Famed for his largely improvised shows, that see Jamie constructing his tracks live, voicing and layering right in front of your eyes, effortlessly whipping them out of the air and forging them into clanking electro riffs and deathprod funk grooves.
Likened to Sly Stone, Prince and Little Richard, he is Britain's voice of soul for the new era.
Jamie is/was half of the Super_collider project. He has also helped write and produce on the albums of Mocky, who in return drums in his live band.
Gypsy Blood
Jamie Lidell Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Burned my home, burned my bridges, left my friends behind
For you – I said I'd do it for you
But I'm always hungry for a look, yeah I long to please
Got no loyalty and I live to tease
Oh yeah
Pouring salt water on an open sore
You can't escape when my ego is blocking the door
Wish I'd the nerve to feel I deserve you
But something inside want's to tear you down
Dishing out blows, heavy hits to the heart
I'm a black hole man – now you're in the dark
Wish I'd the nerve to feel I deserve you
But something inside want's to tear you down
So many layers of camouflage
Something evil in me wants to sabotage
I'm a black hole man – now you're in the dark
Oh, black hole – tearing at your heart
The song “Gypsy Blood” by Jamie Lidell is a complex portrayal of a person with a restless spirit and a history of leaving behind those who loved him. The singer admits that he's burned his home, bridges, and left friendships in the past, all for the sake of his restless heart. He claims he would do anything for his love, but he's always looking for a new thrill that will satisfy his desires. The lyrics suggest that although he craves attention and affection, he can't let himself feel like he deserves it, and he's constantly sabotaging his chances of finding true happiness.
The chorus suggests that the singer feels like a black hole, sucking those who dare to come close into the darkness. He bemoans his lack of nerve, wishing he felt like he deserved love and respect, but he can't help feeling like something inside of him is always tearing himself and others down. There are a lot of conflicting emotions in this song, combining a sense of arrogance and self-importance with a self-destructive impulse that threatens to undo everything the singer loves.
Overall, "Gypsy Blood" is a powerful and poignant insight into the inner turmoil of someone who struggles to balance his own restless drive with the love and loyalty he craves from others. It suggests that, despite his mistakes and his selfish tendencies, he still longs to find a home and a sense of belonging. The song is a reminder that we all have conflicting desires and impulses within us, and that finding true happiness often requires confronting our own demons and learning to let go of the past.
Line by Line Meaning
There's gypsy blood running through this heart of mine
I have a restless spirit that longs for freedom and change.
Burned my home, burned my bridges, left my friends behind
I have a tendency to make dramatic decisions and leave everything I know behind.
For you – I said I'd do it for you
I will go to great lengths to please those who I care about.
But I'm always hungry for a look, yeah I long to please
I seek validation from others and crave attention and praise.
Got no loyalty and I live to tease
I am not committed to anyone or anything, and often toy with people's emotions.
Pouring salt water on an open sore
I have a tendency to make things worse when someone is already in pain.
You can't escape when my ego is blocking the door
My arrogance and self-importance make it difficult for others to reason with me or get through to me.
Wish I'd the nerve to feel I deserve you
I am conflicted about my self-worth and often feel unworthy of love or affection.
But something inside want's to tear you down
I have a self-destructive streak and may push away those who care about me.
Dishing out blows, heavy hits to the heart
I may be emotionally abusive and hurt others without realizing or caring about the consequences.
I'm a black hole man – now you're in the dark
I am empty and void inside, and may suck others into my darkness and negativity.
So many layers of camouflage
I hide my true self behind many facades and may not even know who I truly am.
Something evil in me wants to sabotage
I have a propensity for self-sabotage and may do things that are harmful to myself and others.
Oh, black hole – tearing at your heart
My negativity and destructive tendencies may cause great emotional pain to those I am in a relationship with.
Contributed by Ruby S. Suggest a correction in the comments below.