Signed to Polydor in 1984, the band was known for combining Clark's twangy guitar style with Cole's low-key singing style. Particularly notable were Cole's literary lyrics (he was studying Philosophy at the University of Glasgow when the band started) and name-dropping the likes of Norman Mailer, Arthur Lee, Grace Kelly, Truman Capote, Eva Marie Saint, Simone de Beauvoir, and Nancy Sinatra.
For a period in the mid 1980s the band was one of the most successful indie acts in Britain, vying with The Smiths. The band broke up in 1989 amid reports of personality clashes between members, and Cole moved to New York City to pursue a successful solo career. The band reformed in 2004 to perform a 20th anniversary tour of the UK and Ireland.
Band members
Lloyd Cole (born 31 January 1961) - vocals, guitar, lyricist
Blair Cowan (born 1960?) - keyboards
Lawrence Donegan (born 13 July 1961) - bass guitar
Neil Clark (born 3 July 1955) - guitar
Stephen Irvine (born 16 December 1959) - drums
James
Lloyd Cole and The Commotions Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Receive no concessions and it`s a heartless world
And it`s a thoughtless heartless world
Oh James oh you're a terrible child
Hide yourself away from furnished accommodation
With a view and window seat
You swear she really is the best thing that you have ever seen
But your heart is in the wrong place
Oh you're impossible James hide yourself away
And it`s a sin to be a saint
And you're impossible James
And it`s impossible to accept that she's impossible
And as a consequence you lock yourself away
And it`s a crime to be alive and be alone
And be content to be
Oh James oh you`re a terrible child
Hide yourself away
And in the morning when you wake
Nothing will have changed
The song "James" by Lloyd Cole and The Commotions explores the idea of feeling like an outcast in a cruel and thoughtless world. The lyrics describe ugly children with poor complexions and greasy hair that receive no concessions, emphasizing the heartlessness of society. The chorus focuses on James, whom the singer calls a terrible child, urging him to hide himself away from the world where he feels he does not belong. Despite having a furnished accommodation, a view, and a window seat, James cannot find happiness because his heart is in the wrong place. The lyrics suggest that James may be pining after a woman who he thinks is the best thing he has ever seen, but he cannot be content with her because of his internal struggles.
The song also touches on the theme of impossibility, both in terms of being a saint and being content with being alone. The singer questions James' inability to accept that the woman he desires is impossible, leading him to lock himself away. The final lines suggest that despite everything, when James wakes up in the morning, nothing will have changed, indicating an acceptance of his current situation. Overall, "James" is a powerful exploration of the challenges of finding happiness in a world that can be cruel and unforgiving.
Line by Line Meaning
Ugly children with poor complexions and greasy hair
Children who are aesthetically displeasing due to a combination of unclean skin and hair.
Receive no concessions and it`s a heartless world
They are not provided any special treatment, and the world is cruel.
And it`s a thoughtless heartless world
The world is insensitive and cruel.
Oh James oh you're a terrible child
James is considered a bad child.
Hide yourself away from furnished accommodation
Stay away from furnished homes.
With a view and window seat
Even if the furnished accommodation has advantages of a view and window seat.
You swear she really is the best thing that you have ever seen
You believe that she is the ultimate or ideal woman.
But your heart is in the wrong place
You are misguided or unrealistic about your feelings.
Cover your face and despair yourself away
Hide and give up on yourself.
Oh you're impossible James hide yourself away
James is considered impossible or incapable of achieving anything, so he has to hide away.
And it`s a sin to be a saint
Being a saint has its limitations and challenges.
And you're impossible James
James can never achieve anything worthwhile.
And it`s impossible to accept that she's impossible
You can't make sense of it all, she is unattainable yet attractive.
And as a consequence you lock yourself away
You hide away as a result of the situation.
And it`s a crime to be alive and be alone
It's a tragedy to be alive and living a solitary life.
And be content to be
Be satisfied with yourself and your situation.
Oh James oh you`re a terrible child
Again, James is viewed as a bad kid.
Hide yourself away
Hide away from everything and everyone.
And in the morning when you wake
After a night's sleep, in the morning.
Nothing will have changed
Things will remain the same, unfortunately.
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management, Universal Music Publishing Group, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: LLOYD COLE
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Ander Son
Ugly children with poor complexions and greasy hair
Receive no concessions and it`s a heartless world
And it`s a thoughtless heartless world
Oh James oh you're a terrible child
Hide yourself away from furnished accommodation
With a view and window seat
You swear she really is the best thing that you have ever seen
But your heart is in the wrong place
Cover your face and despair yourself away
Oh you're impossible James hide yourself away
And it`s a sin to be a saint
And you're impossible James
And it`s impossible to accept that she's impossible
And as a consequence you lock yourself away
And it`s a crime to be alive and be alone
And be content to be
Oh James oh you`re a terrible child
Hide yourself away
And in the morning when you wake
Nothing will have changed
Philip Triebwasser
This hauntingly evocative and melancholic song deserves more comments than none.
Andy Lee
probably the best artist nouvelle vague haven't covered
John C
Lloyd Cole and The Commotions were one of the best british bands from the 80's.
This is one of their best songs.
jannette , jansfabfairies
just great no cover needed.just like morrissey the voice is what makes it
federico molina
Great song ..Easy pieces brilliant album ..Rattlesnakes my fav
Ander Son
Ugly children with poor complexions and greasy hair
Receive no concessions and it`s a heartless world
And it`s a thoughtless heartless world
Oh James oh you're a terrible child
Hide yourself away from furnished accommodation
With a view and window seat
You swear she really is the best thing that you have ever seen
But your heart is in the wrong place
Cover your face and despair yourself away
Oh you're impossible James hide yourself away
And it`s a sin to be a saint
And you're impossible James
And it`s impossible to accept that she's impossible
And as a consequence you lock yourself away
And it`s a crime to be alive and be alone
And be content to be
Oh James oh you`re a terrible child
Hide yourself away
And in the morning when you wake
Nothing will have changed
coolti44
brilliant record...
curtis blaesing
Morrissey has said "James" is Lloyd's Best song.
PJ Kazinzski
Absolutely. My favourite too.
Rudolf Trost
It's a crime to be alone and be content to be. I had a T-shirt made with this line...