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
High Times
Nate James Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Don't let them tell you that in love there's no pain If that's what you think then you got it wrong I see now that I'm a victim of a game I now I should chill but I can't seem to This girl has got a hold on my deeper side Somehow got to know what's in my mind I've got feelings but you're still as cold as can be It's now time baby to stop making a fool out of me
Dum, dum dum.
I think it's time that you would changing your ways Baby you're driving my crazy Ain't nothing wrong being a sensitive man You're telling me to chill but I don't want to This girl has got a hold on my deeper side Somehow got to know what's in my mind I've got feelings but you're still as cold as can be It's now time baby to stop making a fool out of me
Dum, dum dum...
Constantly waiting I'm still alone What are you trying to prove When will you make yourself to be known Baby I'm talking to you
Dum, dum dum (What are you doing to me? My baby baby baby Do you like what you see? Do you give a damn?)
What can I say.. what can I do?
The lyrics of Nate James's "High Times" appear to be about the complexities of a relationship that inflicts emotional pain. The singer acknowledges that he is a victim of a game and that the girl he is involved with has a hold on his deeper side. He wants her to know what he feels, but she remains as cold as can be. He seems unable to resist her influence, even though she is making a fool out of him. The repeated refrain of "dum, dum, dum" suggests a sense of frustration and confusion.
The singer pleads for his girlfriend to change her ways and stop making him crazy. He insists that there's nothing wrong with being a sensitive man and that he doesn't want to chill as she suggests. He still has feelings for her, despite her distance, and is pleading for her to reciprocate. The line "what can I say.. what can I do?" seems to capture the sense of helplessness and resignation that characterizes the song.
Overall, the lyrics of "High Times" convey a feeling of pain and longing, as the singer tries to navigate the complexities of his relationship. The repeated refrain of "dum, dum, dum" adds a sense of frustration and confusion, but may also suggest a kind of rhythm or beat that underlies the emotional turmoil.
Line by Line Meaning
Don't let them tell you that in love there's no pain
Love can be painful, and you shouldn't let others tell you otherwise.
If that's what you think then you got it wrong
If you believe that love is pain-free, then you're mistaken.
I see now that I'm a victim of a game
I realize now that I'm being played and deceived.
I now I should chill but I can't seem to
I know I should calm down, but I'm unable to do so.
This girl has got a hold on my deeper side
I'm emotionally attached to this girl at a deeper level.
Somehow got to know what's in my mind
I need to figure out what I really want, and then communicate that to her.
I've got feelings but you're still as cold as can be
Even though I have strong emotions for you, you are still distant and unresponsive.
It's now time baby to stop making a fool out of me
You need to stop taking advantage of my love and stop making me look like a fool.
I think it's time that you would changing your ways
I feel that it's time for you to change your behavior towards me.
Baby you're driving my crazy
Your actions are causing me to become unstable emotionally.
Ain't nothing wrong being a sensitive man
It's perfectly fine for men to be sensitive and express their emotions.
You're telling me to chill but I don't want to
Even though you're asking me to calm down, I don't want to let go of my feelings.
Constantly waiting I'm still alone
I'm always waiting for you, but I'm still lonely and feel left out.
What are you trying to prove
I'm not sure what you're trying to achieve with your actions.
When will you make yourself to be known
When will you reveal who you really are and what you really want?
What can I say.. what can I do?
I'm not sure how to handle this situation anymore, and I feel helpless.
My baby baby baby
An expression used to show affection towards someone.
Do you like what you see?
Are you satisfied with the person I am, or do you want me to change?
Do you give a damn?
Do you care about my feelings and what I want, or are you only concerned about yourself?
Contributed by Aaron W. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
tanna
great song!!! greets from Poland :)
AleBombini
troppo bella questa song!!!:D
Kristian Mouritzen
nice its goooooood song
DebsLuvsMusic
Nate & Maxwell........Wooooooooooh!!!!
robinvan1983
from which album is this?
richard mclellan
saw this guy supporting simply red in germeny quality
kiimora
he sounds and reminds me of Craig David
kiimora
he doesn't sound like Maxwell at all i think people are getting distracted by the hair and thinking that
number1fairfield
dam i thought he was covering jamiroquai! let down :/
siEVIL
@wackycackalacky That's exactly what i was thinking.