Jamesβ real-deal approach to music andβmore importantβthe craft of singing are the main attractions on his upcoming mix tape and album of the same name: βMade to Love.β Both mark the singer/songwriterβs debut on Mercury/Island Def Jam via New Age Rock Star Records (NARS), the label helmed by award-winning producer Danja (Mariah Carey, Keri Hilson) and long-time collaborator / mixing engineer Marcella Araica (Madonna, Pink, Timbaland).
βThis isnβt a fad for me,β declares James. βIβm willing to go wherever with this because music is everything to me. This is my world and how I see it. My music speaks for me in a way thatβs relatable and truthful.β
βHonest is the best word to describe Luke,β adds Danja, who began working with James nearly four years ago. βEvery message in his songs is sincere. And Lukeβs voice is another obvious factor. Putting all of that together, he possesses a universal connection that touches everyone. Heβs an undeniable force.β
That connection hits home on Jamesβ lead single, βI Want You.β Packed with interesting breaks and tempo shifts, the sparse yet bright track pulsates with an infectious, hip-hop-influenced beat. That foundation provides the perfect complement to Jamesβ pure, arresting falsetto as he sings: βI was just a broken record of one-night stands /Til you came along with your beautiful song β¦β
βItβs all about the voice,β says Danja. βAnd thatβs what heβs captured on every record. Production doesnβt matter. No matter how sparse or grand I make it, he takes control and makes it about him.β
Jamesβ innate talent as a singer/songwriter was nurtured in one of musicβs legendary outposts, New Orleans. An only child, he grew up listening to a wide array of influences thanks to his single mother: everyone from Marvin Gaye and Harold Melvin & the Bluenotes to Willie Nelson and Alabama. Jamesβ oh wow moment occurred when he was 11 years old and watching the amateur talent segment on TVβs βShowtime at the Apollo.β One of the contestants began singing Donny Hathawayβs version of writer Leon Russellβs βA Song For You.β
βI got chills,β recalls James. βAnd I get that feeling all over again whenever I think about that performance. At the time, Iβd never said I wanted to be a singer; I just knew I wanted to entertain. And Iβd never heard of Donny. But when my mother found her copy of one of his records, I knew then that I wanted to reach people that way.β
While in high school in 2001, James joined a trio that started performing around New Orleans, opening for such acts as Brian McKnight. Thatβs when James first met his longtime manager Frank Gatson. When things with the trio didnβt work out, James moved to Los Angeles after graduationβon the advice of Gatsonβand began singing background for R&B singer Tyrese. It was through the singer that James met production duo the Underdogs and signed with their label as part of a singing duo: Luke & Q.
When Luke & Q decided to go their separate ways, James began honing his skills as a songwriter after hooking up with producer Danja nearly four years ago. Since then, he has collaborated on songs for Brown, Bieber, Spears, Keri Hilson and Brandy and worked alongside such other producers as Kadis and Sean and the Messengers. Inspired by those collaborations, he rediscovered his footing as a singer in his own right.
βI found the feeling again where I felt something fresh could come out,β says James. βWriting songs helped me figure out what my lane was as far as being a solo artist. And Iβve also learned something else: If I donβt feel it, I canβt do it.
Dancing In The Dark
Luke James Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Ooh ooh ooh ooh
Ooh ooh ooh ooh
Oh yeah
Look at who we are
Ain't it wonderful?
Strangers in the dark
Let go of what we know
I'm learning more and more
Let's just keep them all
I know you've got the glow
Oh baby
'Cause we're dancing in the dark again
In the dark again
We're dancing in the dark again
In the dark again
And it feels so good
Never let you go
Dancing in the dark again
In the dark again
Ooh ooh
Ooh ooh ooh ooh
Ooh ooh ooh ooh
Oh
Ooh ooh
Ooh ooh ooh ooh
Ooh ooh ooh ooh
Oh yeah
Look at what we are
Far from what we know
Legion from the parts
You're afraid to show
Let your love come down
Let it overflow
What you're feeling now, no you're not alone
Not alone
'Cause we're dancing in the dark again
In the dark again
We're dancing in the dark again
In the dark again
And it feels so good
Never let you go
Dancing in the dark again
In the dark again
Ooh ooh
Ooh ooh ooh ooh
Ooh ooh ooh ooh
Oh yeah
Ooh ooh
Ooh ooh ooh ooh
Ooh ooh ooh ooh
Oh yeah
'Cause we're dancing in the dark again
In the dark again
We're dancing in the dark again
In the dark again
And it feels so good
Never let you go!
Dancing in the dark again
In the dark again
Dancing in the dark again
In the dark again
Dancing in the dark again
In the dark again
Dancing in the dark again
In the dark again
Dancing in the dark again
In the dark again
Oh yeah
Oh yeah
Oh yeah
Oh yeah
In Luke James's song "Dancing in the Dark," the lyrics express a deep sense of freedom and liberation, as the singer revels in the joy of being with a partner in a dark, intimate space. The song recognizes that even in darkness, there is beauty and wonder to be found, and that the joy of dancing with a loved one is a powerful experience. The lyrics encourage the listener to let go of their inhibitions and embrace the moment, allowing themselves to be swept away by the music and the energy of the dance.
The song's lyrics evoke a sense of mystery and enchantment, as the lovers are shrouded in darkness, yet their connection is palpable. The lyrics suggest that the couple is exploring something new and exciting, something that is beyond what they know and understand. The refrain "dancing in the dark again" repeats throughout the song, conveying a sense of timelessness and transcendence, as though the lovers are caught up in a moment that will endure forever.
Overall, "Dancing in the Dark" is a song about the joy of surrendering oneself to love and passion, and the powerful sense of connection that can be found in the simplest of moments.
Line by Line Meaning
Ooh ooh
Expressing excitement or pleasure without any specific meaning
Ooh ooh ooh ooh
A continuation of the expression of excitement or pleasure without any specific meaning
Ooh ooh ooh ooh
A continuation of the expression of excitement or pleasure without any specific meaning
Oh yeah
An expression of agreement, excitement or approval
Look at who we are
Reflecting on their current state of being or situation
Ain't it wonderful?
Asking a rhetorical question to emphasize their wonder or amazement at their situation
Strangers in the dark
Referring to themselves as strangers in the context of their current situation, which might be unfamiliar, uncomfortable or even exciting
Ain't it beautiful?
Asking a rhetorical question to emphasize their appreciation or admiration of their situation
Let go of what we know
Encouraging themselves or their partner to abandon familiar knowledge or habits in order to embrace new experiences
I'm learning more and more
Expressing a desire or willingness to acquire new knowledge about themselves or their partner
Let's just keep them all
Suggesting that all of their experiences, good or bad, are worth keeping and learning from
I know you've got the glow
Complimenting their partner on their positive energy, mood or appearance, conveying admiration, affection or attraction
'Cause we're dancing in the dark again
Highlighting or emphasizing their current activity, which is dancing in the dark, suggesting that this is significant, enjoyable or memorable
And it feels so good
Expressing the pleasure, satisfaction or joy of their current experience, which is dancing in the dark
Never let you go
Expressing their desire or intention to keep their partner close to them or to maintain their current relationship
Look at what we are
Reflecting on their current state of being or situation again
Far from what we know
Acknowledging that their situation is different, unusual or even challenging compared to their usual experiences or habits
Legion from the parts
Suggesting that their relationship or situation is comprised of many parts or elements, which might be diverse, complex or difficult to understand
You're afraid to show
Implying that their partner might have some emotions, thoughts or behaviors that they are hesitant or afraid to reveal, expressing empathy or understanding
Let your love come down
Encouraging their partner to express their feelings of love, affection or attraction freely and openly
Let it overflow
Emphasizing that their partner's love or affection should be abundant, overflowing or even overwhelming, conveying desire, passion or intensity
What you're feeling now, no you're not alone
Assuring their partner that whatever they are feeling, positive or negative, they are not alone or isolated, offering emotional support or connection
Dancing in the dark again
Repeating the chorus, emphasizing their current activity and experience, which is dancing in the dark
Ooh ooh ooh ooh
A continuation of the expression of excitement or pleasure without any specific meaning
Ooh ooh ooh ooh
A continuation of the expression of excitement or pleasure without any specific meaning
Ooh ooh ooh ooh
A continuation of the expression of excitement or pleasure without any specific meaning
Dancing in the dark again
Repeating the chorus one more time, emphasizing their current activity and experience, which is dancing in the dark
Oh yeah
An expression of agreement, excitement or approval
Oh yeah
An expression of agreement, excitement or approval
Oh yeah
An expression of agreement, excitement or approval
Oh yeah
An expression of agreement, excitement or approval
Lyrics Β© BMG Rights Management
Written by: Dominic Gordon, Jamaica Smith, Luke Boyd, Philip Constable
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
afro symphony
this guy is soo underated it annoys me...he is simply amazing!!!!!
Mickey Rosa
@good news Tell it! Luke James sings real music that soothes like artists of the past.
good news
My thoughts exactly. The industry likes to promote mediocre artists. Luke is amazing!!!
Deridere Cole
I totally agree with you!!! He is ABSOLUTELY AMAZING
SEXXE STONER
it's a shame how underrated this man is..............such a great talent
Benita Okeke
This beyond perfect like I don't even know what to say...luke James always delivers
Ano Nimothy
Should've been him Verzuz Mario
Solomon Chidi Amadiume
Luke James is being slept on dammit.
Neghie Thervil
Still is!! Crazy.
Jamia Mack
I think his music is great just like maxwells or musiq soulchild but just because he not singing about sex, money and weed and exploiting women in a negative way that's the reason he not blowing up....which is sad. We need more music like this that actually means something. More music that actually make you wanna go home to your women and make love to her and appreciate her instead of just talking about how fat a girls ass is or talking about how much money you got in the damn bank or even rapping about your one night pointless stands.Β