James – English Lyrics

• By: Billy Joel
• Album: Turnstiles

Lyrics & Translation

Discover the story of 'James' by Billy Joel, a song that delves into the universal theme of choosing your own path in life. The lyrics offer a great opportunity to explore nuanced English vocabulary related to expectations, dreams, and personal fulfillment. Its conversational and reflective tone makes it a special piece for language learners to connect with on a personal level.

[English]

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

Key Vocabulary

Vocabulary	Meanings
friends /frendz/ A1	noun - people you like and enjoy time with
plans /plænz/ A2	noun - decisions about what to do in the future
pursued /pərˈsuːd/ B2	verb - followed or chased after something
education /ˌedʒuˈkeɪʃən/ B1	noun - the process of learning
release /rɪˈliːs/ B2	noun - the act of setting someone or something free noun - relief from distress
change /tʃeɪndʒ/ A2	verb - to make or become different noun - the act or process of becoming different
masterpiece /ˈmæstərpiːs/ C1	noun - a work of outstanding artistry
expectations /ˌekspekteɪʃənz/ B2	noun - a strong belief that something will happen
relied /rɪˈlaɪd/ B1	verb - depend on
job /dʒɒb/ A2	noun - a piece of work
weight /weɪt/ A2	noun - a measure of how heavy something is noun - a feeling of heaviness
pride /praɪd/ B1	noun - a feeling of satisfaction
behaved /bɪˈheɪvd/ A2	verb - act or conduct oneself
stay /steɪ/ A1	verb - remain
organized /ˈɔːrɡənaɪzd/ B1	adjective - arranged in a systematic way
secure /sɪˈkjʊər/ B2	adjective - safe and protected
satisfied /ˈsætɪsfaɪd/ B1	adjective - pleased