The founding members of the band were drummer Jim Fox, bassist Tom Kriss, guitarist Ronnie Silverman, keyboardist Phil Giallombardo, and guitarist Glen Schwartz. In 1968 Joe Walsh replaced Schwartz when Schwartz left the band to join Pacific Gas & Electric. The band then released its debut album Yer' Album. In July of 1970, the band released its second album James Gang Rides Again which included the hit single "Funk #49." By this time, Dale Peters had replaced Kriss on bass. The band opened for The Who during a tour of Britain. After two more albums, Thirds, with the single "Walk Away,", and the live album James Gang Live in Concert, Walsh left the band to perform solo and later join the Eagles.
Vocalist Roy Kenner and guitarist Domenic Troiano then joined the band. Troiano left to join Guess Who and was replaced by Tommy Bolin. Bolin left in 1974 to replace Ritchie Blackmore in Deep Purple. After two albums, "Bang" and "Miami", Bolin was replaced by vocalist Bubba Keith and guitarist Richard Shack, who made "Newborn" (which featured a cover of the Elvis Presley song "Heartbreak Hotel"). The band broke up following a final recording, "Jesse Come Home" (which referred to the band's namesake, the outlaw Jesse James), which was made with the collaboration of early member Phil Giallombardo. Fox was the only remaining member of the original quintet when they disbanded early in 1977.
The "classic" lineup of the band (Walsh, Peters, Fox) reunited to perform at an election rally for Bill Clinton in 1996, appearances on The Drew Carey Show in the 1998-99 season, and at the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in February 2001, drawing fans from all over the globe.
As of May 2004, Glenn Schwartz was playing guitar and singing Thursday nights at "Major Hooples" in the Flats, Cleveland.
In summer 2006 the Walsh/Peters/Fox lineup of the group toured the United States. In August 2006, the trio appeared performing live on The Howard Stern radio show on Sirius satellite radio.
I Don't Have The Time
James Gang Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Walk to work each morning, live within a frame
Now you're trying to tell me I should be like you
Watch your time, work nine to five, what good does it do?
I'm not fond of laughing with your shallow friends
I don't feel like changing just so I'll fit in
Things are more important than how you look or feel
Spend some time and listen, think what you may think
Form your own opinion, find your missing link
Through the situation, you may find it's right
We must stick together, man's not made to fight
The James Gang's song "I Don't Have the Time" is a commentary on the societal pressure to conform and fit into a narrow definition of success. The opening lyrics, "I don't have the time to play your silly games, walk to work each morning, live within a frame," suggest a rejection of the traditional nine to five workday and the idea of compromising one's values to fit in. The singer critiques the impulse to conform by implying that it's pointless to "Watch your time, work nine to five, what good does it do?"
In the second verse, the singer asserts his individuality by rejecting the superficiality of "laughing with your shallow friends." He values deeper connections and meaningful interactions, and he recognizes that what's important isn't how you look or feel. He declares, "just cause I don't look like you don't mean I can't read," suggesting that people may judge him based on his appearance or lifestyle, but he should not be underestimated because he is just as capable, intelligent, and thoughtful as anyone else.
Ultimately, the song urges listeners to spend time listening, thinking, and developing their own opinions rather than blindly conforming to what's expected of them. The declaration, "we must stick together, man's not made to fight," emphasizes the importance of connection, community, and the shared experience of rejecting societal expectations in favor of personal values.
Line by Line Meaning
I don't have the time to play your silly games
I am not interested in engaging in your trivial activities
Walk to work each morning, live within a frame
I stick to a routine by commuting to work every day
Now you're trying to tell me I should be like you
You are pressuring me to conform to your standards
Watch your time, work nine to five, what good does it do?
Following a rigid schedule can be limiting and unproductive
I'm not fond of laughing with your shallow friends
I do not enjoy spending time with your superficial acquaintances
I don't feel like changing just so I'll fit in
I do not want to alter myself to conform to your social circle
Things are more important than how you look or feel
External appearances are not as significant as inner qualities
Just cause I don't look like you don't mean I can't read
My physical appearance does not indicate my intelligence or abilities
Spend some time and listen, think what you may think
Take time to listen and form your own opinions
Form your own opinion, find your missing link
Develop your viewpoints to discover what is missing in your life
Through the situation, you may find it's right
By experiencing new scenarios, you may find what is best for you
We must stick together, man's not made to fight
As humans, we should unite and not engage in conflict
Contributed by Jackson T. Suggest a correction in the comments below.