Hunter began his roots music career in the 1980s under the name Howlin' Wilf. His later solo recordings feature rhythm and blues in the style of the 1950s and 60's, pitched between R&B, early rock and roll, and early soul.
His 1994 solo debut, Believe What I Say, had guest appearances by Doris Troy and Van Morrison, and Hunter appeared on a couple of Morrisons's mid-'90s albums, as well as performing as part of Morrison's Rhythm and Blues Revue. Hunter, who jokingly refers to his career as an "overnight success that took 20 years", is also a skilled guitarist, and writes most of the material on his albums, including his 2001 release, Kick It Around.
He released People Gonna Talk in 2006 which garnered him much acclaim and his first stateside recognition in year end top ten lists of major media outlets. His most recent album, The Hard Way, released in 2008, was recorded at Toe Rag Studios in London and includes a cameo from Allen Toussaint.
Hunter seems poised for additional career breakthroughs via increased exposure through television and radio, and distribution through Starbucks music label feeding a demand for other retro sounding artists like Amy Winehouse, Duffy and Adele, who too echo the classic soul sounds from the '50s and 60s.
Official Website: James Hunter
Jacqueline
James Hunter Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Boo bop, boo bop
Before I met you baby
I thought I had it made
Now I got a lover
Puts the others in the shade
[Chorus: ]
Ooh-whee
Jacqueline (Jacqueline)
Now I'm just killin' time
Baby 'til you say you're mine
Boo bop, boo bop
I had everything I wanted
Didn't need no help
'Til you showed me life's too good
To keep it to myself
[Chorus: ]
Lookin' back on days gone by
Before I saw you smile
Ain't no one was ever gonna
Drag me to the aisle
[Chorus: ]
Now I can't be still
Baby 'til you say you will
Boo bop, boo bop
I remember hopin'
I could make it on my own
Now my heart's wide open
Come and make yourself at home
[Chorus: ]
Now I can't be still
Baby 'til you say you will
Boo bop, boo bop
The lyrics of James Hunter's song "Jacqueline" speak of a man's journey towards finding love and how it changes his perspective on life. The song starts with the singer acknowledging that before he met Jacqueline, he thought he had everything he needed in life. However, after meeting her, he realizes that he has found something more valuable than what he had before. He describes how she puts all his previous lovers in the shade, thereby underscoring the effect she has had on his life.
In the chorus, the singer repeats her name twice, expressing his delight and pleasure in her company. He also mentions that he is willing to wait until Jacqueline is ready to commit to their relationship fully. The song continues with the singer reminiscing on his life before he met Jacqueline, describing how he was content being alone and did not feel the need to drag himself to the aisle. However, all that changed when she came into his life, and he is now eagerly waiting for her to accept him.
Overall, the song is about how love can change a person's life and perspective. The lyrics are simple yet effective in conveying the message of love's transformational power.
Line by Line Meaning
Boo bop, boo bop
Instrumental doo-wop sounds.
Before I met you baby
I thought I had it made
Now I got a lover
Puts the others in the shade
I was content with my life before meeting you, but now I have a lover who outshines anyone else I've been with.
Chorus: Jacqueline (Jacqueline)
Ooh-whee
Jacqueline (Jacqueline)
Now I'm just killin' time
Baby 'til you say you're mine
Boo bop, boo bop
Refrain that repeats the name Jacqueline, with the singer acknowledging they're killing time until she's officially theirs.
I had everything I wanted
Didn't need no help
'Til you showed me life's too good
To keep it to myself
I thought I was self-sufficient and happy with what I had, but you made me realize that life is too good to keep to myself.
Lookin' back on days gone by
Before I saw you smile
Ain't no one was ever gonna
Drag me to the aisle
Prior to seeing your smile, I never thought anyone would be able to convince me to settle down and get married.
Now I can't be still
Baby 'til you say you will
Boo bop, boo bop
I'm anxious and restless until you agree to be mine.
I remember hopin'
I could make it on my own
Now my heart's wide open
Come and make yourself at home
I used to think I could thrive on my own, but now I'm fully open to you and want you to be comfortable in my life.
Chorus: Jacqueline (Jacqueline)
Ooh-whee
Jacqueline (Jacqueline)
Now I'm just killin' time
Baby 'til you say you're mine
Boo bop, boo bop
Refrain that repeats the name Jacqueline, with the artist acknowledging they're killing time until she's officially theirs.
Boo bop, boo bop
Instrumental doo-wop sounds.
Lyrics © CONCORD MUSIC PUBLISHING LLC
Written by: JAMES HUNTER
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind