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James — Sometimes
Album: The Best of James
Avg rating:
7.3

Your rating:
Total ratings: 2060









Released: 1998
Length: 5:00
Plays (last 30 days): 5
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There's a storm outside, and the gap between crack and thunder
Crack and thunder, is closing in, is closing in
The rain floods gutters, and makes a great sound on the concrete
On a flat roof, there's a boy leaning against the wall of rain
Aerial held high, calling "come on thunder, come on thunder"

Sometimes, when I look deep in your eyes, I swear I can see your soul
Sometimes, when I look deep in your eyes, I swear I can see your soul

It's a monsoon, and the rain lifts lids off cars
Spinning buses like toys, stripping them to chrome
Across the bay, the waves are turning into something else
Picking up fishing boats and spewing them on the shore

The boy is hit, lit up against the sky, like a sign, like a neon sign
And he crumples, drops into the gutter, legs twitching
The flood swells his clothes and delivers him on, delivers him on

Sometimes, when I look deep in your eyes, I swear I can see your soul
Sometimes, when I look deep in your eyes, I swear I can see your soul

There's four new colors in the rainbow
An old man's taking polaroids
But all he captures is endless rain, endless rain
He says listen, takes my head and puts my ear to his
And I swear I can hear the sea

Somtimes, when I look in your eyes I can see your soul
(I can touch your soul )
(I can reach your soul)
Sometimes
Comments (193)add comment
James is the best band
Posted 3 weeks ago by yofitofu    [ Reply ]
My Pommy mates have told me that their live show absolutely goes off. Will have to check it out sometimes...
Posted 2 months ago by Fishman    [ Reply ]
Always an inspiration......  
Posted 4 months ago by specialkidz    [ Reply ]
Wonderful song. I'd follow this with "In a Room" by House of Love.
Posted 6 months ago by MM_Prague    [ Reply ]
James is SO much more than "Laid". I was introduced by their lp, "Seven". So many good tunes. Such great catchy music with jangly guitars with Tim Booths soaring vocals. Love me some James.  
Posted 7 months ago by tripp1    [ Reply ]
"....see your soul" should have a repetition limit of no more than five-thousand times per song.  Good grief.
Posted 9 months ago by liveaudio608    [ Reply ]
 NoEnzLefttoSplit wrote:

Someone here recommended Wah Wah to me years ago.. Been a massive fan ever since.



Wah Wah is indeed awesome. Not very accessible but well worth it.
Posted 1 year ago by RodneyAjax    [ Reply ]
Boring.
Posted 1 year ago by CoYoT51    [ Reply ]
 naturalman wrote:

that's a Pop perfection. 10 from me. The more this song ages the better it sounds. It carries the spirit of the Go Betweens too. 



Doesn't it just? In the back half of the song it's full of spirit. Glorious! 
Posted 1 year ago by naturalman    [ Reply ]
Posted 1 year ago by kingart    [ Reply ]
that's a Pop perfection. 10 from me. The more this song ages the better it sounds. It carries the spirit of the Go Betweens too. 
Posted 1 year ago by naturalman    [ Reply ]
I don't Sometimes love this song, I Always love it.
Posted 1 year ago by Canal145    [ Reply ]
perfect song for car listening
Posted 2 years ago by moriserre542    [ Reply ]
Someone here recommended Wah Wah to me years ago.. Been a massive fan ever since.
Posted 2 years ago by NoEnzLefttoSplit    [ Reply ]
I saw James back in the day at The Masquerade.  Have loved them ever since.  More James please.
Posted 2 years ago by waterwench21    [ Reply ]
 kingart wrote:
I'm going to compile a James playlist off of their tracks played here on RP. 

This track seems to get better each time I hear it.  
Posted 2 years ago by kingart    [ Reply ]
Love this band, but feel they never made it in Australia as much as they should have. 
Posted 2 years ago by adelaide68    [ Reply ]
 kingart wrote:

One of favorite songs on RP.  It's an unusual, or unique, and very evocative track.  Plus, it's just foot--tappin' ear wormin' fun. 



Kingart, I was just on the way out the door when this song came on, and I decided I could leave 5 minutes later.
Posted 2 years ago by DrMacDaddy    [ Reply ]
One of favorite songs on RP.  It's an unusual, or unique, and very evocative track.  Plus, it's just foot--tappin' ear wormin' fun. 
Posted 2 years ago by kingart    [ Reply ]
Can't stand 'em.
Posted 2 years ago by MattRudely    [ Reply ]
 flyboy wrote:

Is he conflating thunder and lightning?  As in there's a gap between the crack of thunder and the flash of lightning, but I don't know what gap he's referring to as between crack and thunder.  Also, why is the boy calling for thunder while holding an aerial high on the roof?  Wouldn't he be calling for lightning?

I'm confused.



There are probably more songs with confusing lyrics than people who question them.   
Posted 2 years ago by nomnol    [ Reply ]
Posted 2 years ago by kingart    [ Reply ]
Fabulous,let’s hear some more James👍
Posted 2 years ago by Easyrider    [ Reply ]
just love this tune and vibe 
Posted 2 years ago by bogi.udvarhelyi    [ Reply ]
 flyboy wrote:

Is he conflating thunder and lightning?  As in there's a gap between the crack of thunder and the flash of lightning, but I don't know what gap he's referring to as between crack and thunder.  Also, why is the boy calling for thunder while holding an aerial high on the roof?  Wouldn't he be calling for lightning?

I'm confused.



Given the inferences of thunder, lightening, and the rainbow path, I believe it is obvious this song is about Thor. 
Posted 2 years ago by Kajukenbo    [ Reply ]
oh man, his voice carries this through all the way.. 
Posted 2 years ago by NoEnzLefttoSplit    [ Reply ]
Is he conflating thunder and lightning?  As in there's a gap between the crack of thunder and the flash of lightning, but I don't know what gap he's referring to as between crack and thunder.  Also, why is the boy calling for thunder while holding an aerial high on the roof?  Wouldn't he be calling for lightning?

I'm confused.
Posted 2 years ago by flyboy    [ Reply ]
 Johnny_Wave wrote:

Just a great song.  Solid 8, easy




Posted 2 years ago by kingart    [ Reply ]
Stupid name for a band - type JAMES into Amazon and see what you get. Makes discovering and BUYING their music discouragingly hard. 
Posted 3 years ago by reallylost    [ Reply ]
Posted 3 years ago by kingart    [ Reply ]
Yeah you already said. You can't. Move on.
Posted 3 years ago by MattRudely    [ Reply ]
 Pioneer_Sing wrote:

The guy playing the acoustic guitar must have his arms going up and down like bees wings😂



Check out the video. There are about 10 to a dozen guys playing this.
Posted 3 years ago by SnapDragon66    [ Reply ]
The guy playing the acoustic guitar must have his arms going up and down like bees wings😂
Posted 3 years ago by Pioneer_Sing    [ Reply ]
That is just a great freakin' tune.  Unique and propulsive.  I love it. 
Posted 3 years ago by kingart    [ Reply ]
Music is so subjective.  This song currently has a 7.4 rating and i really don't like it.  Happy that others do. Enjoy !
Posted 3 years ago by bluefrog    [ Reply ]
 kingart wrote:
LUV. 
 

What he said. 
Posted 3 years ago by kingart    [ Reply ]
Laid was one of the first albums my now-wife and I discovered together. This song is, for us, perfection.
Posted 3 years ago by derrylm1    [ Reply ]
The last chorus, with the backing singers only singing descant  (I think? I'm not a musician), always gets me.
Posted 4 years ago by MrsTom    [ Reply ]
 rocklandlove wrote:
Never enough JAMES!
 

I agree. More James Please.
Posted 4 years ago by ace-marc    [ Reply ]
 stevecossaboom wrote:
I get a kick out of the listeners who go out of their way post up here to whinge about a song they don't like

Hey grumpy pants! Instead of all that feverish typing, how's about you click the "skip" button and go to the next song? It's one easy click vs. you yammering on about what a trainwreck the current song is ... 

And up until recently. there *were* options for alternative streams on RP. Where did that go?

And there are a zillion other free live streaming websites, and, the likes of Spotify.

Stop whinging like an entitled  5-year-old.
 
The options are still there: Main, Mellow, Rock & World
LLRP
Posted 4 years ago by LoudshirtsBand    [ Reply ]
 ploba wrote:
For some reason, this song always gives me chills!!!  
 
This is definitely a Soulful band - this album ("Laid," not the greatest hits) and "Seven" stand out in this way for me in particular
Posted 4 years ago by aspicer    [ Reply ]
Fantastic
Posted 4 years ago by pompey9000    [ Reply ]
 stevecossaboom wrote:
I get a kick out of the listeners who go out of their way post up here to whinge about a song they don't like

Hey grumpy pants! Instead of all that feverish typing, how's about you click the "skip" button and go to the next song? It's one easy click vs. you yammering on about what a trainwreck the current song is ... 

And up until recently. there *were* options for alternative streams on RP. Where did that go?

And there are a zillion other free live streaming websites, and, the likes of Spotify.

Stop whinging like an entitled  5-year-old.
 

If we have contributed money and there is a "Post Comment " button, then yes we are entitled.
It sounds like you are the one whining.
Posted 5 years ago by ace-marc    [ Reply ]
I'm going to compile a James playlist off of their tracks played here on RP. 
Posted 5 years ago by kingart    [ Reply ]
Beautiful and timeless, whole album is great.
Posted 5 years ago by Vinco    [ Reply ]
LUV. 
Posted 5 years ago by kingart    [ Reply ]
Posted 5 years ago by kingart    [ Reply ]
 stevecossaboom wrote:
I get a kick out of the listeners who go out of their way post up here to whinge about a song they don't like

Hey grumpy pants! Instead of all that feverish typing, how's about you click the "skip" button and go to the next song? It's one easy click vs. you yammering on about what a trainwreck the current song is ... 

And up until recently. there *were* options for alternative streams on RP. Where did that go?

And there are a zillion other free live streaming websites, and, the likes of Spotify.

Stop whinging like an entitled  5-year-old.
 

This is a good song.
But some songs suck and are not worthy for RP. ( ie Counting Crows)
So we complain and criticize  and maybe Bill will make some improvements.
Besides, the skip button is usually too far away to reach. 
Posted 5 years ago by ace-marc    [ Reply ]
I get a kick out of the listeners who go out of their way post up here to whinge about a song they don't like

Hey grumpy pants! Instead of all that feverish typing, how's about you click the "skip" button and go to the next song? It's one easy click vs. you yammering on about what a trainwreck the current song is ... 

And up until recently. there *were* options for alternative streams on RP. Where did that go?

And there are a zillion other free live streaming websites, and, the likes of Spotify.

Stop whinging like an entitled  5-year-old.
Posted 5 years ago by stevecossaboom    [ Reply ]
 oldsaxon wrote:
Not grabbing me tonight. It IS reminding me of some Waterboys song or other...I'll wait till next time to rate it. 
 
Fisherman's Blues, or This is the Sea, maybe.
Posted 5 years ago by buckshot    [ Reply ]
I have a new ear worm for 2018. I do believe this is one for the pod. 
Posted 6 years ago by kingart    [ Reply ]
Diametric opinions.  Funny how that works. 


For me, it's a 7.  
joelbb
Posted: Mar 26, 2016 - 00:11
 
This is just plain painful to listen to.  Totally sucko-barfo.  Send it to the cornfield, send it to the cornfield!!!

Johnny_Wave
(California, baby)
Posted: Mar 26, 2016 - 00:08
 

Just a great song.  Solid 8, easy 
Posted 7 years ago by kingart    [ Reply ]
Diametric.
For me, it's a 7.  
joelbb
Posted: Mar 26, 2016 - 00:11
 
This is just plain painful to listen to.  Totally sucko-barfo.  Send it to the cornfield, send it to the cornfield!!!

Johnny_Wave
(California, baby)
Posted: Mar 26, 2016 - 00:08
 
Just a great song.  Solid 8, easy 
Posted 7 years ago by kingart    [ Reply ]
This is just plain painful to listen to.  Totally sucko-barfo.  Send it to the cornfield, send it to the cornfield!!!
Posted 8 years ago by joelbb    [ Reply ]
Just a great song.  Solid 8, easy
Posted 8 years ago by Johnny_Wave    [ Reply ]
For some reason, this song always gives me chills!!!  
Posted 8 years ago by ploba    [ Reply ]
Great to listen to and equally as good see!  
Posted 8 years ago by MargoMallen    [ Reply ]
Never enough JAMES!
Posted 8 years ago by rocklandlove    [ Reply ]
Superb...James is such a good band
Posted 9 years ago by Gegenschein    [ Reply ]
{#Bananapiano}{#Bananapiano}{#Bananapiano} ... "Outstanding" song from Manchester's finest :)
Posted 10 years ago by Peter_Bradshaw    [ Reply ]
 Nat wrote:
It took me a few years to finally decide, but I consider Laid to be the best album of 1993.

 
i still play it every sunday while cooking sunday brunch.

lovely album.

i get how people who are listening to this one track isolated of the tracks around it might have difficulty with the speedy acoustic sound. but as part of the album, it plays its part perfectly.


Posted 10 years ago by jasonv    [ Reply ]
vocal reminds me of Hot House Flowers...interesting
Posted 11 years ago by amprich    [ Reply ]
I feel like I'm being held under water.  
Too much acoustic- too much treble-
utterly stupid and insipid lyrics 
Posted 11 years ago by :+:_DL    [ Reply ]
Likey         {#Bananajam}
Posted 11 years ago by DanO-1    [ Reply ]

Everybody in my church loves this song...
 
Posted 11 years ago by Lazarus    [ Reply ]
like it
Posted 11 years ago by danaz53    [ Reply ]
Goosebumps in a beautiful way 😍
Posted 11 years ago by Carail    [ Reply ]
Not grabbing me tonight. It IS reminding me of some Waterboys song or other...I'll wait till next time to rate it. 
Posted 11 years ago by oldsaxon    [ Reply ]
love it!!!!  where are they now?
Posted 11 years ago by rage    [ Reply ]
Uhh, that would be 'soul'. But I think you knew that. Nice tune. Love that guitar. 
Posted 12 years ago by kingart    [ Reply ]
 romeotuma wrote:


"Sometimes, when I look deep in your eyes, I swear I can see your sole..."

love those lyrics...  this song is good for the soles...


 



the soles of your dancing shoes?
Posted 12 years ago by srose96    [ Reply ]
 Dahnyul wrote:


Great observation Jesspra.

No, but that is exactly who I thought it was when I first heard James vocalist Tim Booth.
However, the Water Boys were fronted by Mike Scott.

Both bands, James and The Waterboys existed at the same time.

Both are great!

 

Me too!  And they both give me chills.....Fisherman Blues a Waterboys high point for me!
{#Yes}
Posted 13 years ago by elgreenie1    [ Reply ]
 romeotuma wrote:


This song is good for the ears...

 
 
Oh ROmeotuma   its almost too good.  Anthemic ( is that a word??  Is now!)!! {#Dancingbanana}


Posted 13 years ago by elgreenie1    [ Reply ]
 ick wrote:

Uh... ever hear of poetic license?  

 
Uh...yeah, I have. This was meant as a light-hearted observation, not a scathing critizism - I guess that didn't come across im my original post.

BTW, this song is a solid 9.

Posted 14 years ago by Droidac    [ Reply ]
Loved these guys, my favorite band for much of the '90s.  
Posted 14 years ago by Canlistener    [ Reply ]
It took me a few years to finally decide, but I consider Laid to be the best album of 1993.
Posted 14 years ago by Nat    [ Reply ]
Just heard this for the first time. Very nice. The unexpected chorus makes it for me.
Posted 14 years ago by arighter2    [ Reply ]
{#Daisy}
Posted 14 years ago by tugandbuster    [ Reply ]
whoa, major nostalgia wave breaking ... {#Sunny}
Posted 14 years ago by WayUpNorth    [ Reply ]
Sublime, I loved this song since I first heard it and would also really recommend Tim Booth's solo stuff. I'm getting a bit old to have a favorite songs or so I thought.
Posted 15 years ago by RedAdmiral    [ Reply ]
 Droidac wrote:
Has anyone ever noticed the error in these lyrics?
There's a storm outside, and the gap between crack and thunder
Crack and thunder, is closing in, is closing in
The rain floods gutters, and makes a great sound on theconcrete
On a flat roof, there's a boy leaning against the wall of rain
Aerial held high, calling "come on thunder, come on thunder"

If the boy is holding up the aerial, he should be calling for lightning, not thunder.

 
Uh... ever hear of poetic license?  

Posted 15 years ago by ick    [ Reply ]
 wrangler wrote:
this song would be a lot better if it was 2 minutes shorter
 
Yes. Or if it had an ending instead of droning along to a fade out.


Posted 15 years ago by liveinthewire    [ Reply ]
Exuuuberant!!!
Posted 15 years ago by sfListener    [ Reply ]
 jesspra wrote:
Was James ever a Waterboy?{#Umbrella} 
 
No, but they were Bad Angels once!   {#Devil_pimp}

https://www.wearejames.com/history/?year=1995

Posted 15 years ago by nicolaluna    [ Reply ]
This is a GREAT song, from perhaps THE most underrated band ever!.....
Posted 15 years ago by VicEdee    [ Reply ]
 jesspra wrote:
Was James ever a Waterboy?{#Umbrella} 
 

Great observation Jesspra.

No, but that is exactly who I thought it was when I first heard James vocalist Tim Booth.
However, the Water Boys were fronted by Mike Scott.

Both bands, James and The Waterboys existed at the same time.

Both are great!

Posted 15 years ago by Dahnyul    [ Reply ]
 aarrgho wrote:
Kinda reminds me of the Hothouse Flowers song "Great Thing of Beauty"
 
Yeah, whatever happened to those guys.  I liked that tune.

Posted 16 years ago by RedGuitar    [ Reply ]
this song would be a lot better if it was 2 minutes shorter
Posted 16 years ago by wrangler    [ Reply ]
Was James ever a Waterboy?{#Umbrella} 
Posted 16 years ago by jesspra    [ Reply ]
Kinda reminds me of the Hothouse Flowers song "Great Thing of Beauty"
Posted 16 years ago by aarrgho    [ Reply ]
 Droidac wrote:
Has anyone ever noticed the error in these lyrics?

There's a storm outside, and the gap between crack and thunder
Crack and thunder, is closing in, is closing in
The rain floods gutters, and makes a great sound on theconcrete
On a flat roof, there's a boy leaning against the wall of rain
Aerial held high, calling "come on thunder, come on thunder"

If the boy is holding up the aerial, he should be calling for lightning, not thunder.

 

Yeah, but if there's thunder, lightning is in the area too. Is the rumble of distant thunder perhaps more dramatic, does it create more foreboding?
Posted 16 years ago by smehan55    [ Reply ]
 BillDeville wrote:
"Sometimes, when I look deep in your eyes, I swear I can see your soul" Whoa...that is sooo deep!

  Years ago I once told a very pretty woman that ... such a deeply felt connection. Eventually, I married her.


Posted 16 years ago by smehan55    [ Reply ]
Has anyone ever noticed the error in these lyrics?

There's a storm outside, and the gap between crack and thunder
Crack and thunder, is closing in, is closing in
The rain floods gutters, and makes a great sound on theconcrete
On a flat roof, there's a boy leaning against the wall of rain
Aerial held high, calling "come on thunder, come on thunder"



If the boy is holding up the aerial, he should be calling for lightning, not thunder.

Posted 16 years ago by Droidac    [ Reply ]
BillDeville wrote:
"Sometimes, when I look deep in your eyes, I swear I can see your soul" Whoa...that is sooo deep!


Yeah, it's unfortunate that the most trite lyric in this tune is the hook. I always liked the first verse -

There's a storm outside, and the gap between crack and thunder
Crack and thunder, is closing in, is closing in
The rain floods gutters, and makes a great sound on theconcrete
On a flat roof, there's a boy leaning against the wall of rain
Aerial held high, calling "come on thunder, come on thunder"



I mean, for a pop tune, that's not bad imagery.

This (Laid) is one of my favorite albums. 

Posted 16 years ago by ptooey    [ Reply ]
Love this group....
Posted 16 years ago by Shesdifferent    [ Reply ]
BillDeville wrote:
"Sometimes, when I look deep in your eyes, I swear I can see your soul" Whoa...that is sooo deep!
yeah, here's the deal..........james sucks.
Posted 16 years ago by govna    [ Reply ]
"Sometimes, when I look deep in your eyes, I swear I can see your soul" Whoa...that is sooo deep!
Posted 16 years ago by BillDeville    [ Reply ]
The only problem with James is that I always want their songs to be slightly better than they are.
Posted 16 years ago by xkolibuul    [ Reply ]
bring it on!
Posted 16 years ago by farley    [ Reply ]
Greetings to Brazil!!!
Posted 16 years ago by prickelpit96    [ Reply ]
sfListener wrote:
Very fun song to improvise guitar solos to.
what? no. no. no. it's only ok to want to play along w this song if you're james. even then, it would be understood should you decide to not want to play along with this song.
Posted 16 years ago by strange_brew00    [ Reply ]
out_to_lunch wrote:
I like to quote myself sometimes
This is a great song. Not sure why someone would find it irritating, but quoting yourself is pretty annoying I have to say...
Posted 17 years ago by out_to_lunch    [ Reply ]
liser wrote:
Irritating - all the time.
Still irritating 6 months later. Definite 1.
Posted 17 years ago by liser    [ Reply ]
\'Member that TV show \"James at 15?\"
Posted 17 years ago by revsully    [ Reply ]
Very fun song to improvise guitar solos to.
Posted 17 years ago by sfListener    [ Reply ]
This is the first James song I ever liked.
Posted 17 years ago by DrCyKosis    [ Reply ]
one of my favourite songs.
Posted 17 years ago by mc_hammer    [ Reply ]
Yeah it's been a really long time since i heard this. wow. reminds me of being 11 or so and sitting in the giant cherry tree in my parents back yard in the late evening summer sun..
Posted 17 years ago by davin    [ Reply ]
reverb much?
Posted 17 years ago by DoctorHooey    [ Reply ]
that is some of the hokiest shit i've heard in a while.
Posted 17 years ago by govna    [ Reply ]
not a bad track but there are far better on this Greatest Hits collection ...
Posted 17 years ago by roodboy    [ Reply ]
love this song, very evocative. video is cool too.
Posted 17 years ago by Thea    [ Reply ]
liser wrote:
Irritating - all the time.
Posted 17 years ago by enidualc    [ Reply ]
Irritating - all the time.
Posted 17 years ago by liser    [ Reply ]
ShepHeard wrote:
I'm guessing it's just me, but something about the pitch of his voice and whatever notes are being played on the bottom e string, makes me feel physically ill. Man, his voice - argh! I feel like I'm going to have a panic attack!
It's not just you. His voice has this "Waterboyish" quality that I dislike, too. Just too frantic!
Posted 17 years ago by meloman    [ Reply ]
Kurt_from_La_Qui wrote:
How about "Sit Down"?
"Sit Down" live is a really cool tune. I used to hear it late night on WFNX in Boston. Not sure if it is off a live album or not, but it was pretty good. I have it on cassette tape (yep it was a while ago!) somewhere...
Posted 17 years ago by Mugro    [ Reply ]
ploafmaster wrote:
No, he doesn't sound like a crappy poor-man's Bono at all. No, not at all. Really. I mean, it may be his voice and all, but ick. 2.
He has a great voice...how could you give this a 2?
Posted 17 years ago by Shesdifferent    [ Reply ]
No, he doesn't sound like a crappy poor-man's Bono at all. No, not at all. Really. I mean, it may be his voice and all, but ick. 2.
Posted 18 years ago by ploafmaster    [ Reply ]
Angloray wrote:
I think that's on "James," isn't it? I was listing albums
Yep! And on this "Greatest Hits" collection. And it's also on the Main Channel here at Paradise!
Posted 18 years ago by KurtfromLaQuinta    [ Reply ]
I'm guessing it's just me, but something about the pitch of his voice and whatever notes are being played on the bottom e string, makes me feel physically ill. Man, his voice - argh! I feel like I'm going to have a panic attack!
Posted 18 years ago by ShepHeard    [ Reply ]