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.
Why Don't You Call Me
James Blake Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
What we both know I am
Ooh you know I am
Ooh you know I am
Why don't you call me
What we both know I am
What I am
What I am
And I said
Why don't you call me
What we both know
Why don't you call me
What we both know
And I said
Why don't you call me
What we both know
What I am
What I am
What I am
The lyrics to James Blake's song "Why Don't You Call Me" express the frustration of someone desperately waiting for a call from a loved one who they know should be reaching out to them. The repetition of the phrase "what we both know" emphasizes the fact that both parties are aware of their feelings for each other, yet one person is still hesitant to make the first move. The repetition of "What I am" at the end of each verse highlights the singer's identity and the fact that they are not someone who should be ignored or dismissed.
The song captures the raw vulnerability and intense emotions that come with waiting for a call that may never come. It is a relatable experience that many people have gone through at some point in their lives. The subtle electronic production and James Blake's haunting vocals create a haunting atmosphere that perfectly matches the tone of the lyrics.
Overall, "Why Don't You Call Me" is a powerful and emotional song that speaks to the universal experience of waiting for someone to reach out to you. It captures the feelings of loneliness and vulnerability that come with unrequited love.
Line by Line Meaning
Why don't you call me
The singer is wondering why the other person is not calling them.
What we both know I am
The singer knows that they are something to the other person, but they do not specify what that something is.
Ooh you know I am
The singer is implying that the other person knows what they are talking about, and they should not play ignorant.
What I am
The artist wants the other person to acknowledge what they are to each other.
And I said
The artist is repeating themselves, hoping for a response or some sort of recognition from the other person.
What we both know
The singer is emphasizing that they are not the only one who knows what they are to each other.
What I am
The singer wants the other person to acknowledge what they are to each other and stop avoiding the subject.
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: James Blake Litherland
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind