One Of The Three - The James Band Archive

Laid

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Laid is track eleven and the title track of the band’s 1993 album. It was released as a single in the UK in November 1993 and became the song that broke James in America.

Originally viewed by the band as a throwaway song and a possible b-side, Brian Eno soon convinced them of the potential of this track. Whilst only reaching a disappointing 22 in the UK charts, it made serious inroads for the band in the US where it lead to performances on prime-time TV shows such as Letterman, Conan O’Brien and Jay Leno. The song also appeared in the trailers for the American Pie series of films and has been covered by the likes of Catfish And The Bottlemen, Better Than Ezra and Matt Nathanson.

The song’s lyrics are inspired by Tim’s observations of relationships around him and the actions of the people involved in them.

How To Play It

Details

LyricsListenReleaseAvailable OnGigsGuitar Tabs
This bed is on fire
With passionate love
The neighbours complain about the noises above
But she only comes when she's on top

My therapist said not to see you no more
She said you're like a disease without any cure
She said I'm so obsessed that I'm becoming a bore, oh no
Ah, you think you're so pretty

Caught your hand inside the till
Slammed your fingers in the door
Fought with kitchen knives and skewers
Dressed me up in women's clothes
Messed around with gender roles
Lined my eyes and call me pretty

Moved out of the house, so you moved next door
I locked you out, you cut a hole in the wall
I found you sleeping next to me, I thought I was alone
You're driving me crazy, when are you coming home

Raid
Raid
Raid

Open in Spotify

BBC Session 1993

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Acoustic – live Atlanta 1994

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Live In Extraordinary Times

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Live At GLR (1998)

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Orchestral Version

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Song:Laid
Released:27th September 1993
Main Associated Album (or Single):Laid
First Heard Live:Bath Moles Club - 21st March 1993
Played at:
CHORDS

C, G (repeatedly) F, G
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