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.
Know Til Know
Jim James Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
It seemed
Caught at a loss for words
I didn't know 'til now
I couldn't not have known
I didn't know 'til know
Just couldn't know
How sweet life could be (know 'til now)
But now I (know 'til now)
But now I see
(I didn't know)
Lost in the world
It seemed
Caught at a loss for words
I didn't know 'til now
How could I have known
I didn't know 'til now
How could I have known
But now I see, but now I see
how sweet life could be
And now I see, how sweet life could be
And now I see, how sweet life could be
That's the way (know 'til now)
That's the way (know 'til now)
How sweet (know 'til now)
How sweet (know 'til now)
The lyrics of Jim James's song "Know Til Now" convey a sense of being lost and disconnected from the world, along with a feeling of revelation that comes with newfound understanding. The opening lines set the tone for the song, with the repetition of being "lost in the world." The singer is caught for words, struggling to articulate their feelings of confusion and disorientation. The phrase "I didn't know til now" is repeated throughout the song, emphasizing that the singer has had an epiphany or moment of realization, which has changed their perspective.
The repetition of the phrase "I didn't know til now" suggests a gradual awakening or a journey towards enlightenment, as if each time the phrase is repeated, the singer is coming closer to a deeper understanding of themselves and the world around them. This sense of progression is further emphasized through the use of repetition in the final lines, where the phrase "And now I see" is repeated three times. The repetition creates a sense of completion or resolution, suggesting that the singer has reached a point of greater understanding and clarity.
Overall, the lyrics of "Know Til Now" suggest a journey towards self-discovery and self-awareness, with the singer realizing the limits of their previous understanding and embracing a new perspective.
Line by Line Meaning
Lost, in the world
Feeling directionless and uncertain in life
It seems
Expressing doubt about reality
Caught and lost for words
Unable to articulate one's feelings
I didn't know til now
Realizing something for the first time
I couldn't not have known
Acknowledging the inevitability of hindsight
Just couldn't know it
Recognizing the limitations of one's understanding
As we need to be (know til now)
Accepting past mistakes as necessary parts of growth
As we climb the beat(know til now)
Acknowledging the challenges of progress
But now I (know til now)
Expressing the newfound clarity of understanding
But now I see
Noticing something that was previously overlooked
(I didn't know)
Repeating the same sentiment for emphasis
How could I have known
Questioning the feasibility of understanding something sooner
But now I see, but now I see
Reiterating the importance of newfound clarity
how sweet like a leaf
Comparing the pleasantness of newfound realization to nature's beauty
And now I see, I see it complete
Feeling a sense of wholeness after discovering something important
And now I see, like a leaf
Continuing the metaphor about the beauty of understanding something new
Catching into mine (know til now)
Grasping the concept mentally
That’s the way (know til now)
Accepting that the discovery is a part of life
As we, (know til now)
Understanding that everyone experiences revelation at their own pace
That’s the way (know til now)
Reiterating the acceptance of unforeseen epiphany
Lyrics © Hipgnosis Songs Group
Written by: James Edward Jr Olliges
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Luke Hayes
Alana Rocklin on bass ladies and gents. She plays for STS9 now. Unbelievable talent added to that group.
Sun Child
I've never heard of this guy until I recently watched Dylan's Basement Tapes on Showtime. And I have to say that I was very impressed with how diverse he is in his writing. He's definitely one of the better artists out there right now.
Xavier Dias-Hawkins
Jim James has purely and simply taken his art through a transcendence into a new reincarnation. His performing art alone should be the reason for this video to have 0 dislikes, but his entire album is a conscious expanding piece of beauty! Gotta love him
James Keith
Bro, his fake playing of the sax should be the reason this has more dislikes than likes.
FreshTake01
Great Genius!
N VM
Such an incredible unique sound and instruments huummm did I mention his voice really smooth 🥰💙💙💙
L J
felt so lucky to have been there for this show, it was amazing!! Thanks Jim always for putting your all into performances
GoodKarmaJax
I first learned of him from a song on The Leftovers S2 E6, State of the Art.....I love his voice. It is so relaxing and really touches me. He's such a cool guy and meditates and one video shows him playing at a concert with others who also do transendental meditation, which he's done since 2009. Maybe that's why his voice has a calming effect on my.
boxnbrw
A brilliant songwriter/performer. I feel privileged to have seen him perform in person.
Milky Way Galaxy
His voice is like the hauntingly beautiful, lonesome wail of a coyote caught in a steel trap on a moonlit night. Perfect pitch. Primal. This new stuff is edgy. A true artist.