James
MGMT Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
If you heed the call
And you go outside, and wander off
And home is there
Forever you will make it
You can always say, "Who's laughing now?"
James
Come right over
You don't even knock
And I'll be home
The door is always open
And we both can say, "Who's laughing now?"
Oh James
My little doll
You just go outside and you call
Oh James
Oh you're never too far off
James
My little doll
You just go outside and you call
Oh James
No, you're never too far off
If your fire's out
There's no need to shout
I'm always home
You walk on in
I'll make you tea and breakfast
And we both can say, "Who's laughing now?"
Oh James
Oh James
Oh James
No, you're never too far off (James)
No, you're never too far off
The song 'James' by MGMT is a soft, gentle, and affectionate tribute to a friend who is always welcome at their place. The song's lyrics provide an invitation to the titular James to come knocking any time he wants. The singer assures James that he will always be welcomed with open arms and that there is no need for him to hesitate or knock. The opening line, "If you heed the call, and you go outside and wander off, and home is there, forever you will make it," emphasizes the friendliness and warmth, along with the flexibility of the singer's invitation to James. They also stress on how James will always be welcomed and provided with a home, no matter what his situation may be.
The song continues to highlight how James is always welcome, irrespective of his state of affairs. If he needs a friend, he is encouraged to come right over, and his needs will be taken care of with the utmost sensitivity and affection. The song's chorus emphasizes this sentiment with the repetition of 'Oh James, my little doll, you just go outside, and you call, oh James, No, you're never too far off.' The words "little doll" seem to suggest that James is someone who is very dear and close to the singer's heart. In essence, the song is about the importance of companionship and how it is essential to have someone by your side when you need them the most.
Line by Line Meaning
James
Addressing a person named James, the singer begins to talk about him in the following lines
If you heed the call
If you listen to what you're called for
And you go outside, and wander off
Go outside and explore the world, wander as much as you want
And home is there
When you come back home
Forever you will make it
You'll always make it in life if you keep coming back home
You can always say, "Who's laughing now?"
You can always prove people wrong and be successful
If you need a friend
If you need someone to talk to or spend time with
Come right over
Come over to my place without any hesitation
You don't even knock
No need to knock on the door, just come in
And I'll be home
I'll always be there, at my place
The door is always open
My door is always open for you, don't hesitate to come in
And we both can say, "Who's laughing now?"
We both can prove people wrong and be successful
Oh James
Addressing James again
My little doll
Referring to James in an affectionate way
You just go outside and you call
Just call me whenever you're lonely or need help
Oh James
Addressing James again
Oh you're never too far off
You're always close to me, no matter how far you go
If your fire's out
If you're feeling down or unmotivated
There's no need to shout
You don't need to scream or ask for help loudly
I'm always home
I'm always there for you
You walk on in
Just come in whenever you want
I'll make you tea and breakfast
I'll take care of you and make you feel comfortable
And we both can say, "Who's laughing now?"
We both can prove people wrong and be successful
Oh James
Addressing James again
No, you're never too far off
You're always close to me, no matter how far you go
Oh James
Addressing James again
Oh James
Addressing James again
Oh James
Addressing James again
No, you're never too far off (James)
You're always close to me, no matter how far you go
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management
Written by: Andrew VanWyngarden, Ben Goldwasser
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind