James Maddock (born 1962) is an English singer-songwriter and performing mu… Read Full Bio ↴James Maddock (born 1962) is an English singer-songwriter and performing musician. Originally from Countesthorpe, Leicester, Maddock has been based in New York City since 2003.

After playing in a few school bands, Maddock decided to play professionally and became a regular performer at clubs around the Midlands in England. Maddock further refined his skills as a songwriter and performer in London, eventually landing a demo session at the famed Abbey Road Studios. As a result, his music came to the attention of Columbia Records in New York City. In the end, Maddock walked away with the record deal that enabled him to take his band "Wood" into the studio.

The record "Songs from Stamford Hill" (a reference to where he was living at the time) was born. "Stay You”, the single from the album became a top 5 hit on the Adult Alternative charts. Songs from the album found homes on the first "Dawsons Creek", and the major motion picture “Serendipity”, both substantial placements for a debut artist.

Maddock toured with the US with Train, Paula Cole, Meshell Ngegecello as well as headlined shows all over the states. Since leaving Columbia, Maddock moved to New York and signed an exclusive publishing deal with Razor and Tie Music Publishing. His band features Spin Doctors drummer Aaron Comess and Ryko recording artist Leslie Mendelson.

His albums Sunrise on Avenue C (2009) won the 2010/11 NY Music Award for 'Best Americana Album'.

Maddock subsequently released Sunrise on Avenue C, Jimmy & Immy Live at Rockwood Music Hall (with David Immerglück), Wake Up and Dream, James Maddock: Live At Rockwood Music Hall, and Another Life.

Another Life
James Maddock Lyrics

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My future is uncertain, my back starts hurting
As soon as I get out of bed.
Listen to the music station
Trouble in the whole nation,
Airplane passes by, it's got to be a mile
Reminds me I'm not a bird.
But there's a side of me
One part a prisoner, and one part free

There's only so much as a man can be.
We all want another life, another 50 years
To see the outback in??
Feel that arctic wondering in??
We all want another life.

I'm picking up my paycheck
How Am I gonna make it?!
How Am I gonna get out of this hole?
Stuck in a time frame, caught up in a Monday
I wanna learn dancing, morning by riding.
Baby, have a kid or two, are free.
But there's a side of me
One part a prisoner, and one part free
There's only so much any man can be.
We all want another life, another 50 years
To see the outback in??
Feel that arctic wondering in??
We all want another life.

I wanna try acting
Why not rafting?
Be a Tokyo failure, backpacker in Australia?
Learn to play the citar,
Get better on my guitar, try some
Of my legal substances
There's a side of me
One part a prisoner, and one part free
There's only so much any man can be.
We all want another life.
There's so much to know
So many places that you wanna go.
How'd I got the time to stop and say hello!
We all want another life!!
SAIL the Baltic sea, ride an elephant?? free

All this land from sea to Chenessy??
-End-

Overall Meaning

The song "Another Life" by James Maddock is a reflection on the uncertainty and monotony of everyday life. The singer voices his desire for something different and better. He feels trapped by his mundane routine, and his aspirations and dreams feel out of reach. He yearns for another life - one with more adventure, excitement, and purpose.

The lyrics start with the singer feeling unsure about his future and experiencing physical discomfort. Throughout the song, he finds himself daydreaming about the things he could do if his current reality were different. He lists various activities ranging from traveling to different countries and experiencing their culture to learning new skills and instruments. The singer acknowledges that he has responsibilities and obligations, but there's a part of him that still hopes for something more significant.

The song is a relatable reflection on the human condition and our innate desire for more from life. It is a sentiment that many people may feel but don't express. The lyrics speak to the universal longing for adventure and purpose that exists within all people.

Line by Line Meaning

My future is uncertain, my back starts hurting As soon as I get out of bed.
The singer feels unsure about their future and is physically affected by the weight of the day before it even begins.

Listen to the music station Trouble in the whole nation, Airplane passes by, it's got to be a mile Reminds me I'm not a bird.
The singer is bombarded by negativity in the news and is reminded of their limitations compared to the freedom of flight.

But there's a side of me One part a prisoner, and one part free There's only so much as a man can be.
The singer feels both trapped and free in their own identity, recognizing that there are limits to what any one person can achieve in life.

We all want another life, another 50 years To see the outback in?? Feel that arctic wondering in?? We all want another life.
The artist and everyone else longs for a different life, with more time to explore the world and its wonders.

I'm picking up my paycheck How Am I gonna make it?! How Am I gonna get out of this hole? Stuck in a time frame, caught up in a Monday I wanna learn dancing, morning by riding. Baby, have a kid or two, are free.
The artist is struggling to make ends meet and get ahead in life, feeling trapped by the daily grind and longing for new experiences like dancing and starting a family.

I wanna try acting Why not rafting? Be a Tokyo failure, backpacker in Australia? Learn to play the citar, Get better on my guitar, try some Of my legal substances
The singer dreams of trying new things like acting, rafting, and exploring other countries, as well as investing in hobbies like music and experimenting with new substances.

There's so much to know So many places that you wanna go. How'd I got the time to stop and say hello! We all want another life!! SAIL the Baltic sea, ride an elephant?? free All this land from sea to Chenessy??
The world is full of opportunity for exploration and growth, and the singer longs for more time to experience it all, from seeing new sights to connecting with other people and cultures.

Contributed by Cameron G. Suggest a correction in the comments below.

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