The Bangles were one of the new generation of independent all-women bands t… Read Full Bio ↴The Bangles were one of the new generation of independent all-women bands that followed The Go-Go's in the early 1980s. Consisting of Susanna Hoffs (guitar, vocals), Debbi Peterson (drums, vocals), sister Vicki Peterson (guitar, vocals,) and Annette Zilinskas, who was later replaced by Michael Steele, (bass, vocals). The band was formed in Los Angeles in 1981 as The Supersonic Bangs, later shortened to The Bangs. They were forced to change their name to the Bangles when a band from New Jersey, also named the Bangs, threatened to sue. Early in their career they were associated with the Paisley Underground scene in Los Angeles. The single 'Manic Monday', written by Prince launched their international career. After 3 successful albums ("All Over The Place", "Different Light" and "Everything"), The Bangles broke up.
Susanna Hoffs released two solo albums in the 90's (a third album remained unreleased). Vicki Peterson joined the Continental Drifters. Debbie Peterson had a short-lived career with Siobhan Maher as Kindred Spirit, while Michael Steele lived in semi-retirement in California.

The Bangles reconvened in 2000 and recorded a reunion album, released in 2003, on Koch Records called "Doll Revolution". By lucky coincidence(?) their single 'Eternal Flame' had since been covered by, and become a hit record for, Atomic Kitten which helped to rekindle interest in its original artist.

"Sweetheart of the Sun," The Bangles first album of original material since "Doll Revolution" was released September 27, 2011. The Anna Lee (Sweetheart Of The Sun) Songfacts states that the album was recorded in various home studios - those of Vicki Peterson and Susanna Hoffs as well as the Hollywood Hills home studio of singer-songwriter Matthew Sweet, who produced the record.

They continue to play live sporadically. In January 2018, they played their first show since 2016 at Honda Center in Anaheim. It also was their first gig with original bassist Annette Zilinskas since 1983.

James
The Bangles Lyrics

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I knew it'd turn out like this
I'm keeping one foot on the train
And I must be a masochist
To ever take up with you, James.

It sounds familiar
That tone in your voice
You're gonna quit, James

You leave me no choice.

Oh, James
Letting me down again, James.

Well, it wasn't so long ago
I saw love in your eyes
And I think I should've known
But I'm feelin' somewhat surprised.

You think there's someone
Better for you
You think I'm too young
To see this thing through.

Oh, James
Letting me down again, James.

(Ooh, let me down) down, down
(Ooh, let me down) let me down, down, down, down
(Ooh, let me down) down, down
(Ooh, let me down) let me down, down, down, down
(Ooh, let me down) down.

I knew it'd turn out like this
I'm keeping one foot out the door
And I don't think I should trust
That kind of love anymore.

And now I realize
I had it all wrong
I'll only take this
Trip for so long.

Woe, James
Letting me down again, James
Guess this is goodbye again, James

Letting me down again
Letting me down again, James.

Overall Meaning

The Bangles’ song “James” is a song about a tumultuous and tumultuous relationship with a man named James. The singer in the song seems to be done with James and his constant disappointments. The singer knows that being with James isn’t good for her but she keeps taking him back anyway. The song is a mixture of frustration, sadness, and resentment.

The first verse of the song implies a sort of resignation from the singer. She knows that James will let her down again, but she keeps one foot on the train because she can’t seem to let go. The tone of James’s voice suggests that he is going to leave her, but the singer knows that whether he stays or goes, he will end up letting her down again. She even says that she must be a masochist for putting up with James. The singer is conflicted in her feelings, as the relationship is toxic and causes her pain, yet she continues to be drawn to James.

The chorus is the most poignant part of the song with its repetition of “Letting me down again, James”, indicating that James is a serial offender when it comes to disappointing the singer. The end of the song implies that the singer has had enough of James and is ready to move on, despite her lingering affection for him. The song is a classic tale of a troubled relationship that ends in resignation and heartbreak.

JamesThe Bangles Lyrics

James
The Bangles Lyrics