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.
Lover
James Iha Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
When you hold my hand
It's all I'll have until tomorrow
Lover darling
When you hold my life
If you it's right
Until tomorrow
If you need sympathy
Lover lover won't you speak
I can barely hear you breathe
Lover angel
The stars at night
In a burned-out sky
Until tomorrow
Lover angel
Got your wings to fly
And the wind inside
'cause you're still there
Lover lover come to me
If you need sympathy
Lover lover won't you speak
I can barely hear you breathe
On the way to the sun
And there's a new world just begun
I can feel I'm getting older
I can feel the years wash over
You're the only one I love
Lover lover come to me
If you need sympathy
Lover lover won't you speak
I can hardly hear
If you say that you love me
And if your heart's one and only
If you live with me for just one day
Until tomorrow
Until tomorrow
Lover lover come to me
If you need sympathy
In James Iha's song "Lover," the lyrics describe a deep longing for a significant other. The singer is pleading with their lover to come to them and hold their hand, as that is all they have until tomorrow. The love shared between the two is powerful and essential to the singer's life. The lyrics "When you hold my life / If you it's right / Until tomorrow" demonstrate that the singer's life is incomplete without their lover.
The singer emphasizes the importance of communication in the relationship. They ask their lover to speak and express their feelings, as the singer can barely hear them breathe. The phrase "Lover angel" serves as a term of endearment for the lover, emphasizing their importance to the singer.
The song concludes with a hopeful tone, as the singer envisions a future with their lover where they age together. The repeated phrase "If you need sympathy / Lover lover won't you speak / I can hardly hear" demonstrates that the singer is always there for their lover, but they need to communicate their needs for the relationship to thrive.
Line by Line Meaning
Lover darling
Addressing the lover affectionately
When you hold my hand
Expressing the feeling that holding hands with the lover is the only thing that matters
It's all I'll have until tomorrow
Realizing that this romantic moment is temporary and will only last until tomorrow
When you hold my life
Metaphorically referring to the lover as the source of the artist's existence
If you it's right
Asking the lover to confirm if their relationship is right and true
Lover lover come to me
Asking for the presence of the lover
If you need sympathy
Offering comfort and support to the lover
Lover lover won't you speak
Requesting the lover to communicate
I can barely hear you breathe
Implying that the lover's words are necessary for the artist's survival
Lover angel
Complimenting the lover's angelic qualities
The stars at night
A metaphor for the beauty of the night with the lover
In a burned-out sky
An acknowledgement of the harsh realities of life
Got your wings to fly
Recognizing that the lover has the ability to transcend those harsh realities
And the wind inside
Another metaphor for the lover's freedom and ability to soar
'cause you're still there
The assurance that the lover is always present despite obstacles
On the way to the sun
Looking forward to a brighter future with the lover
And there's a new world just begun
Hope for a new beginning with the lover
I can feel I'm getting older
The realization that time is passing and life is short
I can feel the years wash over
Feeling the burden of age and the weight of time
You're the only one I love
Declaring the lover as the only one that matters
If you say that you love me
Requesting confirmation of the lover's feelings
And if your heart's one and only
Desiring the lover's devoted heart
If you live with me for just one day
Expressing a desire for even just a brief period of time with the lover
Until tomorrow
Realizing that the moment with the lover is fleeting and will only last until tomorrow
Lover lover come to me
Repeating the plea for the lover's presence
If you need sympathy
Reiterating the offer of comfort and support
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: JAMES DIXON BARNES, JANE BARNES
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Brian Tran
Lover darling
When you hold my hand
It's all i'll have until tomorrow
Lover darling
When you hold my life
If you it's right
Until tomorrow
Lover lover come to me
If you need sympathy
Lover lover won't you speak
I can barely hear you breathe
Lover angel
The stars at night
In a burned-out sky
Until tomorrow
Lover angel
Got your wings to fly
And the wind inside
'cause you're still there
Lover lover come to me
If you need sympathy
Lover lover won't you speak
I can barely hear you breathe
On the way to the sun
And there's a new world just begun
I can feel I'm getting older
I can feel the years wash over
You're the only one i love
Lover lover come to me
If you need sympathy
Lover lover won't you speak
I can hardly hear
If you say that you love me
And if your heart's one and only
If you live with me for just one day
Until tomorrow
Until tomorrow
Lover lover come to me
If you need sympathy
Brian Tran
Lover darling
When you hold my hand
It's all i'll have until tomorrow
Lover darling
When you hold my life
If you it's right
Until tomorrow
Lover lover come to me
If you need sympathy
Lover lover won't you speak
I can barely hear you breathe
Lover angel
The stars at night
In a burned-out sky
Until tomorrow
Lover angel
Got your wings to fly
And the wind inside
'cause you're still there
Lover lover come to me
If you need sympathy
Lover lover won't you speak
I can barely hear you breathe
On the way to the sun
And there's a new world just begun
I can feel I'm getting older
I can feel the years wash over
You're the only one i love
Lover lover come to me
If you need sympathy
Lover lover won't you speak
I can hardly hear
If you say that you love me
And if your heart's one and only
If you live with me for just one day
Until tomorrow
Until tomorrow
Lover lover come to me
If you need sympathy
Michelle Soo
I love this song.... Listening to it brings back such wonderful memories. Iha is underrated... Raw talent.
Andrew Whitney
Shame this song never made it to the Smashing Pumpkins albums or b-sides. The demo is available on Mellon Collie and the Infinite Box Set. Which is also available on some music streaming services like Apple Music.
Andiana Moedasir
i love this song soooooo much! thanks for uploading this one :)
Daniel Rumbekwan
sama
Andiana Moedasir
iyes bener :) satu albumnya gue suka semua ^_^
Andy Tantono
Gitaris Smashing Pumpkins
Jellie Cat
my very first james iha song. played it constantly when i was 20, on my mini disc, got hooked so bad. my heart floats on every note.
Elsolra Saul
This brings back memories, great song...
Maryjane Jiongco Morales
Love every bits of this album...love you james iha😍😘🥰