling lies
That you're not on your own
Watching their
Faith in prayers
Will make you see your bones
Please fall down
Testing sounds
For the deaf and the forest cold
Trees in clouds
Testing doubts
Trying hard not to be too bold
Crease your pride
Telling lies
That you're not on your own
Watching their
Faith in prayers
Will make you see your bones
Please fall down
Testing sounds
For the deaf and the forest cold
Trees in clouds
Testing doubts
Trying hard not to be too bold
Crease your pride
Telling lies
That you're not on your own
Watching their
Faith in prayers
Will make you see your bones
Please fall down
Testing sounds
For the deaf and the forest cold
Trees in clouds
Testing doubts
Trying hard not to be too bold
Crease your pride
Telling lies
That you're not on your own
Watching their
Faith in prayers
Will make you see your bones
The lyrics of James Blake's song, Measurements, contain a sense of introspection and self-reflection, urging the listener to confront their limitations and vulnerabilities in life. The repeated phrase "please fall down testing sounds for the deaf and the forest cold" is an appeal for humility and honesty in the face of life's challenges. The image of the forest, with its towering trees and impenetrable foliage, serves as a metaphor for the difficulties and uncertainties that we must navigate through in life.
The themes of doubt and uncertainty are further explored in the line "trees in clouds testing doubts, trying hard not to be too bold." Here, Blake seems to be acknowledging the constant tension between our desire to take risks and pursue our ambitions, and the fear of failure and disappointment that holds us back. The refrain "crease your pride, telling lies that you're not on your own" is a stark reminder that we are all vulnerable, and that it is okay to ask for help or acknowledge our limitations.
The line "watching their faith in prayers will make you see your bones" is perhaps the most enigmatic of the song, but it suggests a recognition that there is something deeper and more profound that connects us all, whether it be faith, spirituality, or simply a shared humanity. Ultimately, Measurements is a song that encourages us to stay true to ourselves, even when the world seems against us, and to seek out the sense of connection that can help guide us through life's challenges.
Line by Line Meaning
Please fall down
Submit and accept defeat
Testing sounds
Experimenting with new methods and ideas
For the deaf and the forest cold
For those who cannot understand or choose to ignore what is being done or said
Trees in clouds
Mysterious and opaque situations
Testing doubts
Exploring and questioning uncertainty
Trying hard not to be too bold
Attempting to proceed with caution and prudence
Crease your pride
Swallow your ego and allow yourself to be vulnerable
Telling lies
Putting on a facade and pretending to be something you're not
That you're not on your own
Believing that there is someone else who shares your struggles
Watching their
Observing others
Faith in prayers
Having faith in something that may not necessarily give immediate results or answers
Will make you see your bones
Will allow you to see what is truly important and essential in life
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: James Blake Litherland
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
이새보름
His voice is like depressed angel
션션
인정
grime88888888
his gospel/soul influences are so evident in this one i love it
P Inge
This is ultimately beautiful along with the rest of his glorious songs. I mean, James Blake is definitely my favorite artist no doubtably. I just wished I'd found out about his music earlier that the past few months. These songs definitely mean a lot to me, as If everyone was specifically made for me- though they probably wouldn't have then.
Jazmin Mcneil
Beautiful voice, just heard this on skins uk
Mia Hogg
Same is amazing
lucifersam99
Despite the minimal instrumentation in this song, there are still a lot of subtleties. I dropped acid and listened to this album a few weeks ago. When this track came on, i noticed that the consonants don't always line up. (e.g. "...and the fores-s-st cold(d).") This album is incredible. So much attention to detail.
kabooski
James Blake's song just make me feel warm and a kind of safety?(wtf i dunno)
I cant tell,when i listen to his songs,i just feel great.
EG W
You are so sweet! And right.
rhymeswithgabriel
you can hear the metronome at points. i think that's awesome. shows how raw this is