James Blunt - Tears and Rain
Song:Tears and Rain
Artist: James Blunt
Album: Back to Bedlam
Why This Song? Much to the dismay of my Indi-purist contemporaries, this week’s Song of the Week comes from, the now commercially successful, James Blunt, in the form of “Tears and Rain”.
I, for one, am a fan of James Blunt’s raspy British voice. I feel in this song is one that does a great job in displaying the emotion that is expressed from this ex-Army member’s voice. “Goodbye My Lover” is probably his most “emotional” song, however, I feel that song is a little too over the top in it’s melodramatic theatrics.
“Tears and Rain” is a very “nice” sounding song and is very accessible to almost anyone. It doesn’t take too picky of an ear to find something to enjoy in the song, whether it be the music itself, the singer’s voice, or the combination of the two. For my part, I give it a thumbs-up all around.
Lyrically, this song is one of the most mature tracks on the album and shows much more depth than his sometimes overly-simplistic lyrics (which are par for the course with this entire album).
The underlying message of the song is that he lies to himself on the inside and puts on a front for everyone else. This fundamental element of almost anyone’s life and, no doubt, touches a nerve. Who hasn’t fought inner battles with themselves about who they truly are and what they let other’s see? This song will strike a chord with anyone who has felt overwhelmed by these feelings of being false to yourself.
How I wish I could surrender my soul;
Shed the clothes that become my skin;
See the liar that burns within my needing.
How I wish I’d chosen darkness from cold.
How I wish I had screamed out loud,
Instead I’ve found no meaning.
Jame’s even references Oscar Wilde’s novel, “The Picture of Dorian Gray.” In the novel, Dorian Gray, a very youthful and good looking man, recognizes that he will lose looks in time. However, he has an image painted of himself and realizes that while his real looks will deteriorate, the picture will always remain young. He sells his soul to have the picture age instead of his physical looks. However, he loses his innocence and becomes extremely superficial and morally depraved. In doing so, the picture becomes hideous and his looks in the painting reveal how disgusting he has become. When he realizes how horrible he has become, it is too late. He decides to destroy the painting and in the process he kills himself. When his body is found it is a shell of a man.
That literary reference makes the song all the more relevant to anyone how who has felt that way. The book and the song are warnings to not hide your true self. If you do, you could ultimately lose yourself in the process. It is a timely warning for a society that puts so much emphasis on entertainment and “having fun” that people hardly realize that, sometimes, these are just being used to cover up how depressed and lost they actually are.
I can definitely relate to these sentiments. I have been this way in the past and see many of my friends do this all the time. They ignore the fact their life is in shambles and try to hide their true emotions and regrets by hiding behind a facade of happiness. Their life sucks but they choose to continue what they do and pretend that they are happy. They do this not realizing they are only digging themselves deeper and deeper into something they at one time could have shaken, but now, may have already dug too deep. It is a regretful occurrence but one that has always taken place and, sadly, always will. Obviously, I, like many others, can relate to the song and it makes it all the more poignant.
Despite the fact that this album occasionally feels over-produced and sometimes seems like the songs were just made to sell records, I highly recommend the album. It’s sometimes touching, sometimes over-dramatic, but almost always entertaining. It is an album that, despite it’s flaws, essentially has something for everyone.
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i love this song,
!!! go go go
sweety pie xxx on February 21st, 2006 9:31 pm
very good song!
sweety pie xxx on February 21st, 2006 9:32 pm
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I also think that the song’s title is highly appropriate - “Tears & Rain” connotates a sense that if you cry in the rain, no-one will notice hence this enables a facade which hides true feelings
Dr KF on February 22nd, 2006 1:01 am
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the song has an awesome message: staying true to yourself. i love james blunt
jaclene on February 22nd, 2006 10:04 am
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OmG Yuor Beautiful! Ilove all of your songs. I would totally love to go to one of your concerts in NJ That would be great
Kelly Keegan on March 17th, 2006 10:36 pm
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i love this song msyelf. the lyrics are just so meaningful.
cerah on March 19th, 2006 1:36 am
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I just want to say that I love James….and that it is soo nice to see someone new come out & not be afraid to be himself, his songs have so many meanings , I always put his music on when I am in a bad mood, and its like magic listening to his sweet raspy voice,it seems like his singing can make everything better again….I hope he keeps making music, and that he stays the way he is, cause he is sweet,sexy and handsome all in one, and I just want to squeeze him! I love u James XoXo
Jenn on March 22nd, 2006 2:42 pm
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i love youre anylasis. its was thoughtful, much like the song u describe. Lovely for both. Thank you clearing up Dorian Gray…to think i have READ the book and still didnt catch that! I also approve this emotional brit and will wait for more.
Yours,
Samantha
PS..ive seen him in concert…trust me…listen to Out of MY Mind…genious!
Samantha on March 22nd, 2006 4:12 pm
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I am a true fan of James Blunt. His music is personable and so relatable that yoru go into automatic pilot just listening to his voice and the melodies.
ces on June 23rd, 2006 12:31 pm
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James….you are something else….It’s like you are in my mind and say the words I just can’t say…His voice is amazing!! I just love a guy that can make me feel the way he does when I listen to his album…True 100% fan! Will stay dedicated to supporting him as long as he keeps coming back!
Rachel on August 13th, 2006 10:55 pm
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i think that james blunt is the best. Even at this moment i’m lisening to tears and rain. his lyrics are so amazing they just speak to me you know. and his voice just makes me feel like i’ve died and gone to heaven. when i’m felling down his songs always make me feel better.
james is an all around amazingly amazing person.
xoxo
I love James Blunt
Natiya (James Blunts biggest fan ever) on August 15th, 2006 5:45 pm
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I love this song, it brings tears to my eyes everytime I hear it. I can relate to these lyrics.:) love James Blunt~big fan!
Sabrina on November 19th, 2006 1:39 am