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
Wisemen
James Blunt Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Won't you tell me what the Wise Men said
When they came down from Heaven?
Smoked nine 'til seven
All the shit that they could find?
But they couldn't escape from you
Couldn't be free of you
And now they know there's no way out
They were three Wise Men just trying to have some fun"
Look who's alone now
It's not me
It's not me
Those three Wise Men
They've got a semi by the sea
Gotta ask yourself the question
Where are you now?
Gotta ask yourself the question
Where are you now?
Really sorry now
They weren't to know
They got caught up in your talent show
With you pernickety little bastards in your fancy dress
Who just judge each other and try to impress
But they couldn't escape from you
Couldn't be free of you
And now they know there's no way out
And they're really sorry now for what they've done
They were three Wise Men just trying to have some fun
Look who's alone now
It's not me
It's not me
Those three Wise Men
They've got a semi by the sea
Gotta ask yourself the question
Where are you now?
Gotta ask yourself the question
Where are you now?
Look who's alone now
It's not me
It's not me
Those three Wise Men
They've got a semi by the sea
Gotta ask yourself the question
Where are you now?
Gotta ask yourself the question
Where are you now?
Where are you now?
Where are you now?
Gotta ask yourself the question
Where are you now?
Gotta ask yourself the question
Where are you now?
The lyrics of James Blunt's song Wisemen appear to be directed towards an individual who has made a mess of things and is now asking for clarity on the situation. The singer states that this person (possibly a former lover or friend) is asking to be informed about the knowledge of the wise men. However, the three wise men in this context, represent individuals who could not escape from or be free of this person. They indulged in every kind of hedonistic pleasure to escape reality, but ultimately realized that there's no way out and that they're sorry for what they've done.
The singer indicates that this individual's talent show, which is full of judgmental, pretentious people in fancy dresses trying to impress, has caught the wise men in its clutches. They got caught up in this individual's facade, which they couldn't escape, and now they are sorry for it. The final lines of the song suggest that this person is now alone while the wise men have a semi by the sea. The singer urges this individual to ask themselves where they are now and to think about their actions before it's too late.
Overall, the song's theme appears to be centered around an individual who is lost and trying to find meaning in their life. It talks about how people can get lost in their own desires and how they can end up alone in the end if they're not careful. It's a meditation on the human condition and the importance of being mindful of one's actions.
Line by Line Meaning
She said to me, "Go steady on me
The singer is cautioning the listener to be gentle with their words/actions.
Won't you tell me what the Wise Men said
The singer is asking the listener for wisdom and guidance.
When they came down from Heaven?
The singer is referencing the biblical story of the three wise men who came to visit Jesus after his birth.
Smoked nine 'til seven
The artist is referencing a hedonistic lifestyle of excess and indulgence.
All the shit that they could find?
The artist is referring to the wise men engaging in all manner of pleasure-seeking activities.
But they couldn't escape from you
The singer is highlighting the addictive and all-consuming nature of their relationship with another person.
Couldn't be free of you
The singer is emphasizing the power this person holds over them.
And now they know there's no way out
The artist is acknowledging that they are trapped in this relationship.
And they're really sorry now for what they've done
The artist is suggesting that the wise men regret their involvement in this situation and the harm caused.
They were three Wise Men just trying to have some fun
The artist is trying to humanize the wise men as individuals who were simply looking for enjoyment in life.
Look who's alone now
The singer is highlighting that they are no longer in this relationship, and perhaps suggesting that the other person is now alone.
They've got a semi by the sea
The artist is painting a picture of the wise men enjoying a life of luxury near the ocean.
Gotta ask yourself the question
The singer is inviting the listener to reflect on their own situation and choices.
Where are you now?
The singer is asking the listener to consider their current position in life.
They weren't to know
The singer is suggesting that the wise men were not aware of the negative consequences of their actions.
They got caught up in your talent show
The artist is referencing a situation where someone became enamored with another person's talent or charisma.
With you pernickety little bastards in your fancy dress
The artist is using colorful language to describe people who are picky and judgmental, and who care too much about their appearance.
Who just judge each other and try to impress
The singer is criticizing people who engage in superficial behavior and place too much emphasis on appearances.
Where are you now?
The singer is asking the listener to re-examine their current position in life.
Where are you now?
The artist is repeating the question to emphasize its importance.
Where are you now?
The artist is again asking the listener to reflect on where they currently are in life and what their priorities are.
Gotta ask yourself the question
The artist is again emphasizing the importance of self-reflection and introspection.
Where are you now?
The singer is once again asking the listener to consider their current position in life.
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Downtown Music Publishing
Written by: Sacha Skarbek, James Blunt, Jimmy Hogarth
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind