It Beats 4 U

There is definitely more to this song than love.

"And who could say but never do Things they've said to someone who through all that's been and all will be So in line so thoughtfully

In tune with you So in time for me New thoughts arrive So in time for me"

When I hear the lyrics of this melodic tune, I think of the times when two people complete each others sentences, and it's as though they're minds are in complete syncopation. It's this kind of syncopation that is the foundation of the kind of connection that really brings two people together.

"Who can count the time I'm beating with my hands? Who can stop the smoke from breathing in my head?"

James ask's, "Who else could?"

Your heart and your mind are always engaged in warfare. But not here, no, they're in complete alignment. At the moment of the utterance of these lyrics, the warfare subsides, and you experience the sensation of aligned thought and emotion. Synchronicity.

Call me a romantic.

This song is simply stunning, and one of my favorites on the album. The whistling after the final verse is beautiful. Jim James and MMJ at their finest.

Some beautiful whistling at the end by Mr. Andrew Bird.

"And who could say but never do Things they've said to someone who, through all that's been and all will be so in line so thoughtfully.”

Seems to imply that he and this girl have a history and that his love was not obtainable for a while, whether it was unrequited, unknown or not possible for a more practical reason I am not sure.

"Who can count the time I'm beating with my hands?” could have several possible meanings…

1. On the MMJ listing of songs this one is listed twice, and on the other one, a user suggested this was a reference to masturbation.
2. The time I’m beating with my hands could suggest nervousness, as in tapping ones hands (keeping time, with a beat, real or imagined) in anticipation of telling her.
3. If one was to anthropomorphize time, you could assume this means attacking/hating time itself, because you’re hurt that your time is wasted without her love.

“Who can stop the smoke from breathing in my head? Words will come and words will go Make believe and overthrow Just believe and you can do”

I think the smoke is referring to a thought or thoughts that have prevented him from pursuing this girl, presumably caused by words they had at some point. Now he has cause to overthrow this thought and pretend it’s possible for them to have something.

As for the rest of the lyrics they seem to explain his connection to this girl and the deepness of his feelings, that their thoughts align and their heartbeats are in time because his beats for her. Good song.

It's about love. "You know my heart- it beats for you" The vocals are amazing and i really enjoy the drumming in this song.

It's something more then love? .. theres something about this song, it's just not a simple love song. And yeah, the drums are so good on this track.

meaning is pretty straightword...a guy is in love with a girl...

clever masturbation metaphor though: "Who can count the time I'm beatin...with my hands?"

Love this song. Cool interpretations from people here. I’m going to a MMJ show soon and am revisiting my favorite songs this week.

Previously always thought of this tune thru romantic love. But here’s another take. I’m a mother. My son was born the same year this album released. I can’t help but interpret some of these lyrics through the lens of the love I felt and the physical work my body did while carrying my son. My heart literally beat for him, to carry him and bring him into the world. Seventeen years later, my heart still beats for him, metaphorically. And I still love this song. ????

"and who can say but never do, things we'll say (we've said?) to someone new" this line and the one before implies there is love said but he doesnt see it from her

this song is about a girl that he thinks he's not gonna end up with but theres a chance he could. its pretty
straight forward, but it is well written.