James, we were always friends
From our childhood days
And we made our plans
And we had to go our separate ways
I went on the road
You pursued an education

James, do you like your life
Can you find release
And will you ever change
Will you ever write your masterpiece
Are you still in school
Living up to expectations, James.

You were so relied upon, everybody knows how hard you tried
Hey just look at what a job you’ve done
Carrying the weight of family pride
James, you’ve been well behaved
You’ve been working so hard
But will you always stay
Someone else's dream of who you are
Do what’s good for you, or you’re not good for anybody, James

I went on the road
You pursued an education, James
How you gonna know for sure-everything was so well organized
Hey now everything is so secure
And everybody else is satisfied

James, do you like your life
Can you find release
And will you ever change
When will you write your masterpiece
Do what’s good for you, or you’re not good for anybody, James



Lyrics submitted by fletch699

Track duration: 03:56

"James" as written by Billy Joel

Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group

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James song meanings
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6 Comments

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  • -1
    General Comment:I think this song is about a guy named Greg.
    Flag WOXvonWubbinson November 17, 2010   Link
  • -1
    General Comment:for fucks sake why cant billy joel ever write two songs in a row that aren't named after some person's first name? god dammit billy...which one of your wives was James anyways? number 3? number 6? number over 9000?
    Flag ashowofhandson February 26, 2009   Link
  • 0
    General Comment:Good song, and very true.
    Flag TehGreatMutatoon December 28, 2007   Link
  • +1
    General Comment:"Do What's Good For You or You're not good for anybody."

    It maybe selfish, but this line changed my life. I tried living up to other people's expectations of me. It isn't easy to do.
    Flag rewc27on July 14, 2007   Link
  • +1
    General Comment:I love this song. It reminds me of all the people I have lost touch with over the years.
    Flag supernukeon March 25, 2007   Link
  • +1
    General Comment:I can't believe nobody has written anything about this song!! When i first heard it i cried it moved me so much. It is a simple melody but the lyrics are so emotive, and there are so many people out there that have sacrificed their dreams for the sake of their parents expectations. A sad but beautiful song.
    Flag freddysgirlon October 17, 2004   Link

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