We
James and The Giant Peach Lyrics
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This is a shield, this is a charm with your name on
By this beat, by this verse I'm protected
From your heat and your curse is reflected
If anybody hurts me, if anybody hurts me
Here's a mirror with your name on
Singing, "We're gonna miss you when you're gone"
Singing, "We're gonna miss you when you're gone"
Your green eyes, poison pen, serpent's tongue
Will return to the source that they came from
Revenge is the wine, forgiveness is fine
Forgiveness divine, revenge is more human
Here's a mirror with your name on
Singing, "We're gonna miss you when you're gone"
Here's a mirror with your name on
Singing, "We're gonna miss you when you're gone"
No words, all's been said and done
No more words, all's been said and done
Here's a mirror with your name on
Singing, "We're gonna miss you when you're gone"
Here's a mirror with your name on
Singing, "We're gonna miss you when you're gone"
Here's a mirror with your name on
Singing, "We're gonna miss you when you're gone"
The lyrics for "We" by James and The Giant Peach seem to be an introspective reflection on the concept of protection and revenge. The opening lines clearly state that the song is not a typical one, but rather a shield or charm with the listener's name on it. The beat and verse are the protectors from someone's "heat" and "curse": it's unclear who this person is, but they represent some sort of danger to the singer.
The line "Here's a mirror with your name on" seems to be a reference to the idea of "mirror neurons," a type of nerve cell that allows us to empathize with others. The singer is essentially saying that the person who has hurt them will ultimately feel the same pain when they see their own misdeeds reflected back at them. The chorus line, "Singing, 'We're gonna miss you when you're gone,'" is like a darkly humorous twist on the cliche of saying goodbye to someone who is leaving. In this case, the subject of the song is not a friend or loved one but rather someone who has caused harm.
The next verse is focused on the idea of forgiveness versus revenge. Revenge is characterized as a "wine" that can be savored, while forgiveness is "divine." However, revenge is also "more human," implying that it is a natural and perhaps even necessary response to harm. The final phrase, "No more words, all's been said and done," is a mark of finality: the singer is ready to move on and forget this person who has caused them harm.
Line by Line Meaning
This is not, this is not a song
This is not a song, but rather a means of protection for the artist.
This is a shield, this is a charm with your name on
The song serves as both a physical and spiritual shield or charm for the artist, directed at a specific person.
By this beat, by this verse I'm protected
The rhythm and lyrics of the song create a layer of protection for the artist, shielding against harm inflicted by the person being addressed.
From your heat and your curse is reflected
The negative energy and harm from the person being addressed is reflected back at them through the song.
If anybody hurts me, if anybody hurts me
The artist is anticipating possible harm from the person addressed in the song, and prepares to counteract it through the song.
Here's a mirror with your name on
The artist is presenting the person addressed with a metaphorical mirror, reflecting back at them their harmful actions and words.
Singing, 'We're gonna miss you when you're gone'
The artist is warning the person addressed that their actions will have consequences, and they will be missed when they are gone (possibly implying death or exile).
Your green eyes, poison pen, serpent's tongue
The artist is describing the harmful traits of the person being addressed, including jealousy, spitefulness, and deceit.
Will return to the source that they came from
The harm caused by the person being addressed will ultimately be returned to them, through karma or some other form of justice.
Revenge is the wine, forgiveness is fine
The artist is weighing the options of revenge and forgiveness, ultimately acknowledging that revenge feels satisfying like wine, but forgiveness is more noble and divine.
Forgiveness divine, revenge is more human
The artist concludes that forgiveness is a higher, spiritual pursuit, while revenge is more rooted in human nature and lesser instincts.
No words, all's been said and done
The artist has nothing more to say about the situation – the song has said it all.
Here's a mirror with your name on
Repeating previous line.
Singing, 'We're gonna miss you when you're gone'
Repeating previous line.
Here's a mirror with your name on
Repeating previous line, possibly emphasizing the metaphorical weight of the mirror.
Singing, 'We're gonna miss you when you're gone'
Repeating previous line.
Here's a mirror with your name on
Final repetition, adding a sense of closing or finality to the song.
Singing, 'We're gonna miss you when you're gone'
Final repetition, with a sense of foreboding and warning to the person being addressed.
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management
Written by: DAVID JOHN BAYNTON-POWER, JAMES GLENNIE, MARK HUNTER, SAUL DAVIES, TIMOTHY BOOTH
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind