After the Pharrell video went viral, several different record labels tried to sign Rogers. She ended up negotiating a contract with Capitol Records where "she licenses her music to them through her own imprint, Debay Sounds." As a result, she has more control over her sound and image than many artists at a similar place in their music careers.
Rogers's EP, Now That the Light Is Fading, was released on February 17, 2017. She released her major-label debut album, Heard It In a Past Life, in January 2019. The album debuted at number two on the US Billboard 200.
She made her television debut on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon on February 15, 2017, Saturday Night Live debut on November 3, 2018 and Today Show debut on July 12, 2019.
She cites Carrie Brownstein, Patti Smith, Kim Gordon, and Björk as her musical inspirations, while prominent singers Brandi Carlile and Sharon Van Etten - who she calls her "musical big sisters" - have become mentors. She also mentioned in her initial conversation with Williams that she has synesthesia, a benign condition where one or more senses is perceived at once. In her case, she is able to perceive colours as a response to hearing music.
James
Maggie Rogers Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
With idealistic visions all perched on the shelf
And I'm still hoping, waiting for you to come home
May your snow capped mountains carry you far
May they stand as protectors wherever you are
May you stay safe and happy all of your days
Oh James
Maybe you're in love or hung up on another
And maybe you found a far prettier lover
And maybe you'll paint her a picture like you did for me
And you color your world with that Neverland smile
But it goes dark in pieces every once in a while
And on my birthday I told you, "Dont worry, there'll be other days"
Oh James
Oh James
Oh James
Oh James
Ooh, ooh, ooh
Ooh, ooh, ooh
Ooh, ooh, ooh, ooh
Ooh, ooh, ooh
Ooh, ooh, ooh
Ooh, ooh, ooh, ooh
And I'll always be happy if you choose to call
Or write me a letter saying all that you saw and
And how things have changed since our days there on Noxontown Pond
Now don't be a stranger, now don't go too far
And though you love places that have lots of stars
Just know in the city, you'll always have a place to stay
Oh James
Oh James
Oh James
Oh James
Oh James
Ooh, ooh, ooh
Oh James (ooh, ooh, ooh)
Oh James (ooh, ooh, ooh, ooh)
Oh James
Oh James (ooh, ooh, ooh)
Oh James (ooh, ooh, ooh, ooh)
Oh James (ooh, ooh, ooh, ooh)
Oh James
Ooh, ooh, ooh
Ooh, ooh, ooh, ooh
Ooh, ooh, ooh
The song "James" by Maggie Rogers is a poignant reflection on lost love and a message to a former lover who has moved on. The lyrics speak of the singer's regret for not appreciating their former partner fully, lamenting that they were too young and thoughtless at the time to realize what they had. Despite this, they still hold onto the hope that their former partner will come back to them someday. The song also recognizes the possibility that the former partner may have moved on to someone else, leaving the singer behind.
The title of the song, "James," is believed to be a real person who was an important figure in Rogers's life. The song is a tribute to him, and the lyrics seem to suggest that while the singer may have lost him, they still have a strong attachment to him and are willing to wait for him to come back. The chorus repeats the name "James" over and over, emphasizing his importance and the depth of the singer's feelings for him.
The song also contains references to nature, including snow-capped mountains and starry skies. These natural images serve to emphasize the distance between the two lovers and the vastness of the world that separates them. Overall, "James" is a haunting and emotional ballad that speaks to the power of lost love and the depth of human emotion.
Line by Line Meaning
Too young, too thoughtless," I said to myself
I had unrealistic expectations and ideals that were not mature enough for a relationship.
With idealistic visions all perched on the shelf
My optimistic thoughts on love and life were unrealistic and unrealistic.
And I'm still hoping, waiting for you to come home
Despite the breakup, I'm still waiting for you to come back to me.
May your snow capped mountains carry you far
I hope that you go far in life and reach new heights.
May they stand as protectors wherever you are
May you always be safe no matter where you go.
May you stay safe and happy all of your days
I hope that you are always happy and safe in everything you do.
Maybe you're in love or hung up on another
I acknowledge the possibility that you might have moved on and be with someone else.
And maybe you found a far prettier lover
I admit that you may have found someone better looking than me.
And maybe you'll paint her a picture like you did for me
You probably make her feel special just like you did with me.
And you color your world with that Neverland smile
You have a contagious smile that can brighten up anyone's day.
But it goes dark in pieces every once in a while
However, even you have dark moments of sadness or struggle.
And on my birthday I told you, "Dont worry, there'll be other days"
I assured you that there will always be other days to celebrate and cherish.
And I'll always be happy if you choose to call
I'll always be happy to hear from you and receive your call.
Or write me a letter saying all that you saw and
You can always share your experiences and thoughts with me through writing.
And how things have changed since our days there on Noxontown Pond
We both have come a long way since the times we spent together by the pond.
Now don't be a stranger, now don't go too far
I hope that you stay in touch and not fade away from my life completely.
And though you love places that have lots of stars
Even though you prefer places that have a lot of stars and night sky.
Just know in the city, you'll always have a place to stay
But in case you need, know that you always have a place to stay with me in the city.
Oh James
A name I keep repeating throughout the song.
Ooh, ooh, ooh
Repetitive interlude sounds.
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: MAGGIE ROGERS
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@luciareyes3400
Too young, too thoughtless, " I said to myself
With realistic visions all perched on the shelf
'Cause I'm still hoping, waiting for you to come home.
May your snow capped mountains carry you far.
May they stand as protectors wherever you are.
May you stay safe and happy all of your days.
Oh James
Oh James
Maybe you're in love or hung up on another
Maybe you found a far prettier lover
Maybe you'll paint her a picture like you did for me
You color your world with that Neverland smile
But it goes dark in pieces every once in a while
And on my birthday I told you, "Dont worry, there'll be other days."
Oh James
Oh James
I'll always be happy if you choose to call
Or write me a letter saying all that you saw and
How things have changed since our days there on Noxontown Pond
No don't be a stranger, no don't go too far
And though you love places that have lots of stars
Just know in the city, you'll always have a place to stay
Oh James
Oh James
@_askew
I’m named James and this song is everything I’ve wanted people to say to me in my life. I’m going through some bad depression right now but this song is carrying me through it like an angel. Love you, Maggie ❤❤
@spaguetti290
Good Morning! I have come to revel in a new Maggie album and cry listening to James again
@ablissinabyss
To my PDS, if you're reading this (which I doubt it because you seldom go back to songs which you heard years ago attached with a certain memories), I'll always remember you when I play this song, ever since you shared it with me around 2017-2018. Look how it's blowing up now. Wherever you are, whatever you're upto, hope you're happy, content and at peace. 💙
@elishamiyahira4301
She reminds me of Brett dennen or Gregory A'lan isakov. Just a wonder with her lyric and the melody always turning every poem into a music story. God bless you beautiful Maggie for this.
@luciareyes3400
Too young, too thoughtless, " I said to myself
With realistic visions all perched on the shelf
'Cause I'm still hoping, waiting for you to come home.
May your snow capped mountains carry you far.
May they stand as protectors wherever you are.
May you stay safe and happy all of your days.
Oh James
Oh James
Maybe you're in love or hung up on another
Maybe you found a far prettier lover
Maybe you'll paint her a picture like you did for me
You color your world with that Neverland smile
But it goes dark in pieces every once in a while
And on my birthday I told you, "Dont worry, there'll be other days."
Oh James
Oh James
I'll always be happy if you choose to call
Or write me a letter saying all that you saw and
How things have changed since our days there on Noxontown Pond
No don't be a stranger, no don't go too far
And though you love places that have lots of stars
Just know in the city, you'll always have a place to stay
Oh James
Oh James
@anthonydubose8100
She's HIGHLY underrated.
@wannaberickistevens
this is my fave song on the album
@peachypetals98
I love this song since a few years ago, and honestly it makes me cry so much, makes me remember about a love whos not even gone but not with me anymore, but it will be forever in my heart! He is my James 💗 i freaked out when i knew that you would release this song and resonant body, im in tears already
@DSisters0914
Well, I have a toddler named James and this reminds me of me watching him grow up🥲
@nkululekoduma5463
I wonder how James turned out🙂