Family
James and The Giant Peach Lyrics

You should have seen my family's fall
The singer introduces the topic of their family's struggles and fall from prosperity.

Yeah
Mumbled affirmation.

Uh-uh
Mumbled negation.

I just won't be ignored
The artist is determined to have their experience heard and acknowledged.

They always wanted more
The artist's family was perpetually unsatisfied, always striving for more.

This music opens doors
The singer has found that music can create opportunities and open up possibilities.

The finest of exports
The singer and their family were once a source of pride and riches for their country, known for their talents and exports.

We went from poor to rich
The artist's family experienced a period of prosperity and wealth.

And then from rich to poor
Their family then experienced a sharp decline, ending up in poverty once again.

And now we're poor again you should of seen my family's fall
The artist reflects on their family's current state of poverty and remembers how they got there.

Bounce a ball in the court
The singer describes an action of playing basketball on a court.

Like roulette hits a morgue
The artist compares the randomness of playing roulette to the inevitability of death.

Swing
The singer tells the listener to swing or move.

Stamp the passport
The singer describes the act of stamping a passport for travel.

Move again lose it all
The singer implies that frequent moves and upheaval have contributed to their family's unstable position.

So presumption don't expect another snort
The artist cautions against expecting any more sudden wealth or good fortune.

See we lived in different countries like these countries we evolved
The artist notes that their family has lived in many different countries and has changed and adapted accordingly.

But my dad's an alcoholic and my mum will feel a cord
The singer explains how their parents' personal struggles have affected their family.

Every weekend was dissolved another beating unload
The singer reveals a history of domestic violence in their family.

I'm not talking in code just telling you what was thrown
The artist asserts that they are being straightforward and honest about their experiences.

Whip and lock
The artist repeats this phrase, which could refer to actual physical violence or to feeling trapped and restrained.

Been so many countries are amazed
The artist notes that their family's story has attracted attention and interest in many countries.

What's the cost of life in compounds being paid
The singer draws attention to the often-hidden costs and consequences of certain economic practices and social structures.

Can't see the field of view and my mum is still afraid
The artist's mother still feels fear and is unable to see a clear path forward.

Temper like grenades the next thing you feel portrayed
The singer describes how their father's temper could erupt suddenly and explosively.

My family is locked there's no getting away
The singer implies that their family is trapped in their situation, with no viable escape route.

Starts to decay we've gone past first aid
The singer describes how their family's situation has deteriorated to the point where simple remedies will not suffice.

He beat her black-and-blue next day it was conveyed
The artist recounts an incident of domestic violence that occurred in their family.

This is my illustration of adolescence in grade
The artist reflects on how their experiences have shaped them, particularly during their adolescent years.