Kneel down
Close your eyes
Hit the ground
I want you to, to kneel all day
Alone in this desolate cave
So I said
Scream if you want to
Cause no one is around
I want you to
To scream all day
'Cause there's eleven words that I've rehearsed to say

And I say
How I love to hate you! (repeat)

You're
Not so brave
When I'm the snake
And you're my prey
Let me tell you I'll eat all day
Alone in this desolate cave
So I say
Squeal if you want to
Cause no
No one is around
I want you to
To squeal all day
'Cause there's eleven words that I've rehearsed to say

And I say
How I love to hate you! (repeat)
James, how I love to hate you
Oh, how I love
How I love to hate you


Lyrics submitted by aniota

James Lyrics as written by Billy Joel

Lyrics © BMG Rights Management

Lyrics powered by LyricFind

James song meanings
Add Your Thoughts

17 Comments

sort form View by:
  • +1
    General Comment

    I know that this song was written about Justin's former best friend. But to me this song has a totally different meaning. I was molested by a man named James when I was a child. This is my venting song. I'm glad they didn't go into alot of details. It leaves the song open to interpretation.

    Carissa40701on April 28, 2007   Link
  • 0
    General Comment

    The eleven words he has rehearsed to say are not sung. The phrase is: "James, how I love to hate you. James you f***ing prick." =)

    dfuryon July 27, 2002   Link
  • 0
    General Comment

    who is James in this song? I don't understand why he hates this person. Its a cool song but it would be better if i knew what he was really talking about.

    Jessica137on August 31, 2002   Link
  • 0
    General Comment

    Definitely not a love song. James was his friend, then did something that made Justin (lead singer) hate him, simple as that.

    opuewon June 03, 2004   Link
  • 0
    General Comment

    James was Justin's former best friend, who a girlfriend cheated on him with. This song is his reaction to the ultimate betrayal.

    alex116on December 21, 2004   Link
  • 0
    General Comment

    its a song about anger a song about hating someone so much betrayal its on the dvd argue with a tree

    hat3meon April 11, 2006   Link
  • 0
    General Comment

    You know, the strange thing about this song, was right when I was getting into this band, I ran into a real prick... his name.... James...

    locodisastrechicon July 20, 2006   Link
  • 0
    General Comment

    Have any of you ever read the Twilight saga? Well, Stephanie Meyer (the author) is a huge fan of Blue October. In the saga there is a vampire that wants to kill Bella, his name is James. Meyer has said in many interviews that she listened to our Blue buddies while writing the book, I'm just wondering if maybe this song could have had any effect on the hated character in the series, I mean come on... she has said it herself that she is obsessive over Blue October. I think it is a huge possibility. If you have read any of the books, send me an email or IM telling me what you think; I would love some further insight into this. hxcnuggets@aim.com

    hxcnuggetson June 27, 2008   Link
  • 0
    General Comment

    hxcnuggets, you could be right, but really, Twilight is such a poorly written book-- there's no way Stephanie Meyer could come close to describing the hatred that is expressed in this song. Anyway, yeah, I agree with everyone who mentioned James being Justin's childhood friend... really fun song to listen to, if you don't mind a little anger. >:)

    LeeEyeLaon March 31, 2009   Link
  • 0
    General Comment

    this song isnt only torturing james because of what he did to justin,I think justin know not everyone was cheated on by james or had his girlfriend cheat on him with james,I think justin knew everyones felt this way,everyone has had someone that they just want to torture for what theyve done

    gunmetalblue5591on April 12, 2009   Link

Add your thoughts

Log in now to tell us what you think this song means.

Don’t have an account? Create an account with SongMeanings to post comments, submit lyrics, and more. It’s super easy, we promise!

More Featured Meanings

Album art
Bron-Y-Aur Stomp
Led Zeppelin
This is about bronies. They communicate by stomping.
Album art
Son Şansın - Şarkı Sözleri
Hayalperest
This song seemingly tackles the methods of deception those who manipulate others use to get victims to follow their demands, as well as diverting attention away from important issues. They'll also use it as a means to convince people to hate or kill others by pretending acts of terrorism were committed by the enemy when the acts themselves were done by the masters of control to promote discrimination and hate. It also reinforces the idea that these manipulative forces operate in various locations, infiltrating everyday life without detection, and propagate any and everywhere. In general, it highlights the danger of hidden agendas, manipulation, and distraction, serving as a critique of those who exploit chaos and confusion to control and gain power, depicting a cautionary tale against falling into their traps. It encourages us to question the narratives presented to us and remain vigilant against manipulation in various parts of society.
Album art
Just A Little Lovin'
Dusty Springfield
I don't think it's necessarily about sex. It's about wanting to start the day with some love and affection. Maybe a warm cuddle. I'm not alone in interpreting it that way! For example: "'Just a Little Lovin’ is a timeless country song originally recorded by Eddy Arnold in 1954. The song, written by Eddie Miller and Jimmy Campbell, explores the delicate nuances of love and showcases Arnold’s emotive vocals. It delves into the universal theme of love and how even the smallest gesture of affection can have a profound impact on our lives." https://oldtimemusic.com/the-meaning-behind-the-song-just-a-little-lovin-by-eddy-arnold/
Album art
Magical
Ed Sheeran
How would you describe the feeling of being in love? For Ed Sheeran, the word is “Magical.” in HIS three-minute album opener, he makes an attempt to capture the beauty and delicacy of true love with words. He describes the magic of it all over a bright Pop song produced by Aaron Dessner.
Album art
American Town
Ed Sheeran
Ed Sheeran shares a short story of reconnecting with an old flame on “American Town.” The track is about a holiday Ed Sheeran spends with his countrywoman who resides in America. The two are back together after a long period apart, and get around to enjoying a bunch of fun activities while rekindling the flames of their romance.