The stage name P.J. Proby was suggested to him by a friend named Sharon Sheeley (Eddie Cochran's girlfriend) who remembered the name of an old high school boyfriend.
P.J. Proby did demos for Elvis Presley, Johnny Cash, and other artists. His greatest hits are "Somewhere", "Maria", "Hold Me", "Niki Hoeky" and "I Apologise". In 1996, Marc Almond produced the album Legend which included the duet single "Yesterday Has Gone".
Question
P.J. Proby Lyrics
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Is it love, is it drugs, is it big old bottles of wine?
Do you stop when you know you should?
Hit me once, hit me twice baby break this heart of mine
Here is a little story of a man called James
He's a real big shot stuck in a small cage
And when I say I cage, I really mean small town
Population 5000 and it's steady going down
But the small-town life keeps coming in between
When life gets boring get in a little trouble
Makes time pass quicker clock is running double
James was a thrill seeker and he didn't even know it
All he ever put together was the crimes kept him going
No one ever told him he could just skydive
Or dirt bikes or fast cars or cheating on his wife
But James didn't know so he kept breaking laws
And didn't know his limits till he finally got caught
The moral of the story is you gotta be aware
Cuz if you play dumb it 10-20 years
What makes you feel good?
Is it love, is it drugs, is it big old bottles of wine?
Do you stop when you know you should?
Hit me once, hit me twice baby break this heart of mine
The lyrics to P.J. Proby's song "Question" pose the titular question of what brings happiness or pleasure in one's life. The lines "Is it love, is it drugs, is it big old bottles of wine?" as well as "When life gets boring get in a little trouble" suggest potential means of achieving such feelings. The song then segues into a story about a man named James, who is "stuck in a small cage" of a "small town" that stifles his "big old dreams" and results in him turning to petty crime as a source of excitement. As the lyrics note, James's lack of awareness and perspective lead him to keep breaking the law until he is eventually caught and sentenced to a long prison sentence. The overall message seems to suggest that one must be aware of their actions and consequences in order to truly find happiness and fulfillment in life.
The lyrics to "Question" were written by Ryan Ross, best known as the former guitarist and lyricist for the band Panic! at the Disco. Despite being a solo release for Proby in 2018, the song was originally demoed by Panic! at the Disco in 2008 during the recording sessions for their album "Pretty. Odd." However, the song did not make the final cut for the album and was not released until ten years later by Proby.
The story of James in the song is inspired by a real-life person Ross knew growing up, who had thoughts of leaving their small town but turned to crime instead. Ross explained in an interview that "Question" was partially written as a cautionary tale for those in similar situations.
Despite not being released as a single, "Question" has garnered attention for its unusual lyrical content and the juxtaposition of P.J. Proby's 1950s/1960s-style crooning vocals against the modern feel of the instrumental track.
Line by Line Meaning
What makes you feel good?
What brings you pleasure or satisfaction?
Is it love, is it drugs, is it big old bottles of wine?
Do you seek pleasure through romance, mind-altering substances, or indulging in alcohol?
Do you stop when you know you should?
Do you exercise self-control and put an end to harmful or dangerous behavior?
Hit me once, hit me twice baby break this heart of mine
Even if it may hurt me, I will continue to pursue something that brings me pleasure.
Here is a little story of a man called James
Let me tell you a story about a man named James.
He's a real big shot stuck in a small cage
Despite his ambitions, James is confined to a small town and its limited opportunities.
And when I say I cage, I really mean small town
The town in which James lives and is limited by is incredibly small and confining.
Population 5000 and it's steady going down
The town's population is slowly decreasing over time.
See James always knew he had big old dreams
James has always had grand aspirations.
But the small-town life keeps coming in between
His dreams continue to be hindered by the limitations of small-town living.
When life gets boring get in a little trouble
To quell his boredom, James turns to mischief or even illegal activity.
Makes time pass quicker clock is running double
These reckless or illegal activities provide James with a temporary escape, making time seem to go by faster.
James was a thrill seeker and he didn't even know it
James had an innate desire for thrilling and dangerous experiences.
All he ever put together was the crimes kept him going
His motivation to continue these dangerous activities was the adrenaline rush and excitement they provided him.
No one ever told him he could just skydive
James was never presented with or aware of alternative, safer means of obtaining the same adrenaline rush.
Or dirt bikes or fast cars or cheating on his wife
James could have pursued other high-risk hobbies or behaviors, but was only exposed to the negative influences around him.
But James didn't know so he kept breaking laws
James was unaware that there were other options, so he continued to engage in illegal or dangerous behavior.
And didn't know his limits till he finally got caught
James didn't realize the extent of the danger he was putting himself in until he was caught by the authorities.
The moral of the story is you gotta be aware
The lesson to be learned is that one must be conscious of all the options available and make informed choices.
Cuz if you play dumb it 10-20 years
If you remain ignorant or uneducated, you may face serious consequences down the line.
What makes you feel good?
What do you enjoy or find pleasurable?
Is it love, is it drugs, is it big old bottles of wine?
Do you seek pleasure through romance, mind-altering drugs, or overconsumption of alcohol?
Do you stop when you know you should?
Do you exercise self-control and avoid engaging in harmful or risky behavior?
Hit me once, hit me twice baby break this heart of mine
Even if it may hurt me in the end, I will continue to pursue that which brings me pleasure.
Lyrics © DistroKid
Written by: Joshua Fierley
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
michele theriot
Is the original still up?