KARAOKE Lyrics – James Arthur

“KARAOKE” is a new english song by James Arthur, released on JamesA’s official YouTube channel on March 7, 2025. The track is written by George Tizzard, James Arthur, NEVE (Pop), and Rick Parkhouse, with production by Steve Solomon. The song delivers an emotionally charged experience with a blend of raw storytelling and a dynamic musical arrangement, capturing a sense of passion and longing that resonates deeply with listeners.

The song “KARAOKE” explores a tumultuous and complex love story marked by past trauma, healing, and the desire to embrace the wild, imperfect moments in life. Through vivid and intense imagery, James Arthur sings about the struggles of his love interest, who is haunted by her past, and his willingness to help her overcome it. The song blends emotions of longing, hope, and the rebellious side of love, where the intensity of the relationship is defined by imperfect moments, raw vulnerability, and passion. The chorus reflects the artist’s yearning for authenticity in love, as he describes wanting both the sweet and sour moments, and the wild, carefree escapades that come with it.

KARAOKE Details

KARAOKE Lyrics

[Verse 1]
When I look into your eyes
I see the cracks beneath the waterline
There’s damage from your former life
He clipped your wings but we’ll relearn to fly
Oh, you’re still dancing with his demons
You do your best to keep it secret

[Pre-Chorus]
If I can help you find your freedom
I’ll deliver you from evil
Because you’re all I ever needed
Now watch the devil get defeated

[Chorus]
I want your sweet, I want your sour, want what they’ve never seen
I want your drunken karaoke, want you singing “Jolene”
Then we’ll carve our names in the bathroom stall
And if it ain’t that kinda love, then I don’t want it at all
I want you dancing on the table, want you making a scene
I want you acting like a nightmare while you look like a dream
Then you pull me close in the bathroom stall
Say if it ain’t this kinda love, then you don’t want it at all

[Verse 2]
Still, when I look into your eyes
I see the residue of all his lies
Someone that I don’t recognise
You look so beautiful with no disguise (You look so beautiful)
Oh, Lord, have mercy if I see him
Forgive me, God, I’ll be a heathen

[Pre-Chorus]
Baby, I’m going off the deep end
‘Cause when you told me he was screaming
You were crying, heavy breathing
I just can’t sleep, I can’t unsee it
Want you to know you weren’t the reason, oh

[Chorus]
I want your sweet, I want your sour, want what they’ve never seen
I want your drunken karaoke, want you singing “Jolene”
Then we’ll carve our names in the bathroom stall
And if it ain’t that kinda love, then I don’t want it at all
I want you dancing on the table, want you making a scene
I want you acting like a nightmare while you look like a dream
Then you pull me close in the bathroom stall
Say if it ain’t this kinda love, then you don’t want it at all

[Bridge]
Oh (I want your love forevermore)
(We’ll carve our names in the bathroom stall)
Oh (If it ain’t, if it ain’t)
(And if it ain’t that kinda love, then I don’t want it at all)

[Outro]
*beep* *beep*
*beep* *beep*
Please leave a message—
Alright, son?
Hope you’re okay
I thought I would leave ya a wee message
‘Cause I know you’re busy
I’ve just listened to your album
It’s brilliant
But thought it was a wee bit sad, and it’s got me greeting
Listen, just a wee suggestion, son
But I think you need one of these songs that kicks you right in the fucking c—

KARAOKE Meaning

[Verse 1]
In the first verse, James Arthur sings about the scars from his lover’s past, revealing how she’s still affected by a previous relationship. The “cracks beneath the waterline” symbolize emotional damage that is hidden beneath the surface. Despite this, he remains optimistic and expresses a desire to help her heal, offering her the chance to “relearn to fly.” The imagery of “dancing with his demons” reflects how she is still battling the remnants of her past trauma, but James’s determination to help her find freedom adds a sense of hope to the verse.

[Pre-Chorus]
In the pre-chorus, James Arthur emphasizes his commitment to helping her overcome her pain, saying, “I’ll deliver you from evil.” This line suggests that he sees himself as a protector or a source of salvation, and he believes that together, they can defeat the emotional baggage from her past. The line “Because you’re all I ever needed” shows his deep emotional investment, positioning him as someone who is ready to stand by her side through everything.

[Chorus]
The chorus expresses James’s desire for a love that is both intense and unfiltered. He wants “sweet” moments, but also the “sour” ones that make life real and memorable. The line “want your drunken karaoke, want you singing ‘Jolene'” conveys a longing for carefree, spontaneous moments. The image of carving their names in the bathroom stall symbolizes a desire for something lasting and rebellious, while also acknowledging the imperfect nature of their relationship. The chorus reflects the idea that James wants to experience love fully—embracing the highs and lows, the wildness and beauty of it all.

[Verse 2]
The second verse deepens the emotional intensity, as James Arthur reflects on how the pain from his lover’s past is still present. The line “I see the residue of all his lies” shows that she’s been scarred by dishonesty and deceit, leaving her feeling unrecognizable to him. However, he still finds her beautiful, even with her emotional wounds. This verse underscores the complexity of their relationship—though the past is still haunting her, James sees beyond it, accepting her vulnerability.

[Pre-Chorus]
In this pre-chorus, the narrative shifts to James’s emotional response to hearing about the abuse his lover endured. He is deeply affected by the pain she experienced, saying he “can’t unsee it” and that it has disturbed him. This part highlights the depth of James’s feelings for her, as he feels personally connected to her suffering and expresses a desire to comfort her.

[Chorus]
The repetition of the chorus reinforces the song’s central message about embracing the chaotic, imperfect moments of love. James’s desire for a love that is raw and real, filled with highs and lows, continues to resonate as he reflects on the powerful connection he shares with his lover. The chorus serves as a reminder of the intensity and authenticity of the relationship, where the messy moments are just as valuable as the beautiful ones.

[Bridge]
The bridge, with its repetition of lines, acts as an emotional climax, emphasizing James’s longing for this type of all-consuming, imperfect love. The phrase “I want your love forevermore” further underscores his commitment to his lover, willing to embrace all aspects of their bond, no matter how chaotic or imperfect it may seem.

[Outro]
The outro features a humorous and lighthearted voicemail message, adding a playful contrast to the heavy emotions expressed in the rest of the song. This moment provides a brief, grounding shift in tone, suggesting that while the song’s themes are serious, there’s also room for lightness and humor in life. The voicemail adds a personal touch, making the song feel even more intimate and relatable.

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