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.
Live My Life Again
James Gang Lyrics
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Could be the night went on too long
And if my sleep was tossed and broken
Must not have slept where I belong
Ah...
And when the next day's sun is rising
I will finally find my way home
To start to live my life again
Ah...
Live my life again
Ah...
Live my life again
Ah...
Live my life again
Ah...
Live my life again
Ah...
Live my life again
Ah...
Live my life again
Ah...
Live my life again
Ah...
Live my life again
The lyrics of the James Gang's song Live My Life Again depict a desire for redemption and a new beginning. The singer acknowledges that their behavior the previous night was not ideal and led to a restless night's sleep. They yearn to be back in their rightful place, presumably at home, and start fresh. The repetition of the phrase "live my life again" emphasizes this desire for a second chance and for the chance to make better choices in the future. The use of the phrase "reason substitutes for pain" suggests that the singer has learned from their mistakes and is ready to move on.
The song's lyrics speak to a universal desire for renewal and starting over. The somber melody and slow tempo of the song add to the reflective mood created by the lyrics. The James Gang's use of simple, repetitive phrasing drives home the message of the song, making it a powerful anthem for anyone seeking a fresh start.
Line by Line Meaning
If you find me late this mornin'
If you see me late in the morning
Could be the night went on too long
It's possible that I stayed up too late last night
And if my sleep was tossed and broken
And if I had a restless, disturbed sleep
Must not have slept where I belong
Then I probably didn't sleep in my own bed
And when the next day's sun is rising
And when the sun rises the next day
And reason substitutes for pain
And I can think clearly again instead of being in pain
I will finally find my way home
I will finally feel like I'm back where I belong
To start to live my life again
And I'll begin to live my life to the fullest again
Contributed by Kaitlyn W. Suggest a correction in the comments below.