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
Sean
It's great that James has time to play professional tennis and make great music at the same time.
truth via music
it's an (incredible) artist using the tones associated with dubstep to make music outside of the restrictions of that genre. that's why people sometimes call his music post-dubstep...because he took the formula and characteristics of dubstep and transcended the simplicity and predictability of it.
Kosmos Wielki
in 2023 still gives me goosebumps ❤️
gregwales
nicely said, dubstep is a LOT more diverse than most people think.
razors98
If you guys haven't heard a live version, you should... Ben Assiter's drums add lots of energy to the song!
TheDuuuhh
I used to think "why does everyone think James Blake is a genius? I mean, his music is ok but not extraordinary for me". Well, now I know. I love you Mr Blake.
Sha Sha
i thought i'd be like that with james too but the amount of detail that goes into a good number of his production really adds some replay value, he has challenged how i listen to music in a way i used to think substance was lyrics and lyrics alone but listening to james has me thinking otherwise.
Jorel Williams Official
Such a sick track! What a legend James Blake 👌❤
Foodiecutie
I was a Johnnie walker girl, and I will state here, that this song was played what felt like a hundred million times during our New York expos! Grew on me, love it!
Kuma4L
This track gives me such an R&B feeling i love it