James grew up and began performing in Kingston, Jamaica, where he recorded as a solo artist with producers Coxsone Dodd, Clancy Eccles, and Lyndon Pottinger. His most successful release was an early version of "Come To Me Softly", which found local success and persuaded James to give up a job with the Inland Revenue for a music career.
The Vagabonds were originally formed in 1960. James teamed up with them under Canadian band manager Roger Smith and in April 1964, they relocated to the UK. "Ska-Time" (Decca Records) was recorded as Jamaica's Own Vagabonds within two weeks of their arrival, and is one of the first examples of Jamaican ska music to be recorded in the UK. After meeting manager Peter Meaden in 1965, Jimmy James and the Vagabonds supported The Who and Rod Stewart who was with his group The Steampacket at the Marquee Club in London. The band played the Shanklin Pier ballroom on the Isle of Wight in June 1965 and returned for two further sold-out concerts that summer. He and the Vagabonds shared several bills with Jimi Hendrix's band, The Experience, during the late 1960s when they were both trying to establish themselves. "We used to hang out a lot at clubs like the Bag O' Nails, the Cromwellian and Whiskey A Go Go. A great guy, very quiet and unassuming," James recalled. The Vagabonds and the Experience also played the Ricky Tick and Upper Cut clubs in London in December 1966 and January 1967 respectively, and at the Beachcomber Ballroom in Nottingham.
They signed a recording contract with Pye Records and released their best known studio album, The New Religion in 1966. The band also played as support for The Who, and Sonny & Cher, Rod Stewart (who was also on Pye Records at the time), and The Rolling Stones. The band often used the Abbey Road Studios, once being there at the same time as The Beatles were recording. Their live performance was captured in the album, London Swings – Live at the Marquee Club, also featuring The Alan Bown Set. Jimmy James and the Vagabonds were labelmates and rivals of Geno Washington & The Ram Jam Band.
The Vagabonds disbanded in 1970, but James, who owned the name, reformed the band with a new, all white line-up in 1974. They had hits in the UK Singles Chart with " I'll Go Where Your Music Takes Me" and "Now Is The Time". Without James, the Vagabonds recorded an album (Ska-Time) as "Jamaica's Original Vagabonds" which was released in 1970.
Former Vagabonds bass player Alan Wood (1973–77) now runs his own management agency and represents Paul Carrack.
In 1979 a new band, Big Business, was formed by Alan Kirk and Andrew Platts, former Vagabonds and they continue to tour to this day. Big Business toured with Mick Jackson ("Blame It on the Boogie"). Kirk owns Hilltop Studios in Dronfield near Chesterfield. Platts is managing editor of the entertainment paper, Mercury Newspaper in Sheffield.
In 1999, drummer Russ Courtenay co-wrote the track "Whatever You Need", which appeared on Tina Turner's album, 24/7, and later on her All the Best and The Platinum Collection compilation albums. He is currently working on a project entitled 'Rainbow Beach'.
In 2007, James contributed the track "The Other Side of the Street" for Ian Levine's Northern Soul 2007 album.
James regularly performs around the UK with former Foundations frontman, Clem Curtis. The pair, along with Flirtations vocalist Earnestine Pearce have toured with 'The Soul Explosion'. In April 2007, James performed at the 'Classic Gold Weekender' along with Marmalade, Love Affair and Showaddywaddy. In 2013, they toured with James' early hero, Ben E. King.
In February 2014, the song "Whatever You Need", written by drummer Russ Courtenay and Harriet Roberts featured on Tina Turner's album, Love Songs.
The Vagabonds
Members of the Vagabonds have included:
Rupert Balgobin (drums, 1960–70)
Barry Sutton (Trumpet, 1967–70)
Colston Chen (bass, 1960–70)
Phil Chen (guitar, 1960–70)
Fred Fredericks (saxophone, 1960–70)
Carl Griffiths (saxophone, 1960–70)
Count Prince Miller (vocals, 1960–70) died in 2018
Carl Noel (keyboards, 1960–67)
Art Regis (Hammond organ, 1967–1969)
Wallace Wilson (guitar, 1960–70)
Stewart Blandamer (saxophone, 1970-1972
Steve Farr (saxophone, 1970-1972)
Bill Roberts (guitar, 1970-1972)
Eddy Spence (keyboards, 1970-1972)
Kelvin(Kelly)Cantlon (bass, 1970-1972)
Mick Dolan (drums, 1970-1972)
Alan Wood (bass, 1973–77)
Martin Dale (trumpet, 1971)
Dave Hopper (guitar, 1973–74)
Fred Guite (drums, 1973–74)
Pete Wright (drums, 1974–75)
Russ Courtenay (drums, 1975–77)
Chris Garfield (guitar, 1975–77)
Alan Kirk (keyboards, 1975–77)
Pete Gill (drums, 1974–1975)
John Steele (guitar, 1974–1975)
Rick Sequeira (keyboards, 1974–1975)
Andrew Platts (trombone and vocals 1977–1979)
Glenn Harland (Lead Guitarist 1981–1984)
John Wintony (keyboards 1981–1984)
Dave Bussey (drums 1981–1984
Chris Turner (bass 1981–1984)
Steve Ward (lead guitarist, 1990–1995)
David Cooke (keyboards, 1990–1995)
Pat Coleman (drums, 1990–1994)
Mario James (bass, 1990–1992)
Mike Scrimshaw (bass, 1992)
Dean Spain (backing vocals, 1998–current)
Discography
"Red Red Wine" – 1968 – Pye – No. 36 UK
A Man Like Me -1972 - Stateside Records Did not Chart
I'll Go Where your Music Takes Me– Pye – No. 23 UK
"You Don't Stand a Chance if You Can't Dance" - 1975 - PYE Records Limited
"Now Is The Time" – 1976 – Pye – No. 5 UK
I Wanna Be
Jimmy James & The Vagabonds Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Reflect what you are
In case you don't know
I'll be the wind,
The rain, and the sunset
The light on your door,
To show that you're home
That inside you're twisted and unkind
Let me stand to show that you are blind
Please put down your hands
Cause I see you
I find it hard to believe you don't know
The beauty you are
But if you don't, let me be your eyes,
A hand in your darkness,
So you won't be afraid
When you think the night has seen your mind
That inside you're twisted and unkind
Let me stand to show that you are blind
Please put down your hands
Cause I see you
I'll be your mirror (Reflect what you are)
I'll be your mirror (Reflect what you are)
I'll be your mirror (Reflect what you are)
I'll be your mirror (Reflect what you are)
The lyrics of "I Wanna Be" by Jimmy James & The Vagabonds convey a sense of compassion and support for someone who may be struggling with self-perception or inner demons. The song takes on the role of a mirror, reflecting the true essence of the individual and offering guidance and reassurance.
The opening lines, "I'll be your mirror, Reflect what you are, In case you don't know," suggest that the singer is willing to show the person their true self, acting as a reflection of their inner being. It implies that the individual may not fully realize or appreciate their own qualities and potential, so the singer offers to show them by being there for them.
The lyrics then delve into the idea that when one feels as though their mind and thoughts are consumed by darkness and negativity, the singer will be there to stand by their side. The line, "When you think the night has seen your mind, That inside you're twisted and unkind," acknowledges the struggles and inner turmoil the person may be experiencing. The singer wants to reassure them that they are not alone and that their perception may be clouded by their own self-criticism.
The chorus emphasizes the singer's desire to serve as a guide and support system for the person, encouraging them to put down their defenses and trust in their perspective. By saying, "Please put down your hands, Cause I see you," the singer suggests that they understand and see beyond any façade or self-doubt. They recognize the beauty and potential within the person, even if the individual themselves may struggle to see it.
The repetition of the line, "I'll be your mirror (Reflect what you are)," reinforces the singer's commitment to being a source of clarity and support. It conveys the idea that they will consistently be there to remind the person of their true worth and help them navigate through their inner darkness.
In summary, "I Wanna Be" is a heartfelt anthem of support and understanding. The lyrics aim to uplift and empower the listener by acting as a mirror, reflecting their true self and offering solace to those who may feel lost or misunderstood. It speaks to the transformative power of compassion and the value of having someone who can see beyond our self-doubt and shine a light on our true beauty.
Line by Line Meaning
I'll be your mirror
I will be your reflection, showing you exactly who you are.
Reflect what you are
I will mirror your true self, reflecting your inner qualities and emotions.
In case you don't know
If you are unaware of your own worth and beauty,
I'll be the wind, The rain, and the sunset
I will embody the elements of nature to remind you of their beauty and power.
The light on your door, To show that you're home
I will be the guiding light that signals your presence and belonging.
When you think the night has seen your mind
During times when you feel your thoughts are dark and troubled
That inside you're twisted and unkind
When you believe your inner self is distorted and filled with negativity
Let me stand to show that you are blind
Allow me to be a symbol of truth, revealing that you are unable to see your own worth
Please put down your hands
Let go of your self-doubt and insecurity
Cause I see you
Because I am able to perceive your true essence and value.
I find it hard to believe you don't know
It is difficult for me to comprehend that you are unaware
The beauty you are
Of the immense beauty and worth you possess
But if you don't, let me be your eyes
However, if you are unable to recognize your own beauty, allow me to guide and illuminate your perception
A hand in your darkness
I will offer support and guidance during your moments of confusion and uncertainty
So you won't be afraid
To alleviate your fears and insecurities
I'll be your mirror (Reflect what you are)
Once again, I will be the reflection of your true self
I'll be your mirror (Reflect what you are)
Continuing to show you who you truly are
I'll be your mirror (Reflect what you are)
Emphasizing my role as your mirror and supporter
I'll be your mirror (Reflect what you are)
Reiterating my commitment to reflecting your authenticity and beauty
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: Lou Reed
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind