James occasionally plays solo shows (often with Carl Broemel on Guitar & Pedal Steel), showcasing "bare-bones" versions of My Morning Jacket songs along with various covers. Notably, James (with Broemel) supported John Prine for several shows in late summer 2006.
Crying In The Chapel
Jim James Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
The tears I shed were tears of joy
I know the meaning of contentment
Now I am happy with the Lord
Just a plain and simple chapel
Where humble people go to pray
As I live from day to day
I've searched and I've searched
But I couldn't find
No way on earth to gain peace of mind
Now I'm happy in the chapel
Where people are of one accord
We gather in the chapel
Just to sing and praise the Lord
You'll search and you'll search
But you'll never find
No way on earth to gain peace of mind
Take your troubles to the chapel
Get down on your knees and pray
Then your burdens will be lighter
And you'll surely find the way
"Crying in the Chapel" by Jim James is a reflective and spiritual song that explores the theme of finding solace, contentment, and peace in a place of worship. The singer of the song is depicted as experiencing a transformation through their visit to the chapel.
The first verse sets the scene of the singer being seen crying in the chapel. However, these tears are not of sadness but of joy. This suggests that the individual has found a source of deep emotional fulfillment and happiness within the context of the sacred space. The tears symbolize a release of pent-up emotions and an expression of gratitude for this newfound contentment.
The second verse describes the chapel as a plain and simple place where humble people gather to pray. This emphasizes the idea that it is not the grandeur or extravagance of the physical structure that brings fulfillment but rather the collective presence and shared devotion of the worshipers. The singer prays for strength to face the challenges of daily life, signifying a desire to continue growing and evolving spiritually.
The chorus speaks to a personal journey of searching for peace of mind. Despite the singer's efforts, they were unable to find it on Earth. However, upon finding themselves in the chapel, they discover a sense of happiness and unity with others who share the same beliefs. This illustrates the transformative power of communal worship and highlights the importance of finding spiritual connections with others.
In the final verse, the song encourages listeners to take their troubles to the chapel and kneel in prayer. By doing so, the weight of their burdens will be lifted, and they will find clarity and guidance to navigate life's challenges. This resonates with the idea of finding solace in a higher power and trusting in divine intervention. The repetition of the line "Take your troubles to the chapel" further emphasizes the message and encourages listeners to seek refuge in places of worship.
Overall, "Crying in the Chapel" is a deeply introspective and uplifting song that portrays the transformative power of faith and the sanctuary provided by a chapel. It encourages individuals to find solace, unity, and peace in their spiritual journeys by seeking connection with others and offering their burdens to a higher power.
Line by Line Meaning
You saw me crying in the chapel
Someone witnessed my emotional display while I was inside the place of worship
The tears I shed were tears of joy
The drops of liquid that fell from my eyes were expressions of immense happiness
I know the meaning of contentment
I have a deep understanding of the feeling of satisfaction and fulfillment
Now I am happy with the Lord
Currently, I experience joy and delight in the presence of a divine being
Just a plain and simple chapel
The sacred space in question is modest and devoid of extravagant elements
Where humble people go to pray
A location frequented by individuals who possess a modest and unassuming nature, for the purpose of prayer
I pray the Lord that I'll grow stronger
I beseech the almighty entity for the development and enhancement of my personal strength
As I live from day to day
During the course of my daily existence
I've searched and I've searched
I have engaged in an extensive and persistent quest
But I couldn't find
Alas, I was unable to discover
No way on earth to gain peace of mind
A method or solution in this earthly realm that would grant me tranquility and serenity of the mind
Now I'm happy in the chapel
Presently, I find joy and contentment within the walls of the sacred place
Where people are of one accord
All the individuals present share the same opinion, purpose, or agreement
We gather in the chapel
We assemble together within the sacred space
Just to sing and praise the Lord
Merely to raise our voices in song and offer acclaim to the divine being
You'll search and you'll search
You will embark on a quest and persist in your endeavors
But you'll never find
Yet, you will never succeed in locating
No way on earth to gain peace of mind
A method or solution in this earthly realm that would grant you tranquility and serenity of the mind
Take your troubles to the chapel
Bring your worries and difficulties to the sacred place
Get down on your knees and pray
Descend onto the ground and offer your supplications to a divine being
Then your burdens will be lighter
Subsequently, your heavy loads will become less weighty and burdensome
And you'll surely find the way
Assuredly, you will discover the path or solution you seek
Lyrics © Kanjian Music, Universal Music Publishing Group, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: Artie Glenn
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind