Since the UK release of Turning Down Water For Air this past October 2008 on revered independent label Moshi Moshi Records (Bloc Party, Hot Chip, Au Revoir Simone), Yuill has garnered a huge amount of critical attention, including features in NME, Dazed and Confused and Clash Magazine, who featured him as “Best Newcomer 2008.” UK radio also jumped on board, with DJs including Huw Stephens, Colin Murray, Zane Lowe and John Kennedy all championing him on air.
A hectic live schedule including SXSW, Radio One Big Weekend, Latitude Festival, Club NME and numerous sweaty, dark venues across the globe, has added to the tangible buzz around James Yuill. Seeing him live is a truly unique experience: one minute you're drawn in to the tender simplicity of his voice and acoustic guitar, the next minute your head's spinning and your feet are moving to the dazzling array of beats and effects pumped out by James's laptop and boxes of tricks - not bad for a one man show that fits neatly into a reconditioned guitar case.
Yuill is also a sought-after remixer, who has worked with artists like Au Revoir Simone, Tilly and the Wall, David Holmes, and fellow folktronica artist Rod Thomas, as well as some up-and-coming UK artists.
Sites: Discogs
Ray Gun
James Yuill Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
clutching their briefcase or bag
umbrella in hand
I'm just a child now I know I will
be doing things that I shouldn't
like picking up when I could put down
and saying no when I wouldn't
never was my ray gun on you
if it was you have somehow slipped through
my fingers tremble too much
to hold or control
never was, never was my ray gun on you
working only shifting heartbeats
making the day flow by
laborious lines
you say you've held it inside
you've seen some things that are real
but only now do I realise
cos only now do I feel
never was my ray gun on you
if it was you have somehow slipped through
my fingers tremble too much
to hold or control
never was, never was my ray gun on you
never was, never was my ray gun on you
The lyrics to James Yuill's "Ray Gun" suggest that the singer is reflecting on their own personal growth and the mistakes they have made, while observing the monotony and loneliness of others around them. The hunters and lonely workers with their briefcases and umbrellas represent a sense of conformity and repetition that the singer feels they may fall into themselves. They describe themselves as just a child, suggesting that they are young and still learning, but aware of the potential for making choices that may not be the best.
The title of the song, "Ray Gun," is intriguing and gives a science-fiction feel to the lyrics. However, the phrase "never was my ray gun on you" seems to suggest that the singer is not a threat to anyone, and may not have the power or control they wish they had. They may be trying to distance themselves from others who appear to have experienced more of the world, perceiving that they themselves are not strong enough to hold or control their own actions, let alone impact others. Overall, the lyrics suggest a sense of vulnerability and self-reflection, while also touching on themes of conformity and control.
Line by Line Meaning
Hunters, lonely workers wander
People who are constantly searching for something, often feel lonely while going about their work routine.
clutching their briefcase or bag
Holding onto their possessions, as if they are a symbol of their status and security in the society.
umbrella in hand
Trying to protect themselves from unpredictable situations, such as rain or harsh weather.
I'm just a child now I know I will
Acknowledging the lack of experience and wisdom, yet accepting that life will present with often tough choices and situations to grow up and mature into adulthood.
be doing things that I shouldn't
Although aware of the moral and ethical conduct, the need to experience all aspects of life will lead to doing things which might not be admirable.
like picking up when I could put down
Picking the harder or less convenient life choices, as one feels they will benefit them in the long run.
and saying no when I wouldn't
Rejecting or refusing things which might seem appealing externally, but internally they might not feel right in the long run.
never was my ray gun on you
Stating that the harm intended towards another person through one's actions was never intentional.
if it was you have somehow slipped through
If the person claims to have suffered because of one's actions, it is likely that they had a narrow escape from the harm which could have been caused otherwise.
my fingers tremble too much
The lack of confidence and willpower to pull off the plan of causing harm towards another person, often leads to cold feet and hesitation which might abort the plan altogether.
to hold or control
The inability to hold or control the intended target, which further fuels the hesitation to proceed.
working only shifting heartbeats
Going through the day in a robotic fashion, where the only visible signs of life are the heartbeats.
making the day flow by
Doing things to pass the time, without any will to make a difference or contribute positively to life.
laborious lines
Tedious and mundane work routine, which creates the stress of the modern working-class society.
you say you've held it inside
Addressing another person, and acknowledging the emotional turmoil they might have gone through because of a past action or words.
you've seen some things that are real
Reflection on the fact that the other person believes they have a better insight into life, and have seen things that are raw and authentic.
but only now do I realise
Admitting the lack of awareness and empathy towards the other person's emotional conflict, and the realization of its impact on them.
cos only now do I feel
The comprehension of complex emotional states and the impact of actions on others.
never was my ray gun on you
Reiterating that the intentions were never to cause harm towards the person, but merely a reflection on life's complicated situations.
if it was you have somehow slipped through
Reiterated the potential of the harm caused through actions, but also acknowledging the reality that the target might have escaped the situation without getting harmed.
my fingers tremble too much
Reiteration of the hesitation and lack of confidence to carry out the plan to cause harm.
to hold or control
The inability to hold or control the intended target, which further fuels the hesitation to proceed.
never was, never was my ray gun on you
Final reassurance that the harm was never intentional, and a reflection on the complex nature of life and human actions.
Contributed by Daniel Y. Suggest a correction in the comments below.