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.
Voyeur
James Blake Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
I don't mind, it was all me
I don't mind, it was all me
I don't mind, it was all me
'Cause I am flawed
When I am through those doors
'Cause I am flawed
I should do whatever will make you feel secure
I don't mind, it was all me
I don't mind, it was all me
I don't mind, it was all me
I don't mind, it was all me
In the song "Voyeur" by James Blake, the repetition of the phrase "I don't mind, it was all me" echoes the internal dialogue of someone who is struggling with feelings of guilt and self-blame. The singer acknowledges that they are flawed and unsure of themselves, especially in situations where they are not in control. This vulnerability puts them in a position where they feel compelled to do whatever it takes to make their partner feel secure.
The lyrics suggest that the singer is troubled by their own imperfections and is seeking validation from their partner. However, their partner appears to be unaware of their internal struggle, possibly because the singer keeps their emotions concealed. This creates a sense of isolation and a feeling of being trapped within oneself.
Overall, the song captures the complex emotions that arise from feeling powerless and flawed in a relationship. The lyrics illustrate the tension between wanting to prove oneself to be worthy of love and acceptance, while at the same time fearing rejection and abandonment.
Line by Line Meaning
I don't mind, it was all me
The singer is accepting responsibility for whatever happened and is willing to bear the consequences.
I don't mind, it was all me
The singer is repeating their acceptance of responsibility, emphasizing that they bear no ill will or resentment towards anyone.
I don't mind, it was all me
The singer again asserts that they are responsible for the situation and are not seeking to shift blame or find fault in others.
I don't mind, it was all me
The artist's repetition of this line is reflective of their recognition that owning up to their actions is important and necessary.
'Cause I am flawed
The artist acknowledges their own imperfections and shortcomings as a human being.
When I am through those doors
The singer is referring to a specific event or situation where they may have made a mistake or poor decision.
'Cause I am flawed
The singer again is accepting the fact that their imperfections may have played a role in the outcome or situation.
Times unsure
The artist recognizes that uncertainties and doubts often accompany difficult situations or decisions.
I should do whatever will make you feel secure
The artist wants to rectify and improve the situation, even if it means sacrificing their own desires or preferences to ensure the other party feels safe and valued.
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: JAMES BLAKE LITHERLAND
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind