A stark departure from the over 100 comedic, multi-genre songs he’s written and recorded as part of the duo, Rhett & Link, James and the Shame is a deeply personal musical exploration of Rhett’s evolving worldview. Growing up in a devout Christian home, Rhett’s faith only deepened as he transitioned to adulthood, when he worked as a full-time missionary on college campuses in the South. Eventually, doubts about the truth of Christianity began to plague him, and after a long battle of attempting to piece together the remnants of his shattering faith, he began to embrace uncertainty and finally abandoned his traditional perspective.
Rhett has been profoundly influenced by the work of Jason Isbell, Tyler Childers, and Sturgill Simpson, particularly in the way they have used the vehicle of conventional country music to carry messages that challenge the viewpoints that are often associated with the genre.
His first single, Believe Me, addresses the many assumptions that were made about him once he publicly shared his story of spiritual deconstruction. His full-length album drops in September.
Believe Me
James and the Shame Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
'Cause the one I gave you said that, that ain't it
Must be something that I want
Fame and fortune or at least a little jaunt
It may seem too cut and dry
But I just found some things I could not brush aside
Now if you'll oblige
I don't think it's true
I'm not asking you to agree
I'm just asking you to believe me
You say my heart was never true
That might say more about you
I know it shouldn't matter if you take my word
When I say I didn't leave 'cause I was hurt
But there goes my pride
With its refrain that I be seen as justified
Likely nothing I could say
And I'm not sure you would care for me to explain
Sure you can pray
But I don't think it's true
I'm not asking you to agree
I'm just asking you to believe me
You say my heart was never true
That might say more about you
In the song "Believe Me" by James and the Shames, the singer is expressing his frustration with someone who doubts him. He begins by stating that the person is seeking an answer that he is not ready to give because he gave the wrong answer previously. He feels that the person is trying to find a flaw in him, something that he desires too much. He acknowledges that this may seem too simple, but he has come across things that he cannot ignore. He then requests for the person to listen and understand his perspective.
The singer then talks about how he did not leave because he was hurt, contrary to what the person believes. He is aware that it should not matter if the person believes him or not, but his pride is at stake. He wants to be seen as justified in his decision to leave. He acknowledges that there is likely nothing he can say that will make the person understand, and he is unsure if the person even wants to understand. The song ends with the singer again requesting the person to believe him instead of questioning his intentions.
Line by Line Meaning
I think you want an answer I'm not prepared to give
I believe you are looking for an explanation that I cannot offer as the previous one was unsatisfactory.
'Cause the one I gave you said that, that ain't it
The answer I previously provided was deemed incorrect, so I cannot provide any further explanation.
Must be something that I want
There is a desire within me that needs to be fulfilled.
Fame and fortune or at least a little jaunt
This aspiration could be for recognition, wealth or even just a short break from the usual routine.
It may seem too cut and dry
This could appear straightforward and uncomplicated, but there are other factors at play.
But I just found some things I could not brush aside
I've come upon some obstacles that are too significant to overlook.
Now if you'll oblige
If you're willing, I'd appreciate it if you'd give me a chance to explain further.
I don't think it's true
I disagree with what you're saying.
I'm not asking you to agree
I'm not forcing you to hold the same opinion as I do.
I'm just asking you to believe me
All I'm requesting is that you trust my perspective and what I'm saying.
You say my heart was never true
You have claimed that I wasn't genuine in my feelings.
That might say more about you
Your statement could reveal more about your own biases and preconceptions than it does about me.
I know it shouldn't matter if you take my word
Regardless of whether or not my statement is believed, it shouldn't have a significant impact on the situation.
When I say I didn't leave 'cause I was hurt
The explanation for my departure is not due to any emotional distress.
But there goes my pride
However, revealing this information makes me feel vulnerable and lacking dignity.
With its refrain that I be seen as justified
My pride wants to portray me in a positive light and justified for my actions.
Likely nothing I could say
It may be the case that there is truly nothing I could explain further.
And I'm not sure you would care for me to explain
Furthermore, there's a possibility that you may not be interested in hearing more from me.
Sure you can pray
If you wish, you may seek guidance through prayer.
Lyrics © DistroKid
Written by: Rhett McLaughlin
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Piano M.
Dude, Rhett, singing country music, is not something I ever expected but the world needs it!! Thank you so much for sharing your soul through this music!
Clabobambam
It's true country not thus new bs
Daniel Burns
In a few months Link will start his metal album
roltthehunter
Is this supposed to be country? It sounds nearly nothing like country..
dan schriver
They've been musicians forever...
Thunder Junkie
But I wan't it it divulge into rock metal...
Jeremy
I'm so pleased to see rhett expressing himself artistically at this level, singing from the heart about something that really matters to him. He sounds fantastic.
Nicole Hockaday
@Rachie284 he talks about in the podcast. Basically it's a break up song about faith. It's a great listen if you have the time!
Rachie284
@doortonowhere I thought so but wasn't sure.
Thank you 😊
doortonowhere
@Rachie284 becoming an atheist