I find it interesting how Randy Newman uses the pedal tone on the tonic. To me, it seems to represent the monotony and perhaps even servitude he feels working day after day for his aunts. The fully diminished 7 chords bring out tension, fear and dispair. In the chorus the bass line finally gets some movement. I also find it interesting that the bass line gets stuck again in the last part of the chorus on the dominant. It it sort of shows that transition from day dreaming back to his reality.
This movie was horrible, as is this song. What a forgettable melody, forgettable lyrics, (disturbing lyrics). And the movie just didn't make sense. It was relatively ridiculous. God why am I still listening to this, my ears are bleeding.
When my brother James was born, he fractured his skull. At age three, he started showing signs of autism and it nearly broke my mother's heart (she thought it was her own fault). Around the same time, when James and the Giant Peach came out, my mother heard this song and wept.
i dont think most people realise what thsi is song is meant to be ..hes a child hes not meant to compose an amazing song with amazing lyrics its meant to show us that hes still a child
James and The Giant Peach is a pretty polarizing, alot of people love this movie and can recall every song and it's all very emotional. Then again, alot of people are just like "Ugh... Randy Newman". Personally, I'm the former, but that could be just that I grew up with this movie. The fact the lyrics are so simple and kind of sung off pitch in parts makes it more realistic, like a kid is actually singing this. I think some people are just way too cynical about childrens entertainment nowadays.
Move was ok but ugh...Randy Newman makes some of the most bland, uninspiring music I've heard, this being a prime example. You want a composer who can touch you with his complex and beautiful melodies, listen to Joe Hisaishi. 1000x better
This song makes me think about Connecticut my niece was like 7 when this came out oh vhs and me and my sister stood in the hall way listening to hear sing this song without her knowing... this brings back memories when times were simple... No adult stuff to worry about kids,bills,works etc... James and the giant peach will always be in my heart <3
@SlashinatorX Agreed. lol are you a super NC fan too? The movie is cute, but the plot is bad and the songs are horrible. Ah well. It's mainly for kids and you can't put that down.
I was taking a mid-term today, and i was kinda stuck, (the question was hard), and then i thought of this song, and literally heard it in my head. And cause o' it, I was able to remember how to solve the problem... Thanks James. :)
I don't know, I always liked this song. I don't care that the NC doesn't like it, but as a kid I always found it cute and relaxing. And to me, the song does have a meaning. James is basically implying that his identity was robbed from him after he came to live with his aunts, so he keeps trying to remind himself of who he is by looking inside himself and remembering the good times with his parents, as well as his dreams to go to NYC that his parents told him about.
"Wow, what horrible lyrics, what a bland tune, totally forgetable melody, this can only be the work of,,, NEWMAN! Ha, and just like his other music, it's lame, annoyning ,repetitive, unoriginal... inspiring, charming, what a wonderful piece of music that i respect from such a musical genius" - NC
We all agree... it's very inspiring and charming...
i remember i used to watch james and the giant peach 24/7 when i was a 3 years old. good times. and i still watch it sometimes whenever im home alone lol
We played this song at my 5 year old cousins funeral and the words had so much meaning that everyone in the room cried. It is only unspiring to the uninspired and the people who have no meaning for it.
Why are people arguing over the lyrics? This is supposed to be from a child's point of view, not a literary genius with an expansive vocabulary. I think it captures the innocence of a child and wanting to get away, brilliantly.
Agreed. The song is coming from the point of view of a hurt little child who wants to run away and wants to keep having hope that the future will get better. :)
I think that the lyrics to this song are extremely uninspired and dull. For example, let's look at the third stanza:
There's a city that I dreamed of
Very far from here
Very, very far away from here
Very far away
Wow, Randy! It's almost as if we didn't know that New York is miles away from England! Let's include the fact that you had to state in three times in a matter of seconds to get it in our heads. Genius! I also never would have guessed that there are people living IN THAT CITY?? O.O
Well, this is how I see it. Since his aunts never really called him by his name, James is being told that his existence has little value because he's an orphan. So, in his loneliness James forgets at times who he is (his name being a metaphor for his identity). In connecting his name to his parents memory and their promises of going to New York City James sees hope and purpose for his future when he dreams about fulfilling that promise, leaving his troubles behind him and being loved again.
" Sometimes I forget, if im lonley or afraid. THen ill go inside my head and look for James... " and " My name is James, thats what mother called me... "
really don't make ANY sense at ALL to me, iv'e seen the movie and thought it was ok...ish but, song is strangely catchy.
I saw this movie so many yers ago with my friends in school...WAY back in 3rd grade,maybe 2nd...4th? I can't remember 'cause I'm in 7th grade but..I'll always remember when I saw this..I can't recall the day either..just "another" school day..as it was. <3
Me, my brother and cousin were waiting in a car for my mum to come and we all suddenly burst out into this song… We got some strange looks… But it was a beautiful moment… <3
@AshfurWolf96 I totally agree. I cry every single time too! This song is heart-stirringly beautiful and nostalgic. "There are people in the city, and they're kind to me, but it's very, very, very far away you KNOW....." Maaan, that gets me.
has anyone noticed thats its getting harder and harder to find a movie that you can just sit down on the couch with a blanket and a bowl of pop corn with your kids and watch?
This is just so bloody adorable! God, this film was my childhood- its just brilliant. I still have the video cassette I watched when I was a kid :) <3
Such a great song and sung with so much emotion. Always has been a favorite! James at the Giant Peach is one great movie! The Aunt's were such wonderful villains!
Hiya, the lyrics in your 9th line are actually "and they're kind to me". But thank you for your appreciation. I struggle even more with the high notes nowadays.
Oh how I love this story and song! Im auditioning for James and the Giant peach soon! I hope I get James! :)
TheMF52 21 hours ago
Rhinos! They scare little boys! Assassinating parents don't bring 'em much joy! That's Randy!
joeywhite00 2 days ago
I find it interesting how Randy Newman uses the pedal tone on the tonic. To me, it seems to represent the monotony and perhaps even servitude he feels working day after day for his aunts. The fully diminished 7 chords bring out tension, fear and dispair. In the chorus the bass line finally gets some movement. I also find it interesting that the bass line gets stuck again in the last part of the chorus on the dominant. It it sort of shows that transition from day dreaming back to his reality.
tjd8705 3 days ago
It's like the male version of "Castle on a Cloud", isn't it?
koolarkin 3 days ago
good song
edvinas2223 4 days ago
This movie was horrible, as is this song. What a forgettable melody, forgettable lyrics, (disturbing lyrics). And the movie just didn't make sense. It was relatively ridiculous. God why am I still listening to this, my ears are bleeding.
Ryukenjutsu 2 weeks ago
This movie depresses me.
MeganxFaith 2 weeks ago
How does James know the people in New York will be kind to him?
cHeStEr5434 3 weeks ago
When my brother James was born, he fractured his skull. At age three, he started showing signs of autism and it nearly broke my mother's heart (she thought it was her own fault). Around the same time, when James and the Giant Peach came out, my mother heard this song and wept.
SapphireLabyrinth 3 weeks ago
i dont think most people realise what thsi is song is meant to be ..hes a child hes not meant to compose an amazing song with amazing lyrics its meant to show us that hes still a child
shaiawoods 3 weeks ago
James and The Giant Peach is a pretty polarizing, alot of people love this movie and can recall every song and it's all very emotional. Then again, alot of people are just like "Ugh... Randy Newman". Personally, I'm the former, but that could be just that I grew up with this movie. The fact the lyrics are so simple and kind of sung off pitch in parts makes it more realistic, like a kid is actually singing this. I think some people are just way too cynical about childrens entertainment nowadays.
ThrashTheFash 3 weeks ago
Ever since I was little, I'd sing this song while I drew. This is my most favorite movie, easily.
AwesomenessIAC 1 month ago
My name is James that's what Mother called me
My Name is James so it's always been.
Sounds better than "Tomorrow is Saturday and Sunday comes afterwards," don't you think?
mattwarren85 1 month ago 2
This comment has received too many negative votes show
This song is...atrocious. How could people think it's inspired? It's like the kid's making up lyrics on the spot. They're all meaningless filler.
laifalbert 1 month ago
this makes me cry Q_Q :'\
jjboy90 1 month ago
Rhinos!
TheMrQwertyify 2 months ago
one of my faves movie from when i was like 3
lex6blue 2 months ago
uberhaxornova brought me here
Itachix520 2 months ago
I heard a tune on the piano that reminded me of this song so I looked it... It sounds worse than I remembered x.x it's not awful but it's boring.
AnotherH8er 2 months ago
Move was ok but ugh...Randy Newman makes some of the most bland, uninspiring music I've heard, this being a prime example. You want a composer who can touch you with his complex and beautiful melodies, listen to Joe Hisaishi. 1000x better
orwell9788 2 months ago
nova!
crapi4got 3 months ago
Sooo beautiful
TheRand45 3 months ago
This song makes me think about Connecticut my niece was like 7 when this came out oh vhs and me and my sister stood in the hall way listening to hear sing this song without her knowing... this brings back memories when times were simple... No adult stuff to worry about kids,bills,works etc... James and the giant peach will always be in my heart <3
xenocoded 3 months ago
@beccidn6 aww i'm so sorry 2 hear dat that is really sad
19Dtheking 3 months ago
Thumbs up if Nova brought you here?
GamingOfTheSins 3 months ago 5
@SlashinatorX Agreed. lol are you a super NC fan too? The movie is cute, but the plot is bad and the songs are horrible. Ah well. It's mainly for kids and you can't put that down.
BugKilledTangerine 4 months ago
I was taking a mid-term today, and i was kinda stuck, (the question was hard), and then i thought of this song, and literally heard it in my head. And cause o' it, I was able to remember how to solve the problem... Thanks James. :)
UnknownThomasFan30 4 months ago
I don't know, I always liked this song. I don't care that the NC doesn't like it, but as a kid I always found it cute and relaxing. And to me, the song does have a meaning. James is basically implying that his identity was robbed from him after he came to live with his aunts, so he keeps trying to remind himself of who he is by looking inside himself and remembering the good times with his parents, as well as his dreams to go to NYC that his parents told him about.
BearGirl26 4 months ago 3
It's awkward because my name actually is James and it is bringing a tear to my eye. Jamesception?
MrOpiumoftheMasses 4 months ago
"Wow, what horrible lyrics, what a bland tune, totally forgetable melody, this can only be the work of,,, NEWMAN! Ha, and just like his other music, it's lame, annoyning ,repetitive, unoriginal... inspiring, charming, what a wonderful piece of music that i respect from such a musical genius" - NC
We all agree... it's very inspiring and charming...
TheSonicChaotix 5 months ago 3
WORK! WORK! WORK! WORK! WORK!
joeywhite00 5 months ago
i remember i used to watch james and the giant peach 24/7 when i was a 3 years old. good times. and i still watch it sometimes whenever im home alone lol
DKzain23 5 months ago
What a blan tune!What forgettable lyrics!What a....(cocking gun sound)I mean charming,memorable,and unforgettable song.
CriticalKidChannel 5 months ago
NEWMAN!!!
getmario64 5 months ago 2
@beccidn6 so that means ur 5yr old cousin died...? I'm so sorry...
PrincessofFashion10 5 months ago
We played this song at my 5 year old cousins funeral and the words had so much meaning that everyone in the room cried. It is only unspiring to the uninspired and the people who have no meaning for it.
beccidn6 5 months ago 17
@beccidn6 Aww, That's terrible...
DBSabata 5 months ago 5
@DBSabata whats terrible about it
MrShaneo65 5 months ago
@MrShaneo65 His cousin's DEAD how could that not be terrible?
NintendexF8000 4 months ago
@NintendexF8000 oh my god im am so sorry i thought you were talking about the song i didn't know really
MrShaneo65 4 months ago
@beccidn6
omg, i'm sorry to hear that. i can't even imagine.
breybrey2dajizzay 3 months ago
Why are people arguing over the lyrics? This is supposed to be from a child's point of view, not a literary genius with an expansive vocabulary. I think it captures the innocence of a child and wanting to get away, brilliantly.
Sparklingunic0rn 5 months ago 6
@Sparklingunic0rn
Agreed. The song is coming from the point of view of a hurt little child who wants to run away and wants to keep having hope that the future will get better. :)
PinkWonderlandRoses 5 months ago
I'm so glad the Nostalgia Critic ripped this movie a new one - I saw it as a kid and thought it was stupid. I feel vindicated :)
And that spider looks damn freaky.
loner1878 5 months ago 4
I think that the lyrics to this song are extremely uninspired and dull. For example, let's look at the third stanza:
There's a city that I dreamed of
Very far from here
Very, very far away from here
Very far away
Wow, Randy! It's almost as if we didn't know that New York is miles away from England! Let's include the fact that you had to state in three times in a matter of seconds to get it in our heads. Genius! I also never would have guessed that there are people living IN THAT CITY?? O.O
MrJetsFan100 5 months ago
Good thing that he specified that his mother named him or I could have made the mistake this his father named him
xgmb45 5 months ago 4
uhmmmm..... so did his dad call him jimmy then..?
BuellerBueller95 5 months ago
Okay, let me get this straight. I knew about this movie long before the NC reviewed it.
BUT THIS SONG...ITS SO BAD! ITS JUST...GAH!
manfandan 5 months ago 3
thumbs up if you knew about the movie and songs before the NC did the review
rockinamber18 5 months ago 34
Good thing James clarified that HE'S the James that we're talking about! Could've been James Rolfe, but now I'm reassured!
But still, love the movie!
waluigithecool2 5 months ago 7
Well, this is how I see it. Since his aunts never really called him by his name, James is being told that his existence has little value because he's an orphan. So, in his loneliness James forgets at times who he is (his name being a metaphor for his identity). In connecting his name to his parents memory and their promises of going to New York City James sees hope and purpose for his future when he dreams about fulfilling that promise, leaving his troubles behind him and being loved again.
syzcoBro54 5 months ago 2
@syzcoBro54 Stop trying to be smart. The movie is shit.
juggernaut725 5 months ago
@juggernaut725 if it's "Shit" then why are you even listening?
DoctorChibi740 5 months ago
@DoctorChibi740 He's a troller!
BigCow224 5 months ago
Thumbs if the Nostalgia Critic brought you here!
madock345 5 months ago 7
" Sometimes I forget, if im lonley or afraid. THen ill go inside my head and look for James... " and " My name is James, thats what mother called me... "
really don't make ANY sense at ALL to me, iv'e seen the movie and thought it was ok...ish but, song is strangely catchy.
explodingcrackers 5 months ago
i want a peach now.............
MrHondogarcia 6 months ago
greattt film
blackhorse099 6 months ago
I don't know why the fuck people hate james, i like him god damnit.
SelenaandShuichifan 6 months ago 4
"Vewwy Vewwy Fwar away." xD
cloudlestorm 6 months ago 4
Im doing this play in like 3 weeks and Im Aunt Spiker haha xD
TheAmyandCharlieshow 6 months ago
I saw this movie so many yers ago with my friends in school...WAY back in 3rd grade,maybe 2nd...4th? I can't remember 'cause I'm in 7th grade but..I'll always remember when I saw this..I can't recall the day either..just "another" school day..as it was. <3
2002tiif 6 months ago
Me, my brother and cousin were waiting in a car for my mum to come and we all suddenly burst out into this song… We got some strange looks… But it was a beautiful moment… <3
GuaranteedSanctuary 6 months ago 2
Comment removed
Kijoki 8 months ago
I Love this song
jasmine98002 8 months ago
you're very shallow if this is your favorite movie
zackhanscom 8 months ago
@zackhanscom People like different things ...it's very shallow if you can't accept that.
firelied 8 months ago
@zackhanscom Oh yeah? You barely know ANYONE who loves this movie I bet!
2002tiif 6 months ago in playlist Tim Burton
@AshfurWolf96 I totally agree. I cry every single time too! This song is heart-stirringly beautiful and nostalgic. "There are people in the city, and they're kind to me, but it's very, very, very far away you KNOW....." Maaan, that gets me.
TronandFlynn82 8 months ago 2
@TronandFlynn82
me too like my heart is broken and it can rebuild again i totally love the song
Kijoki 8 months ago
I definitely agree, Randy Newman is a genuis.
TavoCamposG 8 months ago
Randy Newman, childhood nostalgia genius.
ImSuperVince 8 months ago
awww so sweet. Makes me want to name first born son James just so i can sing this song to him lol.
CelloPlaya08 8 months ago
im gonna be in this play in like two weeks! our james is adorable!!! and im aunt sponge hahahaha:)
Nicssy1313 9 months ago 12
@Nicssy1313 Haha, That's awesome.
DBSabata 9 months ago 4
has anyone noticed thats its getting harder and harder to find a movie that you can just sit down on the couch with a blanket and a bowl of pop corn with your kids and watch?
KLouthan1 9 months ago 4
@KLouthan1 yes...i think its really sad. and the thing is that these types of movies are the best in the first place.
Hyphopopotamus 9 months ago
Memories... :')
NightmareLoveForever 9 months ago
Makes me CRY. Every time.
AshfurWolf96 10 months ago 2
Absolutely love this song, love the whole film! I too go out of my way to save insects.
MayaChitraniPerez 10 months ago
This is just so bloody adorable! God, this film was my childhood- its just brilliant. I still have the video cassette I watched when I was a kid :) <3
DragonsRule02 10 months ago
Such a great song and sung with so much emotion. Always has been a favorite! James at the Giant Peach is one great movie! The Aunt's were such wonderful villains!
ynotD 11 months ago
so many good memories of snuggling up on the sofa with a blanket and watching this as a child :) i love it so much
ohcrapmonkeyss 11 months ago
kiwi is a dool
MrEpic42 11 months ago
this song makes me cry it's so sweet and sad and beautiful....(cries)
Medusa7700Siren 1 year ago 5
omg someone please help me.. this is my childhood movie, my favorite!! where can i watch this movie again..i cnt seem to find the movie anywhere..
DKzain23 1 year ago
WHAT IS HIS MIDDLE NAME???
gloriass777 1 year ago
@gloriass777 James Henry Trotter:)
kaylawayla23 1 year ago 4
1:36 JAMES! JAMES! JAMES!
This song is so annoying... -.-
amelitaz 1 year ago
@amelitaz lolol at least you know what his name is, now don'tcha? xD
Yakita60 11 months ago
This comment has received too many negative votes show
eat shit
TheLarjames 1 year ago
This comment has received too many negative votes show
Fuck james
JanerNake420 1 year ago
@JanerNake420 agreed
amelitaz 1 year ago
I'm posting this vid on my boyfriends Facebook wall...hehe love you James <3
emeraldrubies 1 year ago 2
Hes such a good singer... :O He was super adorable, too. I haven't seen him lately, but he sure was adorable here, as James.
CosplayCore 1 year ago 20
@CosplayCore
I agree entirely.
DBSabata 1 year ago 7
@CosplayCore I think it was his only movie:(...Too bad.He was an adorable kid.
kaylawayla23 1 year ago
@kaylawayla23 He announced that he would never act again after he got bit in the spider scene of James and the Giant Peach! :(
haybay29 10 months ago
BEST MOVIE EVER.
peaceloveANDnikes 1 year ago 31
I CANT SING HIGH NOTES LIKE THIS I MEAN LOW SORRY
Pinky44275 1 year ago
Hiya, the lyrics in your 9th line are actually "and they're kind to me". But thank you for your appreciation. I struggle even more with the high notes nowadays.
paulytez 1 year ago
i love this movie
tiffanally 1 year ago
A beautiful song
too bad he couldn't really hit those high notes in the film
but a fantatstic song anyway
Mistress1415 1 year ago
thank you for uploading this song,
its a favorite of mine
schusta677 1 year ago 2
i ve always love this song whn i was lil kid i still love this song no matter how old i get i a kid on the inside ^_^
iloveanime225 1 year ago 2
Thank You for the Upload!
I love this song.
swordser2 1 year ago