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
I Can
James Blunt Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Is it an evil sign?
Is it a people
Who have lost their mind?
Is it the darkness?
Is it a man resigned?
Is it a best friend
Leaving you behind?
Will they ever let you go
Your in a rush they don't care enough
Cause there lives are very slow
Time is ticking on
You don't get a second shot
And when you sell your soul
For a leading role will the lost souls be forgot
And if I can?t hear the music
And the audience is gone
I'll dance here on my own.
And I hope the lonely hearts club band
Will play out one last song
Before the sun goes down.
And is it ending
Should it really make you sick is now the time that you realize
You better get out quick cause time is ticking on
To long to fake your smile
But then you sell your soul for a leading role so wear it for a while
And if I can't hear the music
And the audience is gone
I'll dance here on my own.
And I hope the lonely hearts club band
Will play out one last song
Before the sun goes down.
And there she goes
And there she goes
So write
Cause billy's got himself a gun billy's got himself a gun
And your right to be afraid they'll send you to your grave cause your strange
And if I can't hear the music
And the audience is gone
I'll dance here on my own.
Cause billy's got himself a gun billy's got himself a gun
And your right to be afraid they'll send you to your grave cause your strange
And if I can't hear the music and the audience is gone I'll dance.
And is it evil?
Should it really make you sick?
Is now the time that you realize
You'd better get out quick?
And is it envy
Or pride that makes them vain?
Did you give your all
But you're only small
And now your body's drained?
This is never gonna stop.
They will never let you go.
You're in a rush.
They don't care enough.
Cause their lives are very slow.
Time is ticking on.
Too long to fake your smile.
But then you sold your soul for a leading role
So wear it for a while.
And if I can't hear the music
And the audience is gone
I'll dance here on my own.
And I hope the lonely hearts club band
Will play out one last song
Before the sun goes down.
And there she goes
And there she goes
So round you'll see me run
Cause billy's got himself a gun
And you're right to be afraid
They'll send you to your grave
Cause it's strange and new
And if I can't hear the music
And the audience is gone
I'll dance here on my own.
And I hope the lonely hearts club band
Will play out one last song
Before the sun goes down.
And there she goes
And there she goes
So round you'll see me run
Cause billy's got himself a gun
And you're right to be afraid
They'll send you to your grave
cause it's strange and new
So round you'll see me run
Cause billy's got himself a gun
And you're right to be afraid
They'll send you to your grave
Cause it's strange and new
And if I can't hear the music
And the audience is gone
I'll dance?
The lyrics to James Blunt's song "I Can" delve into themes of isolation, self-expression, and the pressure to conform in society. The song starts by posing a series of questions, questioning the state of the world and its effects on individuals. It questions whether there is a warning or an evil sign, and it contemplates the impact of darkness and resignation. The lyrics suggest that people may be losing their minds and leaving others behind, emphasizing the feeling of being isolated and neglected.
The chorus, "And if I can't hear the music / And the audience is gone / I'll dance here on my own," speaks to the idea of finding solace in one's own company and embracing individuality, even in the absence of recognition or validation. The reference to the "lonely hearts club band" paying out one last song before the sun goes down suggests a final moment of connection and catharsis before the end of the day, symbolizing the fleeting nature of human connection.
The song also touches on the pressures to conform and the sacrifices one may make to achieve success. It questions whether the pursuit of fame and a leading role is worth compromising one's true self, symbolized by selling your soul. The lyrics imply that time is running out and it's too long to fake a smile or pretend to be something you're not. It highlights the challenge of maintaining authenticity in a world that values conformity.
Overall, "I Can" explores the themes of loneliness, self-expression, and the struggle to navigate societal pressures. It encourages individuality and self-acceptance, even in the face of rejection or isolation.
Line by Line Meaning
Is it a warning?
Is this song serving as a cautionary message?
Is it an evil sign?
Does this song represent something ominous or malevolent?
Is it a people
Who have lost their mind?
Is it a collective group of individuals who have become irrational or insane?
Is it the darkness?
Is it the absence of light or hope?
Is it a man resigned?
Is it a person who has given up or accepted their fate?
Is it a best friend
Leaving you behind?
Is it someone you considered as close as a best friend abandoning you?
Is it ever gonna stop
Will they ever let you go
Your in a rush they don't care enough
Cause there lives are very slow
Will these difficult circumstances ever come to an end? Will the people causing harm or holding you back ever release their grip? They are indifferent and unconcerned about your urgency because their lives are characterized by apathy and sluggishness.
Time is ticking on
You don't get a second shot
Time is passing by and you don't have another opportunity or chance.
And when you sell your soul
For a leading role will the lost souls be forgot
When you compromise your values or authenticity for a prominent position or success, will those who have similarly lost their way be forgotten or abandoned?
And if I can?t hear the music
And the audience is gone
I'll dance here on my own.
If I can no longer feel inspired or motivated by the music, and the people who supported me have disappeared, I will continue to dance and persevere independently.
And I hope the lonely hearts club band
Will play out one last song
Before the sun goes down.
I wish for a group of people who have experienced loneliness and heartache to perform one final song before the day comes to an end.
And is it ending
Should it really make you sick is now the time that you realize
You better get out quick cause time is ticking on
Is it reaching its conclusion? Should this situation truly make you feel ill? Is it now the moment when you understand that you should escape swiftly because time continues to pass?
To long to fake your smile
But then you sell your soul for a leading role so wear it for a while
It's been too long to pretend to be happy, but you still decide to sacrifice your integrity for a prominent position, so you will wear that facade for some time.
And there she goes
And there she goes
And she departs, and she departs
So write
Cause billy's got himself a gun billy's got himself a gun
And your right to be afraid they'll send you to your grave cause your strange
Express yourself through writing because Billy has acquired a weapon, and he poses a threat. Your fear is justified because they may harm you and lead to your demise due to your uniqueness or differentness.
And is it evil?
Should it really make you sick?
Is it inherently malicious or wicked? Should it genuinely repulse or disgust you?
Is now the time that you realize
You'd better get out quick?
Has the moment arrived for you to understand that it's imperative for you to leave swiftly?
And is it envy
Or pride that makes them vain?
Is it feelings of jealousy or excessive self-importance that causes them to be conceited?
Did you give your all
But you're only small
And now your body's drained?
Did you put forth all your effort, even though you are just one person with limited capacity, and now you feel depleted or exhausted?
This is never gonna stop.
They will never let you go.
You're in a rush.
They don't care enough.
Cause their lives are very slow.
This situation will persist indefinitely, as those responsible will never allow you to escape. While you feel an urgent need for resolution, they are indifferent because their lives lack excitement or purpose.
So round you'll see me run
Cause billy's got himself a gun
And you're right to be afraid
They'll send you to your grave
Cause it's strange and new
Therefore, you will witness me running in circles, fearing for my safety, as Billy is armed with a gun. It is reasonable for you to be scared since they may cause your demise due to the unfamiliar and unsettling nature of the situation.
And if I can't hear the music
And the audience is gone
I'll dance here on my own.
If I am unable to perceive the inspiration or encouragement of the music, and the people who supported me have vanished, I will still continue to dance and persevere.
Cause billy's got himself a gun
And you're right to be afraid
They'll send you to your grave
Cause it's strange and new
Because Billy has a firearm, it is justifiable for you to feel fearful. They may cause your death due to the unfamiliar and unsettling nature of the situation.
So round you'll see me run
Cause billy's got himself a gun
And you're right to be afraid
They'll send you to your grave
Cause it's strange and new
Therefore, you will witness me running in circles, fearing for my safety, as Billy is armed with a gun. It is reasonable for you to be scared since they may cause your demise due to the unfamiliar and unsettling nature of the situation.
And if I can't hear the music
And the audience is gone
I'll dance.
If I lose the ability to appreciate the music and the people who supported me no longer exist, I will continue to dance.
And is it evil?
Should it really make you sick?
Is it inherently malicious or wicked? Should it genuinely repulse or disgust you?
Is now the time that you realize
You'd better get out quick?
Has the moment arrived for you to understand that it's imperative for you to leave swiftly?
And is it envy
Or pride that makes them vain?
Is it feelings of jealousy or excessive self-importance that causes them to be conceited?
Did you give your all
But you're only small
And now your body's drained?
Did you put forth all your effort, even though you are just one person with limited capacity, and now you feel depleted or exhausted?
This is never gonna stop.
They will never let you go.
You're in a rush.
They don't care enough.
Cause their lives are very slow.
This situation will persist indefinitely, as those responsible will never allow you to escape. While you feel an urgent need for resolution, they are indifferent because their lives lack excitement or purpose.
So round you'll see me run
Cause billy's got himself a gun
And you're right to be afraid
They'll send you to your grave
cause it's strange and new
Therefore, you will witness me running in circles, fearing for my safety, as Billy is armed with a gun. It is reasonable for you to be scared since they may cause your demise due to the unfamiliar and unsettling nature of the situation.
And if I can't hear the music
And the audience is gone
I'll dance here on my own.
If I am unable to perceive the inspiration or encouragement of the music, and the people who supported me have vanished, I will still continue to dance and persevere.
And I hope the lonely hearts club band
Will play out one last song
Before the sun goes down.
I wish for a group of people who have experienced loneliness and heartache to perform one final song before the day comes to an end.
And there she goes
And there she goes
And she departs, and she departs
So round you'll see me run
Cause billy's got himself a gun
And you're right to be afraid
They'll send you to your grave
Cause it's strange and new
Therefore, you will witness me running in circles, fearing for my safety, as Billy is armed with a gun. It is reasonable for you to be scared since they may cause your demise due to the unfamiliar and unsettling nature of the situation.
And if I can't hear the music
And the audience is gone
I'll dance here on my own.
If I lose the ability to appreciate the music and the people who supported me no longer exist, I will continue to dance.
Cause billy's got himself a gun
And you're right to be afraid
They'll send you to your grave
Cause it's strange and new
Because Billy has a firearm, it is justifiable for you to feel fearful. They may cause your death due to the unfamiliar and unsettling nature of the situation.
So round you'll see me run
Cause billy's got himself a gun
And you're right to be afraid
They'll send you to your grave
Cause it's strange and new
Therefore, you will witness me running in circles, fearing for my safety, as Billy is armed with a gun. It is reasonable for you to be scared since they may cause your demise due to the unfamiliar and unsettling nature of the situation.
And if I can't hear the music
And the audience is gone
I'll dance.
If I lose the ability to appreciate the music and the people who supported me no longer exist, I will continue to dance.
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: JAMES BLOUNT
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Monster PE
All "All the lost soul" songs have meanings if you listen carefully, its beautiful honestly.
reality is a scam
its such an underrated album
lujorom
This definitely is one of his best songs.
Turquoise E
great musician. I love his music. it either makes me very happy, or just downright nostalgic.
Mary-ann Antwi
Yes
Saskia van Houtert
Sure I agree with you, his voice is remarkable.
Saskia Masaun
Saskia van Houtert agreed
madmax
Such a greatly underrated song..
Laurenz Pachner
James Blunt is genius
NDEH Stanley
Thank you for posting this music. Very beautiful song from James Blunt.