One of Britain's most promising soul singer/songwriters, Nate James is also perhaps the most independently spirited. Born on a U.S. Air Force base in Lakenheath in 1979, James grew up listening to his parents' soul music collection, particularly Marvin Gaye and Stevie Wonder, and from an early age began performing cover versions in local clubs in Woodbridge, Suffolk. After abandoning an art foundation course at college to work with London producer Jazz Black, James won a place in five-piece R&B act Notorious, who were filmed for a behind-the-scenes TV show for T4. But due to a label merger, the group was dropped from Warner Records before releasing any material, and James decided to go solo. Signing a songwriting deal with Universal Publishing in 2004, James shrewdly refused to sign away the copyright in his recordings and set up his own Frofunk imprint via various deals with independent labels. His debut album, Set the Tone, featuring collaborations with En Vogue's Dawn Robinson, David Sneddon, and Eg White, was released a year later. Featuring the singles "Universal," "The Message," and the title track, it earned him nominations for Best Newcomer and Best R&B Artist at the 2005 MOBO Awards. After supporting acts including Beverley Knight, Musiq (Soulchild), and Natasha Bedingfield, James embarked on his own tour, playing to sellout crowds in Milan, Tokyo, and Amsterdam. He released his second album, Kingdom Falls, produced in L.A. by the Grammy- winning Neal H. Pogue, in 2007. Influenced by the experience of a charity mission to Rwanda a year earlier, it was funded entirely by the profits from his debut. James has also appeared on records by Poker Pets, Sway, and Natalie Williams, and works as an ambassador for several charities including Shelter, Global Angels, and Youth Music. ~ Jon O'Brien, Rovi
Funkdefining
Nate James Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
We're gonna do anything you want to
Ohhhh
Going left to right
Yeah
Drinks are flowing
There's something in the air tonight
All spontaneity is right
Everybody's in the mood, it's fine (so fine)
[bridge]
We don't want to know the time
Cos we found ourselves so caught up in those disco lights
What to talk and where to go,
What you want and who you know
It doesn't matter cos we're throwing down
[chorus]
And we celebrating Funkdefining
Touching you with that ever smooth
Nothing but the good thing Funkdefining
Just keep that soul in you
Something special is happening before my eyes
All those people Just dancing to the beat they're feeling
There ain't no sign of a fight
Everybody's being cool it's fine
[bridge]
[chorus] × 2times
It doesn't matter what you do
As long as you are shaking down it's cool
Party just feels alright
We'll take this through the night
Ain't no stopping us cos we're far survive
In Nate James's song Funkdefining, the lyrics describe a night out on the town where the drinks are flowing and the air is thick with excitement. It's a night where spontaneity reigns and everyone is in the mood to celebrate. The bridge suggests that time is irrelevant and the setting is a disco, where people are free to talk about anything and go wherever they please - all that matters is that they're having a good time. The chorus is an ode to funk music, with its smooth rhythm and soulful vibe that keeps the people moving and grooving.
The lyrics highlight the importance of letting loose and enjoying the moment, especially in a social setting. There's a sense of freedom and unity that comes with dancing to funk music, and that feeling is amplified when shared with others. The song emphasizes the importance of being present in the moment and letting go of any worries or stress, even if just for one night.
Overall, Funkdefining is an ode to funk music and the power it has to bring people together and create a sense of joy and unity. The lyrics urge people to let loose and enjoy themselves, to dance without inhibition and celebrate life.
Line by Line Meaning
Ooooh ye yeah
Expressing excitement and joy about the upcoming experience
We're gonna do anything you want to
We are up for anything and open to all possibilities
Ohhhh
Further expressing enthusiasm for the situation
Going left to right
Moving to the rhythm of the music and enjoying the moment
Drinks are flowing
Beverages are plentiful and add to the festive atmosphere
There's something in the air tonight
Sensing an electric vibe and excitement in the air
Never knowing just where we gonna end up
Embracing the element of surprise and spontaneity in the experience
All spontaneity is right
Encouraging improvisation and unexpected moments as part of the fun
Everybody's in the mood, it's fine (so fine)
Everyone is feeling good and having a great time
We don't want to know the time
Choosing to live in the moment and not worry about the time
Cos we found ourselves so caught up in those disco lights
Being entranced by the lights and energy of the party atmosphere
What to talk and where to go,
No need to plan ahead or have a set agenda
What you want and who you know
No need to worry about social status or material possessions
It doesn't matter cos we're throwing down
Breaking it down and enjoying the music and good vibes
And we celebrating Funkdefining
Honoring the power and appeal of funky music
Touching you with that ever smooth
Feeling the smooth and soulful rhythms of the music
Nothing but the good thing Funkdefining
Appreciating the positive and uplifting qualities of funk music
Just keep that soul in you
Encouraging listeners to embrace their own passion and spirit for music
Something special is happening before my eyes
Witnessing a unique and magical moment
All those people Just dancing to the beat they're feeling
Seeing others move and groove to the music and being inspired by their energy
There ain't no sign of a fight
Noticing a peaceful and harmonious atmosphere
Everybody's being cool it's fine
Everyone is chill and having a good time
It doesn't matter what you do
Assuring listeners that they are free to be themselves and enjoy the moment however they choose
As long as you are shaking down it's cool
Encouraging dancing and movement as a way to enjoy the experience
Party just feels alright
Confirming the positive and upbeat vibes of the party
We'll take this through the night
Planning to keep the celebration going long into the night
Ain't no stopping us cos we're far survive
We will keep going strong and enjoying the music and good times all night long
Contributed by Cooper A. Suggest a correction in the comments below.