In 1998, Iha released a moderately successful solo album, 'Let it Come Down'. One music video was produced from this album, for the song Be Strong Now, which was also released as a four-track single.
Since the Pumpkins' breakup in 2000, Iha has pursued many projects. He continues to contribute to other artists' recordings, such as Don't Be Sad on Whiskeytown's Pneumonia released in 2001 and further guest appearances for Ivy, but made bigger news when he joined rock band A Perfect Circle in July 2003 in time for their Thirteenth Step club tour. He has since appeared on their 2004 album eMOTIVe as well as contributed remixes of Blue and Outsider. In 2003, he formed Vanessa and the O's. The group released an EP Plus Rien in Sweden the same year.
Iha also collaborated on two tracks with Japanese musician Chara for her 2001 album MADRIGAL. The tracks are called "Boku ni Utsushite" (ボクにうつして）and "Skirt" (スカート).
More recently, Iha has collaborated on musical and fashion design projects in Japan. With the help of longtime friend and manager Isao Izutsu, Iha started the clothing label Vapor in 2001. Iha also scored the Japanese film Linda, Linda, Linda, released in late summer 2005.
On March 31st, 2006, Pitchfork Media reported that Iha will be featured on Norwegian pop singer Annie's follow-up to her highly successful debut, Anniemal, which will reportedly be out near the year's end. Iha also remixed "Me Plus One", a track off of Anniemal.
James also is the bassist of power pop band Tinted Windows. Other members are Taylor Hanson, Adam Schlesinger and Bun E. Carlos. Their self-titled debut album was released in 2009.
His second solo album titled 'Look to the Sky' was released in March 2012.
Be Strong
James Iha Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
In the powerful way that love seems to make her all regret it now
And if she'd only say what's wrong- she can't go on
You've got to be strong now
And if I come and hold you now
You'll be safe and sound
Little lonely face that no one ever sees
Open up to me, and its the only thing she dreams,
You gotta believe
You've got to be strong now
And if I come and hold you now
You've got to be strong now
If I hold you now
If I hold you now
If I hold you now
Oh god if I could change a thing tonight we won't
Be lonely, ooh god if I could change a thing,
Why does it have to be this way
You've got to be strong now
And if I come and hold you now
You've got to be strong now
If I hold you now
If I hold you now
The lyrics of James Iha's song "Be Strong Now" tell the story of a person named "little darling belle" who is going through a tough time in love. She is fragile and regretful, and unable to communicate her feelings to her partner. The singer urges her to be strong and to open up to him, to trust him to keep her safe and hold her through her struggles. The repetition of the phrase "if I hold you now" underscores the sense of comfort and protection that the singer is offering, while the repeated refrain "you've got to be strong now" reminds the listener that they have agency and power even in the midst of their pain.
Overall, the song is a plea for emotional strength and vulnerability, and a reminder that we don't have to go through hard times alone. The longing in the lyrics is palpable, and the sense of uncertainty about the future hangs heavy in the air. Ultimately, though, the song is a beacon of hope, offering comfort and reassurance to anyone who is struggling with heartache and needing to hear that they aren't alone.
Line by Line Meaning
Little darling belle with such a fragile shell
A delicate and vulnerable girl who is easily hurt
In the powerful way that love seems to make her all regret it now
Love has the ability to cause great regret and sorrow
And if she'd only say what's wrong- she can't go on
If only she would speak up about her problems, she wouldn't feel so overwhelmed
You've got to be strong now
It's time to toughen up and face the challenges that lie ahead
If I come and hold you now
You can find comfort in my embrace
Little lonely face that no one ever sees
A sad and isolated person who doesn't receive attention or care from others
You see the thing she believes is life is bittersweet if she'd
Life is a mixture of joy and sorrow, but she doesn't fully understand this yet
Open up to me, and its the only thing she dreams,
Her greatest desire is to have someone she can confide in and share her feelings with
You gotta believe
Have faith in yourself
You've got to be strong now
Face the difficulties with courage and determination
Oh god if I could change a thing tonight we won't
If only I had the power to alter fate and prevent her from feeling so alone
Be lonely, ooh god if I could change a thing,
The pain of loneliness is so profound, I wish I could eliminate it completely
Why does it have to be this way
Why must life be so cruel sometimes?
If I hold you now
Let me comfort you in my arms
If I hold you now
Together, we can face anything
Lyrics © OBO APRA/AMCOS
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Elijah B
The harmony is freaking awesome in this one. What an absolute gem of a song
Onel Rodanil
James iha is the george harrison of the smashing pumpkins
Vhuault
Yes. But Billy Corgan was both doctor Lennon and mister Mac ^^
Wayne Rivet
I was thinking the same thing! Sounds like George Harrison!
back2thefutre
Lost this CD somewhere over the years. I remember special ordering it from the store and waiting a few weeks for it to come in. Good memories
dummytree
I bought this right when it came out, and I couldn't wait because I loved James songs that appeared on Pumpkins B-sides. I read a review a month or so before it was out and I thought "wow, the song titles are so James" :) Needless to say, I wasn't disappointed.
BorgKing001
I loved this album soooooooooooo much
Caleb Keller
Same!
Raztian
Bela canção do James Iha! Abraços do Brasil!
BTS Dance Studio
I still remember it was year 2 at Cal Poly and waiting so un-patiently for this debut CD from the co-founder of the Smashing Pumpkins. Very mixed reviews on this album but ihe wanted to be way diffrent than anything the Pumpkin had done.....Just Great Fun Music.