Blunt was educated at Elstree School, Woolhampton, then Harrow School (where he received his nickname 'Blunty'), and finally the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst. Before the release of his album, Blunt was a commissioned officer in the British Army, rose to the rank of Captain and served as a NATO peacekeeper in Kosovo. He was also on duty for the funeral of the Queen Mother on 9th April, 2002.
He is currently signed to Linda Perry's American label Custard, and became the first British artist to top the American singles chart in nearly a decade when his first single from Back to Bedlam, "You're Beautiful", reached number one on the Billboard Hot 100 in 2006. The last British artist to do so had been Elton John in 1997 with the song Candle in the Wind.
His second album, All The Lost Souls, was released on 17th September 2007.
His third album, Some Kind of Trouble, was released on 8th November 2010.
Year active 2004- present
Hollywood
James Blunt Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
She’s gone Hollywood on me
She thinks everyone is watching,
It’s all about drugs and money and a back-door when she leaves
Whooo do you think you are? You are just a little fish in a sea of sharks
From the past you are hiding and you don’t wanna be reminded
[Chorus]
I don’t even think that I want what’s left of your heart
I used to think that I can make you happy then you go and throw it right back at me
Noooo you don’t even know what you want, know what you got
[Verse 2]
She’s got her jeans from the TV
But they don’t include me
It’s like all we have been through means nothing
And there’s nothing left to see
Whooo do you think you are? Feels like I don’t know you anymore.
We used to be friends and lovers
And I miss that most of all
[Chorus]
Nooo you don’t even know what you want, know what you got, noooo
I don’t even think that I want what’s left of your heart
I used to think that I can make you happy then you go and throw it right back at me
Noooo you don’t even know what you want, know what you got
[Verse 3]
All you need is star on an arm and a picture to show your friends
Sweet nothings to look bitter and
[Chorus]
Nooo you don’t even know what you want, know what you got, noooo
I don’t even think that I want what’s left of your heart
I used to think that I can make you happy then you go and throw it right back at me
Noooo you don’t even know what you want, know what you got
Noooo you don’t even know what you want, know what you got
Noooo I don’t even think that I want what’s left of your heart
I used to think that I can make you happy
Then you go and throw it right back at me
Noooo you don’t even know what you want, know what you got
The lyrics of James Blunt's "Hollywood" describe a young woman who has become infatuated with the glamorous lifestyle of Hollywood, believing that everyone is watching her every move. She is more concerned with drugs, money, and the promise of success than with the relationships she has left behind, including the singer. Her ego has made her think that she is a big fish in the sea of sharks, and she is hiding from her past because she does not want to be reminded of it. Meanwhile, the singer is left wondering who she is and what has happened to their friendship and love.
The chorus repeats the line "nooo, you don't even know what you want, know what you got" as the singer laments the loss of the happy relationship they once had. He cannot understand why she has changed and become so obsessed with fame, and he is no longer sure he wants anything to do with her. The third verse adds that all she needs is a star on her arm and a picture to show her friends, indicating that she is superficially seeking fame for its own sake.
One interesting fact about the song is that it was co-written by Ryan Tedder, a member of the band OneRepublic who has also written hit songs for artists like Beyoncé and Adele. Another is that it was released as a single in Germany before anywhere else, and it became a top 10 hit in that country. Additionally, the music video for the song features actress Mischa Barton as the "Hollywood" character, and it was directed by Brett Simon, who has also worked with The Killers and Neon Trees.
Line by Line Meaning
She’s gone Hollywood on me
She has become arrogant and thinks highly of herself
She thinks everyone is watching
She is self-conscious and believes everyone is observing her actions
It’s all about drugs and money and a back-door when she leaves
She values drugs and money more than genuine human relationships
Whooo do you think you are? You are just a little fish in a sea of sharks
You are not as special as you think you are and are vulnerable to being taken advantage of by others
From the past you are hiding and you don’t wanna be reminded
You are ashamed of your past and don't want to confront it
I used to think that I can make you happy then you go and throw it right back at me
I thought I had the power to make you content, but you have betrayed my trust by hurting me
She’s got her jeans from the TV
She has acquired expensive clothing inspired by television fashion trends
But they don’t include me
She has chosen to distance herself from me and exclude me from her life
Whooo do you think you are? Feels like I don’t know you anymore.
You have changed so much that I don't recognize who you have become
All you need is star on an arm and a picture to show your friends
You only care about your public image and what others think of you
Noooo you don’t even know what you want, know what you got
You are unsure of what you desire and don't appreciate what you already possess
Noooo I don’t even think that I want what’s left of your heart
I don't want to invest in the little love you have left to give
Contributed by Ava D. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
Barry Winston O'Brien
Moon Landings another great album from James Blunt. Hollywood is my favourite track from it.
DritaL L
I've been to many places but I've never ever felt like visiting Los Angeles cause I don't know so much about the city and I love visiting historical places u know places where u can actually see traces of our history..... I love this song James... U just won't let me sleep..... What would I do without u?
Cleopas Chisingarambwe
Hollywood my favourite track
Brema Rizky Putra
nice
michael sk
BARRY WINSTON!!....MOON LANDINGS ARE NOT..GREAT ALBUM..J.B 'S GREAT ALBUM IS 1ST & 2ND.
Alyssa Scharkley
+michael sk No, you are wrong. His greatest albums are 1, 2, 3 and 4, and I lie awake at night scared to death there won't be a number 5.