James — Sometimes
Album: The Best of JamesAvg rating:
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Total ratings: 2117
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
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 (196)add comment
i just want to dance....
liveaudio608 wrote:
I kinda get it though, it makes it like a mantra
"....see your soul" should have a repetition limit of no more than five-thousand times per song. Good grief.
I kinda get it though, it makes it like a mantra
James is the best band
My Pommy mates have told me that their live show absolutely goes off. Will have to check it out sometimes...
Always an inspiration......
Wonderful song. I'd follow this with "In a Room" by House of Love.
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. 
"....see your soul" should have a repetition limit of no more than five-thousand times per song. Good grief.
NoEnzLefttoSplit wrote:
Wah Wah is indeed awesome. Not very accessible but well worth it.
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.
Boring.
naturalman wrote:
Doesn't it just? In the back half of the song it's full of spirit. Glorious!
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!
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.
I don't Sometimes love this song, I Always love it.
perfect song for car listening
Someone here recommended Wah Wah to me years ago.. Been a massive fan ever since.
I saw James back in the day at The Masquerade. Have loved them ever since. More James please.
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.
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.
Love this band, but feel they never made it in Australia as much as they should have.
kingart wrote:
Kingart, I was just on the way out the door when this song came on, and I decided I could leave 5 minutes later.
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.
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.
Can't stand 'em.
flyboy wrote:
There are probably more songs with confusing lyrics than people who question them.
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.
Fabulous,let’s hear some more James👍
just love this tune and vibe
flyboy wrote:
Given the inferences of thunder, lightening, and the rainbow path, I believe it is obvious this song is about Thor.
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.
oh man, his voice carries this through all the way..
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.
I'm confused.
Johnny_Wave wrote:
Just a great song. Solid 8, easy
Stupid name for a band - type JAMES into Amazon and see what you get. Makes discovering and BUYING their music discouragingly hard.
Yeah you already said. You can't. Move on.
Pioneer_Sing wrote:
Check out the video. There are about 10 to a dozen guys playing this.
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.
The guy playing the acoustic guitar must have his arms going up and down like bees wings😂
That is just a great freakin' tune. Unique and propulsive. I love it.
Music is so subjective. This song currently has a 7.4 rating and i really don't like it. Happy that others do. Enjoy !
kingart wrote:
What he said.
LUV.
What he said.
Laid was one of the first albums my now-wife and I discovered together. This song is, for us, perfection.
The last chorus, with the backing singers only singing descant (I think? I'm not a musician), always gets me.
rocklandlove wrote:
I agree. More James Please.
Never enough JAMES!
I agree. More James Please.
stevecossaboom wrote:
The options are still there: Main, Mellow, Rock & World
LLRP
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.
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
ploba wrote:
This is definitely a Soulful band - this album ("Laid," not the greatest hits) and "Seven" stand out in this way for me in particular
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
Fantastic
stevecossaboom wrote:
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.
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.
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.
I'm going to compile a James playlist off of their tracks played here on RP. Beautiful and timeless, whole album is great.
LUV.
stevecossaboom wrote:
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
oldsaxon wrote:
Fisherman's Blues, or This is the Sea, maybe.
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.
I have a new ear worm for 2018. I do believe this is one for the pod.
Diametric opinions. Funny how that works.
For me, it's a 7.
joelbb
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)
Just a great song. Solid 8, easy
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
Diametric.
For me, it's a 7.
joelbb
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)
Just a great song. Solid 8, easy
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
This is just plain painful to listen to. Totally sucko-barfo. Send it to the cornfield, send it to the cornfield!!!
Just a great song. Solid 8, easy
For some reason, this song always gives me chills!!!
Great to listen to and equally as good see!
Never enough JAMES!
Superb...James is such a good band
... "Outstanding" song from Manchester's finest :) Nat wrote:
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.
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.
vocal reminds me of Hot House Flowers...interesting
I feel like I'm being held under water.
Too much acoustic- too much treble-
utterly stupid and insipid lyrics
Too much acoustic- too much treble-
utterly stupid and insipid lyrics
Likey 
Everybody in my church loves this song...
like it
Goosebumps in a beautiful way ð
Not grabbing me tonight. It IS reminding me of some Waterboys song or other...I'll wait till next time to rate it.
love it!!!! where are they now?
Uhh, that would be 'soul'. But I think you knew that. Nice tune. Love that guitar.
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?
"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?
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!
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!
romeotuma wrote:
This song is good for the ears...
Oh ROmeotuma its almost too good. Anthemic ( is that a word?? Is now!)!!
This song is good for the ears...
Oh ROmeotuma its almost too good. Anthemic ( is that a word?? Is now!)!!
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.
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.
Loved these guys, my favorite band for much of the '90s.
It took me a few years to finally decide, but I consider Laid to be the best album of 1993.
Just heard this for the first time. Very nice. The unexpected chorus makes it for me.
whoa, major nostalgia wave breaking ... 
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.
Droidac wrote:
Uh... ever hear of poetic license?
Has anyone ever noticed the error in these lyrics?
If the boy is holding up the aerial, he should be calling for lightning, not thunder.
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"
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?
wrangler wrote:
Yes. Or if it had an ending instead of droning along to a fade out.
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.
Exuuuberant!!!
jesspra wrote:
No, but they were Bad Angels once!
https://www.wearejames.com/history/?year=1995
Was James ever a Waterboy?
No, but they were Bad Angels once!
https://www.wearejames.com/history/?year=1995
This is a GREAT song, from perhaps THE most underrated band ever!.....
jesspra 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!
Was James ever a Waterboy?
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!
aarrgho wrote:
Yeah, whatever happened to those guys. I liked that tune.
Kinda reminds me of the Hothouse Flowers song "Great Thing of Beauty"
Yeah, whatever happened to those guys. I liked that tune.
this song would be a lot better if it was 2 minutes shorter
Was James ever a Waterboy?
Kinda reminds me of the Hothouse Flowers song "Great Thing of Beauty"
Droidac wrote:
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?
Has anyone ever noticed the error in these lyrics?
If the boy is holding up the aerial, he should be calling for lightning, not thunder.
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"
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?
BillDeville wrote:
Years ago I once told a very pretty woman that ... such a deeply felt connection. Eventually, I married her.
"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.
Has anyone ever noticed the error in these lyrics?
If the boy is holding up the aerial, he should be calling for lightning, not thunder.
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"
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.
BillDeville wrote:
Yeah, it's unfortunate that the most trite lyric in this tune is the hook. I always liked the first verse -
I mean, for a pop tune, that's not bad imagery.
This (Laid) is one of my favorite albums.
"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"
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.
Love this group.... 
BillDeville wrote:
yeah, here's the deal..........james sucks.
"Sometimes, when I look deep in your eyes, I swear I can see your soul" Whoa...that is sooo deep!
"Sometimes, when I look deep in your eyes, I swear I can see your soul" Whoa...that is sooo deep!
"....see your soul" should have a repetition limit of no more than five-thousand times per song. Good grief.
Normally, I agree. Songs like The Police Sending out an SOS repeated ad infinitum. Or a song by Beth Orton played here on RP. A few words are on conveyor belt rotation. This one, though, is uplifting and evocative. That rhythm really boosts it to next level.