James
O-A-R Lyrics
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Cause your words will outlive even time."
I've counted my blessings. The rest are for you.
Please listen close for a while,
And breathe, breathe, deep for me James.
Don't you feel that you're free now from pain?
I've heard about heaven for years.
Can't be sure where you are, wander on blessed James.
I made the mistake once of fearing an end.
Is this life that we live just the world's accident?
Not a chance, so I move on with a smile.
Are you surprised where you are?
So breathe, breathe, deep for me James.
Don't you feel that you're free now from pain?
I've heard about heaven for years.
Can't be sure where you are, wander on blessed James.
I'm fine with you here.
I grew up slow on the heels of the rest.
Left my heart back at home, carried you in my chest.
And I don't feel like crying today.
Why can't we talk for awhile?
And breathe, breathe, deep for me James.
Don't you feel that you're free now from pain?
I've heard about heaven for years.
Can't be sure where you are, wander on blessed James.
I'm fine with you here.
You said, "Son, just listen to me."
But I'm doing fine, James.
So you can sit back and just breathe.
And it's time now to let yourself go.
Hold us close, spin the dream,
The curtain will fall but behind it I see that you're here.
The song “James” by O-A-R is a poignant tribute to someone who has passed away. The lyrics are addressed directly to the deceased James, and suggest that he was an important person in the singer’s life. Throughout the song, the singer reflects on the nature of life and death, and tries to come to terms with the loss of James.
The first verse begins with James imparting wisdom to the singer, telling him not to rely on material possessions like a sword, but to instead focus on the power of words, which will outlive time itself. This statement reflects the idea that our legacy is not what we own, but the impact we leave on the world through our words and deeds. The singer then expresses his appreciation for James and his guidance, saying that he has counted his blessings, and that the rest are for James.
The chorus of the song repeatedly urges James to breathe deeply, suggesting that he is no longer in pain and has been freed from his mortal coils. The singer then muses on the concept of heaven, saying that he has heard about it for years, but can’t be sure where James is. He encourages James to continue wandering, suggesting that his spirit is still present in the world.
The second verse begins with the singer reflecting on his own mortality and the fear of death that he once had. However, he seems to have come to terms with his own mortality, and moves forward with a smile. He then addresses James directly, asking if he is surprised by where he is now. The chorus repeats, urging James to breathe deeply and suggesting that he has found peace.
The final verse is perhaps the most emotional, as the singer describes how he left home late and carried James with him in his heart. He doesn’t feel like crying today, and instead just wants to talk to James, urging him to breathe deeply once again. The song ends on a positive note, with the singer suggesting that James can now rest easy and hold his loved ones close, and that even though the curtain will eventually fall, James will always be there in spirit.
Line by Line Meaning
You said, "Young man, don't rely on a sword,
Cause your words will outlive even time."
Advice given to me long ago was that I should value my words over any sharp, temporary tool.
I've counted my blessings. The rest are for you.
I'm thankful for everything I have, but I want to express my gratitude to you by sharing what I can.
Please listen close for a while,
And breathe, breathe, deep for me James.
Don't you feel that you're free now from pain?
Take a moment to be still and listen to the sound of your breath. Without pain, you're free to embrace the present.
I've heard about heaven for years.
Can't be sure where you are, wander on blessed James.
I'm fine with you here.
I've always heard about an afterlife, but I'm not sure where you might be. For now, I'm happy to be with you in this moment.
I made the mistake once of fearing an end.
Is this life that we live just the world's accident?
Not a chance, so I move on with a smile.
Are you surprised where you are?
I used to be afraid of dying, but I don't think it's a coincidence that we're here. I choose to move forward joyfully, and I'm curious about where you are now.
So breathe, breathe, deep for me James.
I want you to slow down and breathe deeply so that you can feel relaxed and centered.
I grew up slow on the heels of the rest.
Left my heart back at home, carried you in my chest.
And I don't feel like crying today.
Why can't we talk for awhile?
I've always felt like I was a little behind everyone else, but I've always carried you with me. Today, I just want to chat without getting emotional.
You said, "Son, just listen to me."
But I'm doing fine, James.
You used to give me advice, but I'm doing well on my own right now.
So you can sit back and just breathe.
And it's time now to let yourself go.
You can relax and let go of everything now.
Hold us close, spin the dream,
The curtain will fall but behind it I see that you're here.
Let's share a moment together and imagine the possibilities. Even after everything ends, I know that you'll always be here.
Lyrics © REACH MUSIC PUBLISHING
Written by: JERRY DE PIZZO, MARC ANDREW ROBERGE, RICHARD JOE ON
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind